Job title
Economist
Reports to
Chief Adviser (Economics and International Affairs)
Department
Trade and Business Strategy
Location
Stoneleigh, HQ
Grade
4
Main purpose of the job
• Prepare, analyse, and communicate specialist and strategic
advice for the development and promotion of NFU policies.
• Advise on policies that have a significant effect for NFU
members.
• Deal with Civil Servants and outside organisations on methods
and details of policy analyses.
Reporting Lines
• There are no direct reports for this role
Responsibilities
•
Contribute to the underlying analysis and preparation of
papers on aspects of agricultural and rural policies.
• Monitor the economic and social condition of agriculture and
conduct on a regular basis analysis and discussion with DEFRA
officials and other outside organisations.
• Provide NFU members and staff with specialist advice.
• Ensure good communication with NFU members, opinion
formers and the general public.
• To develop and maintain close relations with the relevant press
and media.
• Work in project teams, as required, to share information with
colleagues, to work flexibly and to co-operate in achieving
common goals.
• Describe and explain and publish all relevant information on
economic, and international matters impacting, members and
staff on NFUonline.
• Ensure the editors of British Farmer & Grower are provided
with all news stories on relevant economic and to write articles
as required.
• Update NFU success sheets, to agreed deadlines, on economic
issues.
• Ensure, in close liaison with other staff members, that the
central database of active members is kept up-to-date at all
times.
• Maintain close contact and co-operation with relevant NFU
regional staff.
• Ensure that senior staff, Directors and Officeholders are kept
fully informed of, and briefed on, all relevant issues relating to
the above.
• To communicate the latest developments on farm economics
and NFU policy to NFU members through presentations and
written briefings.
• This job description will develop to meet the needs of the NFU,
and any additional duties will be commensurate with the post
holder’s grade.
Person Specification
Essential Skills/Attributes
• To hold a good degree with a significant economic component
(either at undergraduate or post-graduate level or equivalent
qualification)
• To have excellent policy analysis skills
• To have knowledge of the economic and policy factors
impacting the farming industry and the rural economy
• To have experience in preparing, analysing and communication
specialist and strategic information for the development of
policies.
• To have experience in advising others on policy matters
• Experience of liaising with Civil servants, Government and/or
non-statutory bodies.
• Previous track record of building good working relationships
both internally and externally.
• Ability to communicate appropriately with the media.
Communication
• Able to communicate effectively in written and spoken word, to
a range of audiences.
• Able to understand and be able to communicate complex
issues.
• Able to make public presentations informative and engaging.
Practical Skills
• Proficient user of Microsoft software.
Decision making and problem solving
• To have the ability to demonstrate organisational and
prioritising skills.
• Calm and well organised under pressure and able to work to
deadlines.
• To be able to work under own initiative and to work as part of a
team.
Responsibility
• Able to research, analyse, synthesis, and evaluate information.
Personality
• Ability to work outside of normal working hours to attend
evening presentations, NFU member meetings and work
•
• Some long distance travel to regional and local meetings will be
required.
• To be available for occasional visits to Brussels.
• Full current driving license (consideration will be given under
the Equality Act 2010 where applicable).
Desirable Skills/Attributes
• To hold an economics degree or a relevant post-graduate
qualification.
• To have an understanding of international affairs.
• To have an understanding of rural issues.
• Experience of public policy analysis.
• Experience of giving public presentations on policy
information.
• Demonstrates ability to relate and communicate to
individuals at all levels.
• Able to incorporate political and legal issues into economic
analysis.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Understanding the NFU
Working Together
Personal Accountability
Communication
3 – Managing
4 – Leading
3 – Managing
3 – Managing
Functional Competencies
Technical Expertise
Analysing and Problem Solving
Representing the NFU
Networking
Influence and Persuasion
3 – Managing
3 – Managing
4 – Leading
3 – Managing
3 – Managing