Senior Policy Officer

Location: Greater London

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for 4 x Senior Policy Advisors (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based in either of Defra's hubs in the UK with remote ad hoc attendance. On occasions, there is a requirement to travel  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.
* To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs [1]  Year Environment Plan -  [2] [3] .Role Profile:

To join a high-profile team delivering commitments within the Waste Crime Action Plan.

These roles will support the development and implementation of policy solutions aimed at preventing waste crime, strengthening enforcement capabilities, improving intelligence sharing, and supporting the remediation of illegal waste sites.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a politically important and fast-moving policy agenda with significant ministerial and public interest. Successful candidates will work across government departments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to develop and deliver effective policy responses to complex challenges.

The roles suit individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, can quickly build trusted relationships, and are comfortable operating at pace while managing competing priorities.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, your main responsibilities will be to:
* Lead the development and delivery of policy initiatives supporting the Waste Crime Action Plan and emerging government priorities.
* Develop policy proposals from inception through to consultation, implementation, and where appropriate, legislative change.
* Produce high-quality ministerial submissions, briefing packs, speaking notes, correspondence, and parliamentary materials.
* Analyse and interpret complex evidence from operational, legal, analytical, and policy sources to develop practical recommendations.
* Work collaboratively across Defra, the Home Office, HM Treasury, Ministry of Justice, regulators, and other government departments.
* Build strong relationships with operational delivery partners, local authorities, environmental bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry representatives.
* Coordinate cross-government activity to support delivery against strategic objectives.
* Support parliamentary business, including responses to Parliamentary Questions and requests for ministerial advice.
* Provide rapid policy responses to emerging issues, ministerial commissions, and changing operational priorities.
* Influence stakeholders at senior levels and drive progress across complex, cross-cutting policy areas.
* Facilitate discussions, build consensus, and support implementation across diverse stakeholder groups.

Essential:
* Demonstrable experience in policy development and delivery within a complex organisational environment.
* Experience producing high-quality written advice for senior leaders, directors, ministers, or equivalent stakeholders.
* Excellent…