The NFU is on the hunt for a new horticulture adviser at its headquarters in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire.
The job, which is a fixed-term appointment for 12 months on a starting salary of around £34,439, will involve assisting the farming union’s horticulture team in representing the interests of grower members.
The closing date for applications is 9 August, with interviews set to take place on either 20 or 21 August.The NFU is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity.
Requirements for candidates
The NFU is looking for someone with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to develop and maintain effective networks.
Candidates should also enjoy working on a varied and diverse workload in a team environment, and befriendly, confident and conscientious, with an eye for detail.
In addition, they must hold a degree (or have equivalent experience) in geography, agriculture, horticulture, politics, science or a related subject, and possess, or be keen to develop, a detailed understanding of the challenges facing the horticultural industry.
Prior experience working within the horticultural industry on a commercial or policy basis would be highly desirable, although training and support will be available to the right candidate.
The successful applicant will ideally have insight into the issues in the supply chain in the horticulture sector, and knowledge of thedecision-making processesin EU and UK government.
About the role
As horticulture adviser, the winning candidate will be working to influence the supply chain, government decision makers and wider stakeholders to ensure the best possible regulatory and policy environment for the NFU’s grower membership.
Furthermore, they will be expected to engage in consultative processes to identify policy issues that could impact on growers and contribute to generating and coordinating appropriate policy solutions.
Candidates must also have the confidence to act as technical expert in their nominated areas of horticulture policy, and the intelligence to quickly get up to speed on new and emerging issues.
Ultimately, they will raise the profile of the NFU and its work by ensuring opportunities to promote NFU achievements in the horticulture sector are identified and pursued, through the media as well as directly to the union’s membership. Prior experience liaising with journalists is desirable, although media training will be provided.
The ability to turn complex topics or legislation into an accessible format, identifying and distilling key messages will be an essential requirement of the role.
Finally, the role will involve some travel throughout England and Wales, and possibly abroad, so the ability to work outside of normal working hours as required is essential.
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