Location
Central London with flexible working options. Successful candidates will agree a contractual workplace within Defra locations in the UK. The role requires at least 60% of working time spent in an organisational workplace, with the remainder flexible, including home working.

Hours
Full Time - standard Civil Service working hours with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and team needs.

Salary
£50,495 per annum plus £12,360 employer contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is responsible for protecting the natural environment, supporting the food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. This role sits within the Environment Group (EG), which leads efforts to halt nature’s decline, improve air and water quality, combat climate change, and support the Government’s growth mission.

As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will develop and deliver impactful environmental policies by working collaboratively across government, parliament, businesses, civil society, and local communities. You will produce written advice for ministers and parliament, lead policy development through consultation and implementation, including legislative change, and apply project management techniques to ensure successful delivery.

You will work with evidence teams to ensure policies are supported by robust data, build relationships across Defra, devolved administrations, other government departments, arm’s length bodies, businesses, and voluntary groups. The role may include line management responsibilities and requires adaptability to work across different teams or directorates as needed.

Candidates will be invited to indicate their preferred Environment Group Directorate, including Strategy, Governance & Climate; Environmental Quality, Infrastructure and Planning; Biodiversity, Land Use and Investment; International Biodiversity and Climate; Circular Economy; and Marine and Fisheries.

Experience
- Demonstrable experience using analysis of information to develop and assess options for decision makers.
- Proven ability to work confidently with multiple stakeholders to collaborate and deliver common goals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, managing competing deadlines and maintaining clear communication.
- Good strategic judgement to identify links and tensions between different work areas and align with wider organisational objectives.

About you
- Proactive and enthusiastic with the ability to work confidently on your own initiative.
- Strong communicator capable of drawing together information effectively.
- Motivated by contributing to significant environmental and economic change.
- Committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.

Qualifications
- No specific qualifications are mandated; however, relevant experience in policy development, environmental issues, or related fields is essential.
- Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK and able to obtain the required security clearance.