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Job Title: Climate Policy Adviser

Salary: c.£40,000 - £45,000 dependent on experience

Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire with agile working

Working Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent


Help shape the policies that will enable British farming to respond to a changing climate


Following a year in which extreme and volatile weather has brought the realities of climate change into sharp focus, farming is at a critical point. Farmers and growers must be able to adapt their businesses, manage increasing climate risks and reduce emissions, while continuing to produce food and remain profitable.

The right government policies, investment and incentives will be essential. This role offers the opportunity to help secure them.


Purpose of the role & how you will contribute:


We are looking for a Climate Policy Adviser to be part of leading the NFU’s policy and lobbying work on climate adaptation and mitigation. Working directly with farmers and growers, you will identify what different agricultural sectors need to become more resilient and translate that evidence into clear, practical and persuasive policy proposals.

This is not simply a role about understanding climate policy. It is a role about changing it.

You will work across the NFU’s sector, policy, political and communications teams to develop solutions that work for farming businesses on the ground. You will build the case for government action, influence legislation and public policy, and help secure an enabling framework that supports farmers and growers to adapt, invest, innovate and reduce emissions.

You will represent the NFU in discussions with government departments, national agencies, politicians, the food supply chain and environmental organisations. Through strong relationships, credible evidence and effective negotiation, you will maximise the NFU’s influence and ensure that the practical experience and needs of farmers are heard by decision-makers.


What you will do


  • be part of leading the development and delivery of the NFU’s policies on climate adaptation and mitigation;
  • work with the NFU’s sector boards to identify the specific climate risks, opportunities and policy needs of different farming sectors;
  • turn member experience, technical evidence and policy analysis into clear and compelling asks of government;
  • influence government departments, national agencies and other decision-makers through meetings, consultations and industry initiatives;
  • be part of leading the NFU’s engagement with members on climate policy, ensuring that our positions are grounded in the realities of farming businesses;
  • monitor emerging policy and legislative developments and explain their implications clearly to NFU members, officeholders and colleagues;
  • build effective alliances across agriculture, the supply chain and relevant organisations to advance the NFU’s objectives; and
  • help shape a policy environment in which farming businesses can remain productive, profitable and resilient while adapting to climate change and contributing to emissions reduction.


You will bring a sound understanding of climate change and its implications for agriculture, supported by an appropriate qualification or relevant professional experience. Just as importantly, you will be able to apply that knowledge in a fast-moving policy environment.

You will be a confident communicator, persuasive advocate and effective relationship-builder. You will understand how policy change happens and be able to move confidently between conversations with farmers, technical specialists, civil servants, politicians and industry leaders.

This is an opportunity to be part of leading on one of the defining issues facing British agriculture and to secure practical change for farming businesses across England and Wales.


Why choose us?


Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:

  • Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year + bank holidays, rising to 30 days with length of service), plus 1 annual Christmas company day
  • Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave
  • Company funded health Cashplan
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
  • Performance-related pay
  • Competitive Pension and Life assurance
  • Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons
  • Employee Assistance program to help you deal with life’s challenges
  • Discounts on a range of new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more
  • Attractive, modern office, with on-site restaurant and free parking


Who we are


Every day, we're the voice of around 44,000 British farmers and growers who produce food, making sure their concerns are heard at the heart of government both online and locally. This means developing strong relationships with everyone from NFU colleagues to government ministers. So, as well as having a high profile in both the media and Westminster, we work with and support local members through a network of regional and county offices across England and Wales.


Policy


This team takes an active role in developing and influencing the policies that benefit farming businesses across the UK. This means keeping up to date with and responding to national and international developments, engaging with and advising NFU members, and putting their decisions into action.

It’s exciting, complex work, covering every area of farming and dealing with a range of stakeholders, from government ministers, civil servants and the media, to local NFU branches. The sheer variety of our work means you can be involved in a wide range of projects from initial research to policy delivery. Our collaborative approach means you’ll find plenty of opportunities to build your knowledge – it’s up to you to take them.


Join us


We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce. We’ll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments including discussions around agile and flexible work options.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If we decide we've found the right person for the role, we reserve the right to withdraw this advert and close applications before the closing date.