Policy Adviser x 2 - Defra Spending, Water and Flooding

We are looking to recruit two policy adviser roles in the Defra spending team, which has spending control responsibility for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and advises the Chancellor and HMT Ministers on all areas of policy within Defra's remit, and that of its arm's-length bodies.

The branch advises HMT ministers on Defra policy - including agriculture, rural affairs, nature, water regulation and environmental regulation - and on ensuring government has economically efficient plans to deliver our statutory environmental targets and resilience to climate risk.

This is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of government policy making and will give the postholder the opportunity to lead and shape policy in these areas, in a supportive environment that encourages innovation, independent thinking, and a focus on delivering value for the UK taxpayer., 1. Leading day-to-day work on spending control of Defra's budgets. You will assess Defra's financial position on a monthly basis, analysing forecasts and trends, and identifying and responding to emerging spending risks.
2. Leading for HMT on Defra policy areas. You will identify and promote HMT interests across a range of policy areas.
3. Supporting the Defra Spending Principal on spending strategy. You will be expected to play a key part in developing HMT's approach and strategy on Defra spending e.g. at fiscal events or future spending reviews.

In the Policy Adviser - Water and Flooding role key responsibilities include:
1. Lead for HMT on water and flooding policy. You will identify and promote HMT interests in these areas.
2. Build and maintain constructive relationships, particularly with Defra and the Environment Agency to ensure that their plans are clear, costed, and represent value for money to the taxpayer.
3. Leading day-to-day spending control of Ofwat's budgets. You will work with Ofwat - the water sector regulator - to assess their in-year financial position and handle requests requiring HMT approval.

Are you looking for an exciting new opportunity to demonstrate the values of our organisation, and are you motivated to work with us on a range of issues that are key to the UK's economic prosperity and resilience? If so, we'd love to hear from you!, The successful candidate will have the ability to evaluate different and sometimes competing evidence sources, apply considered judgement to come to a conclusion. You will be able to build strong relationships with a wide network of partners in government, and use these relationships to deliver your objectives. You'll also be able to juggle multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment whilst delivering longer term objectives.

• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 after 5 years), plus 8 public holidays and the King's birthday (unless you have a legacy arrangement as an existing Civil Servant). Additionally, we operate flexitime systems, allowing employees to take up to an additional 2 days off each month


• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours)


• Generous parental and adoption leave packages


• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions of 27%


• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme and season ticket advances


• A range of active staff networks, based around interests (e.g. analysts, music society, sports and social club) and diversity (e.g. women in the Treasury, ethnic minority network, LGBT network, faith and belief network)