Senior Policy Advisor
| Posting date: | 26 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £42,665 to £50,495 per year |
| Additional salary information: | National: £42,665 - £46,765 London: £46,060 - £50,495 For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading ‘Salary’. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 06 February 2026 |
| Location: | London |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 445656/2 |
Summary
Our work touches people’s everyday lives, from the food we eat and the water we drink to the places we live and work. We are responsible for England’s environment, countryside, rural economy and food system, and for reducing risks from flooding, animal and plant disease and other natural hazards. Your role will be vital in helping Defra deliver its priorities and achieve positive outcomes for people, nature and the economy.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you will work as part of a team, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and contributing to the development of policy and strategy. You will play an active role in shaping and delivering Defra group priorities, working collaboratively and creatively to achieve strong outcomes. Specialist knowledge of specific policy areas is not required, as you will be supported to build your understanding in the role. You will also have opportunities to develop your skills and support your future career progression.
Defra’s profile has never been higher, and its wide-ranging remit offers genuine opportunities to influence policy and outcomes. Work is organised across directorates, workstreams and projects that flex to deliver ministerial priorities.
You will work as part of a collaborative team made up of peers and senior colleagues, supporting shared delivery. In some roles, you may also line manage a small team of Higher Executive Officers (HEOs) and Executive Officers (EOs).
The role involves building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Internally, this may include Ministers, Directors, and colleagues across Defra. Externally, you may work with industry bodies, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you will help deliver Defra’s top priorities and may be required to work in different directorates. While no two roles are the same, work typically includes:
- Understanding and leading on selected policy areas.
- Using evidence and expert advice from within and outside government to inform policy decisions.
- Supporting policy teams to brief Ministers and senior officials.
- Planning and prioritising work to deliver high-quality outcomes on time, including, in some cases, managing a small team of HEOs and EOs.
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