Data, Analysis

Data, Analysis, Digital & Policy Advisor at DEFRA – £42,665–£50,495 | Permanent Civil Service Job

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is recruiting a Data, Analysis, Digital & Policy Advisor to join its newly established Land Use Unit. This permanent Senior Executive Officer (SEO) role offers an excellent opportunity to influence land use policy, improve access to spatial data, and support evidence-based decision-making across the UK Government.

Successful applicants will receive a salary of up to £50,495, flexible working arrangements, and a Civil Service Pension with a 28.97% employer contribution.

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Job Summary

• Position: Data, Analysis, Digital & Policy Advisor
• Employer: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
• Reference Number: 468015
• Grade: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
• Salary:
  • National: £42,665 – £46,765
  • London: £46,060 – £50,495
• Job Type: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job Share, Flexible Working
• Location: Bristol, London, Newcastle upon Tyne, York
• Business Area: Biodiversity, Land Use & Investment
• Vacancies: 1
• Application Deadline: 11:55 PM (UK Time), Monday, 13 July 2026

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About DEFRA

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is responsible for protecting and improving the environment while supporting sustainable food production, biodiversity, and rural communities.

This opportunity is within the newly established Land Use Unit, created to implement the Government’s Land Use Framework and improve strategic land management through better data, digital tools, and evidence.

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About the Role

As a Data, Analysis, Digital & Policy Advisor, you will help transform how land use decisions are made across England by improving access to spatial data, coordinating digital reforms, supporting research projects, and strengthening collaboration across government and external partners.

Your work will contribute to evidence-based decisions relating to:

• Nature recovery
• Climate resilience
• Food production
• Water quality
• Sustainable economic growth
• Long-term land management

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Support the development of spatial data products and improve data accessibility.
• Identify evidence gaps relating to land use and land use change.
• Support research programmes and evidence projects.
• Coordinate data and digital reform activities across DEFRA.
• Work with government departments and external partners on data-sharing initiatives.
• Help improve decision-support tools for policymakers.
• Build strong relationships with policy, analytical and digital teams.
• Contribute to better evidence-based land use decisions.

Essential Criteria

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Experience supporting strategic data or digital improvement projects.
• Ability to interpret spatial data and evidence.
• Experience coordinating work across multiple teams or organisations.
• Knowledge of data sharing and collaborative working.
• Ability to analyse information and support policy development.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Civil Service Behaviours

Applicants will be assessed against:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Salary and Benefits

Successful applicants will receive:

• Salary up to £50,495
• Civil Service Pension with 28.97% employer contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Learning and development opportunities
• Inclusive and supportive working environment
• Excellent Civil Service career progression

Working Arrangements

This role is available in:

• Bristol
• London
• Newcastle upon Tyne
• York

Successful candidates will spend at least 60% of their working time in the office, with the remaining time worked flexibly from home.

Application Process

Applicants must submit:

• Anonymous CV
• Personal Statement (maximum 500 words)
• Three Behaviour Statements (250 words each) covering:
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Making Effective Decisions

Shortlisted candidates will attend a 60-minute Microsoft Teams interview.

Eligibility

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Please note:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
• Successful candidates must pass the required security and criminal record checks.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to:

• Join a newly established Government team.
• Influence national environmental and land use policy.
• Work with cutting-edge spatial data and digital technologies.
• Build a long-term Civil Service career.
• Receive one of the UK’s most generous pension schemes.
• Enjoy flexible and hybrid working arrangements.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 11:55 PM (UK Time), Monday, 13 July 2026
• Interview: Via Microsoft Teams (date to be confirmed)

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply through the UK Civil Service Jobs website before the closing date.

Ensure your CV, Personal Statement, and Behaviour Statements clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential requirements outlined in the job advert.