Foreign Agricultural Service Officer

About the Company

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is a vital UK government department responsible for environmental protection, food production and standards, agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. We play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact the UK’s natural environment and agricultural sector, both domestically and internationally. Our mission is to make our air purer, our water cleaner, our land greener, and our food standards higher, while supporting a thriving agricultural industry and promoting sustainable global food systems.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical Foreign Agricultural Service Officer to join our dynamic team in Brighton. This pivotal role involves representing UK agricultural interests on an international stage, influencing global policy, and ensuring the sustainability and resilience of our food supply chains. You will be instrumental in monitoring international agricultural trends, negotiating trade agreements, and collaborating with foreign governments and organizations to advance UK strategic objectives in agriculture and food security. This position requires a deep understanding of agricultural economics, international relations, and strong communication skills to articulate complex policy positions effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse and report on international agricultural policies, market trends, and trade developments affecting the UK.
• Represent DEFRA at international forums, conferences, and bilateral meetings, articulating UK positions on agricultural and food policy.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with foreign agricultural attachés, government officials, and industry stakeholders.
• Contribute to the negotiation and implementation of international agricultural and trade agreements.
• Provide expert advice and briefings to senior officials and ministers on complex foreign agricultural issues.
• Identify opportunities for international collaboration on research, innovation, and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Monitor and assess the impact of global events, climate change, and geopolitical shifts on agricultural supply chains.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, policy papers, and recommendations based on thorough research and analysis.

Required Skills

• Proven experience in agricultural policy, international trade, or related fields.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and trends.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and negotiation.
• Understanding of global food systems, agricultural economics, and environmental sustainability.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
• Proficiency in standard office software and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, International Relations, Economics, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant field.
• Experience working with government departments or international organizations.
• Fluency in one or more foreign languages relevant to global agricultural trade (e.g., French, Spanish, Mandarin).
• Demonstrated experience in policy development or advocacy.

Perks & Benefits

• Generous annual leave allowance and flexible working options (within an on-site framework).
• Excellent Civil Service pension scheme.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to a wide range of training programmes and learning resources.
• Employee assistance programme for health and wellbeing support.
• Contribution to impactful work with national and international significance.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and other commuter benefits.

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