Policy Manager - Crops
Representing some 9,000 farmers, crofters, and other rural businesses across the country, NFU Scotland's mission is to promote and protect the interests of its members by influencing government and the supply chain to secure a sustainable future for Scottish agriculture. We are recruiting for a person to join our widely respected Policy Team to take the lead all issues relating to crop production - including combinable crops and specialist crops.
About the role
The ideal candidate will have knowledge and experience of crop production systems and issues that affect the arable sector. You must have the ability to work alongside colleagues on key issues across agriculture sectors, advising on appropriate policy lines, providing technical guidance, and taking the lead on projects and initiatives. You need to be comfortable dealing with several different issues at one time and be able to articulate them clearly and in a convincing manner to a wide variety of audiences. We want someone with a can-do attitude. What we do makes a big difference to farm businesses across Scotland, so we need someone who thrives on challenges and is solutions focussed.
Some selected aspects of the role
Formally and informally influence the development and delivery of all aspects of agricultural policy and regulation that relate to crops and arable interests in Scotland.
Influence the supply chain associated with all the mainstream crop types of interest to arable and specialist crop production in Scotland.
Provide specialist and timely support and advice to elected representatives, head office-based colleagues, regionally based colleagues and members of NFU Scotland.
Provide concise written materials with regard to consultations and briefings for a variety of related purposes as necessary.
Key Skills Requirements:
First Class or 2.1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline and/or relevant working experience.
At least five years' experience working on issues related to policy development -preferably in the context of crop production and/or policy development.
The ability to find solutions to problems and mediate conflict.
A self-starter and a strong team player, with the confidence and experience to mentor less experienced team members.
The skills to interpret detailed and complex information and present it clearly and concisely to different audiences and suggest pragmatic and credible courses of action.
Capable of dealing with different demands at one time while clearly prioritising to ensure outcomes are achieved.
A positive and reassuring manner with an ability to deliver challenging messages effectively.
Confidence in speaking to a variety of audiences, including colleagues, members, officials and the media, including radio and TV interviews when required.
What's on offer:
Annual salary of £35,000 -£45,000K commensurate with demonstrable knowledge and competence.
Hybrid working.
38 days holiday entitlement per year (including Bank Holidays)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Generous contributed pension.
Free onsite parking.
Membership to NFU Scotland, giving access to a range of discounts.
You will be based in NFU Scotland's Head Office in Ingliston (near Edinburgh Airport), with regular travel throughout Scotland and the UK and occasionally beyond. A current driver's license is essential for this role.
We're committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce. We'll support you by providing you with learning and development opportunities and build a career that balances your professional ambitions with your personal commitments. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to by clicking apply now.
