AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Policy Delivery Lead (Inside IR35) for a 6 Month contract based in any DEFRA hub (3 days per week on site).

In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

• To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. 
• To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

About the Role

Defra is seeking a highly capable Policy Delivery Lead to oversee a significant delivery project within the Defra Borders portfolio. This role will ensure that Port Health Authorities (PHAs) are fully operationally prepared to deliver the EU/UK Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement.

The successful candidate will lead a multidisciplinary team of c.6 staff (including Civil Servants and contingent labour) and will be responsible for delivering outcomes across a complex, multi-workstream programme covering funding, capability development, and workforce readiness.

You will work closely with key stakeholders across PHAs, APHA, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), local authorities, and internal Defra teams to ensure operational readiness aligns with EU SPS standards.

As a Policy Delivery Lead, your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead end-to-end delivery of a complex programme ensuring PHA readiness for the EU/UK SPS Agreement, with clear plans, milestones, and success measures
• Manage risks, dependencies, and alignment between policy intent and operational delivery
• Lead and develop a high-performing team (c.6 staff), including oversight of contingent labour and fostering an inclusive culture
• Drive PHA and partner readiness by engaging stakeholders and ensuring compliance with EU SPS regulatory requirements
• Oversee design and delivery of Section 31 grant funding, ensuring compliant, transparent processes with robust assurance frameworks
• Build strong cross-functional relationships and ensure workforce capability (PHA & APHA) through training, staffing alignment, and stakeholder engagement

Essential:

• Proven experience delivering complex programmes or projects
• Strong people leadership and team management skills
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Strong judgement and risk management capability

Desirable:

• Experience working with local authorities or Port Health Authorities

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident 

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant / Commitment

Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".