Job title NFU Cymru National Policy Adviser

Reports to Deputy Director / Head of Policy

Department NFU Cymru

Location Builth Wells

Grade 5

Main purpose of the job

 The National Policy Adviser is NFU Cymru’s nationally

recognised specialist for a range of key farming

sectors and interests in Wales.

 The National Policy Adviser must maintain and

enhance our position as the most effective and

valued provider of trade association services to

producers in these sectors.

 The role is charged with helping NFU Cymru deliver

its vision for a productive, progressive and profitable

food and farming industry and will seek to shape the

policy, regulatory and trade environment to support

our farming members.

 The role involves the need for effective and respected

liaison with Government, NGOs, food processors and

retailers at a Welsh and UK level.

Reporting Lines

 There are no direct reports for this role

Responsibilities

 Responsibility for NFU Cymru’s

representational work across a range of key

farming interests including Dairy, Animal

Health and Welfare, Employment and Health

and Safety.

 To advise, support and oversee the

secretariat for NFU Cymru’s Dairy Board and

other groups as agreed with the Deputy

Director / Head of Policy.

 To prepare responses to policy and

legislative proposals and to co-ordinate the

advocacy of relevant NFU Cymru policies

including the submission of both written and

oral evidence to Senedd and Westminster

committees.

 To represent NFU Cymru in negotiations

with Welsh Government and other statutory

agencies and non-governmental

organisations on policy matters relating to

our members interests in Wales.

 To maintain effective liaison with Welsh

Government departments, Animal and Plant

Health Agency, AHDB, HCC and other

statutory agencies and non-governmental

organisations.

 To increase NFU Cymru dialogue with key

contacts in the supply chain.

 To represent NFU Cymru in meetings with

the UK NFUs and UK wide forums.

 To represent the interests of NFU Cymru

through powerful and insightful

presentations at meetings, events and

conferences as required.

 Maintain regular contact with appropriate

NFU specialists and ensure effective two-

way communication.

 Promote the work of NFU Cymru through

the media, answer press enquiries and

handle media work relating to policy

matters in Wales as required.

 Provide the editor of Farming Wales with

relevant news stories and write articles as

required with a view to promoting our work.

 Contribute to NFU Cymru’s digital media

platforms.

 To ensure that NFU Cymru Officeholders,

Staff, Boards and Members are kept

informed of key developments relating to

animal health and welfare; animal

movements and identification;

environmental matters; technical issues;

research and development and market

developments. Analyse and communicate

such developments in the most appropriate

format.

 Support and advice Officeholders and Board

Chairs on areas of responsibility.

 Provide input to NFU Cymru membership and sales

material to assist in membership retention and

recruitment.

 Co-operate with NFU departments to ensure

that the NFU’s computerised database of

members’ interests and skills is constantly

updated.

 This role profile will develop to meet the needs of

NFU Cymru, and any additional duties in line with

business requirements.

 Promote the benefits of NFU Cymru membership

wherever possible.

 Promote the benefits of NFU Mutual

wherever appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential Skills/Attributes

Knowledge and expertise

 To be educated to degree level in a relevant subject or

be able to demonstrate equivalent relevant experience.

 An extensive knowledge and understanding of the

farming industry.

 Proven and significant experience of working in the

sector.

 Experience of negotiating with stakeholders.

 Political astuteness and awareness.

 Experience of working with agricultural policy /

regulations, including researching, interpreting and

disseminating technical

information clearly and concisely.

 Experience of dealing with farmers.

Communication

 Excellent communication, negotiating and interpersonal

skills.

 Ability to communicate to a range of audiences.

 Experience of public speaking and giving presentations.

 Ability to explain technical information to non-technical

Audiences and summarise complex technical

documents.

 Able to maintain confidences.

Practical Skills

 Basic to intermediate computer & keyboard skills.

 Able to use Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and

PowerPoint) to intermediate level.

Decision making and problem solving

 A strategic thinker able to identify policy/change goals

and

a range of ways of achieving change.

 Ability to prioritise a range of competing issues.

Responsibility

 Able to take responsibility and use initiative.

 Calm and well organised under pressure.

 Able to work under own initiative within a team.

 Experienced in prioritisation with high degree of self-

reliance and

ability to generate own work agenda.

Management and Supervision

 N/A

Personality

 This post requires the individual to undertake evening work

and

overnight stays are sometimes required.

 In this post the person will need to be able to travel

regularly throughout Wales.

 Occasional travel to NFU HQ in Stoneleigh and to meetings

other parts of the UK. Occasional visits to Brussels and very

occasionally to other European destinations.

 High level of professional pride and determination.

 Full current driving licence.

Desirable Skills/Attributes

 A good knowledge of Devolution and the Welsh Political

structures.

 Experience of written and broadcast media.

 Proven networking skills.

 The ability to speak and write through the medium of

Welsh.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Understanding the NFU

Working Together

Personal Accountability

Communication

4 - Leading

4- Leading

3- Managing

4- Leading

Functional Competencies

Member Focus

Technical Expertise

Analysing and Problem Solving

Networking

Influence and Persuasion

4 - Leading

5- Shaping

4 - Leading

4- Leading