Assistant Policy Adviser

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job Title: Assistant Policy Adviser
Department: Food and Farming
Location: Stoneleigh, Warwickshire
Grade: 7

Knowledge and Expertise

Essential
Degree in a related subject.
Excellent numeracy and literacy.
Proficient user of the range of Microsoft software (Outlook, Excel, Word, Access).
Working knowledge of agricultural economics.

Desirable
Knowledge of the sugar sector.
Degree in Agricultural Economics or Business.

Relevant Experience

Essential
Experience of working within in a policy/regulation environment.
Experience of analysing statistical information.

Desirable
Commercial experience.

Communication and Relationship Skills

Essential
Able to communicate effectively in written and spoken word, to a range of audiences.
Able to make public presentations enthusiastically and appropriately.
Able to understand and be able to communicate complex issues quickly.
Demonstrates ability to relate to individuals at all levels and maintain confidentiality.

Desirable
Experience of communicating with the media.
Language skills.

Practical and Physical Skills

Essential
Excellent computer key board literacy.

Decision Making and Problem Solving

Essential
To have the ability to demonstrate organisational and prioritising skills.
Calm and well organised under pressure.
To have the ability to solve problems.
To be able to work under own initiative and as part of a team.
Experience of working to strict deadlines.

Essential
Able to research, analyse, synthesise and evaluate statistical information.
Database skills.

Supervision/Management Responsibilities

None

Physical and Mental Effort

Essential
Ability to work outside of normal working hours.
Some travel required in the UK and abroad.

Personal Circumstances/Additional Requirements

Essential
Full current driving licence (consideration will be given under the DDA where applicable).


JOB DESCRIPTION

Job title: Assistant PolicyAdviser
Reports to: Chief Sugar Adviser
Department: Food & Farming

Main purpose and scope of job:

To work as part of a team to ensure that the interests of all sugar beet growers are represented and promoted nationally and internationally, and that senior staff and Officeholders are aware of important issues affecting the sectors.

Levels of authority:

Contribute to the work of the sugar section of the Food and Farming department. Contribute to the development of an annual business plan and programme of activities for the sugar section.

Functional responsibilities:

Provide members and staff with specialist economic advice.

Contribute to the underlying analysis and preparation of papers on aspects of agricultural and international policies relating to sugar.

Provide in depth economic and statistical analysis on contractual issues.

Work closely with the rest of the sugar team on a wide range of general policy issues affecting sugar beet and growers, as required.

Develop and maintain an in-depth knowledge of the economic state of the sugar beet sector, whilst taking account of the political environment within which it operates.

Monitor legislative and other developments affecting sugar and sugar beet and assess their implications and to contribute to briefings on economic, policy and technical issues.

Maintain a sugar beet statistical database and deal with statistical queries.

Liaise with specialist staff in other departments on matters relating to sugar beet and to contribute to the work of cross-departmental groups where appropriate.

Work in conjunction with the NFU Sugar team to provide regular input to NFU publications, specific sugar bulletins and to the Sugar website, on matters relating to sugar beet, and to ensure that members are kept fully informed on NFU policy and activity in the sectors.

Ensure, together with colleagues, that the NFU presence at relevant shows meets the needs of the NFU.

Work closely with the Chief Sugar Adviser in providing a regular liaison with regions, growers, other trade organisations, the media and the general public.

Under the direction of the Head of Food & Farming and the Head of Policy Services, work in project teams, as required, share information with colleagues in these Departments; work flexibly and co-operate in achieving common goals.

Ensure, in close liaison with the Chief Sugar Adviser, the data co-ordinator and the policy co-ordinator, that the central database of active members is kept up-to-date at all times.

Maintain close contact and co-operation with relevant NFU regional staff.

Identify commercial opportunities for Associa Ltd

Promote the benefits of NFU Mutual and Associa wherever appropriate.

This job description will develop to meet the needs of the NFU and any additional duties will be commensurate with the post holder's grade.

Job title:

Assistant Policy Advisor

Department:

Food and Farming

Location:

Stoneleigh, Warwickshire

Annual pay:

£26,145 - £32,246

Grade:

7

Closing Date:

9th May 2008