Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Data, analysis, digital & policy advisor
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Data, analysis, digital & policy advisor
Land Use Strategic Policy Adviser/Analyst – Digital Transformation & Spatial Data (Grade 7-8 – Pay Range £42,665)
Locations Bristol, London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, York
About the Role
This is a new position within a newly established Defra Land Use Unit, tasked with implementing the recently published Land Use Framework. You will play a critical role in shaping how England’s finite land resource supports:
- Nature recovery
- Climate resilience
- Food production
- Water quality
- Economic growth
The Challenge
Currently, land use decisions are fragmented:
- Competing objectives are pursued in isolation
- Inconsistent evidence is used
- No shared spatial framework exists to assess trade-offs or align priorities
The Land Use Unit will act as Government’s ‘spatial operating system’ for land use, ensuring: ✔ Strategic, coherent decision-making ✔ Improved consistency, accessibility, and use of spatial evidence ✔ Alignment of policymaking with real-world delivery insights ✔ Sustainable, effective land use to deliver the Government’s Outcomes Framework
Key Responsibilities
You will support projects to:
- Transform land use decision-making by digitalising spatial data and refining governance frameworks.
- Lead change programs focused on:
- Data-access reform across Defra and government partners
- Research coordination to plug evidence gaps identified in the Land Use Framework
- Policy-spatial tool integration to close decision-making gaps
Specifically, you will:
- Develop & improve spatial data infrastructure (e.g., tools for evidence interpretation & usability)
- Identify critical evidence gaps for land use change, shaping research priorities
- Coordinate data discovery & reform across Defra Group (internal) and with external partners
- Prioritise policy integration for aligned delivery across government
- Collaborate across policy, analytical, and technical teams to refine and introduce systems reform
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Person Specification
Essential Criteria
You must demonstrate the ability to:
- Bridge strategic priorities—coordinate cross-government spatial reform for improved land use decision-making.
- Balance policy/analytical insights—assess spatial targeting impacts on policy goals.
- Apply spatial evidence effectively—connect research findings with practical decision-making.
- Drive digital/data transformation—enterprise reform experience (tools, pipelines, governance).
- Facilitate data-sharing—collaborate cross-sector, building trusted partnerships and coordinating inputs.
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Background in spatial analysis, GIS, or data architecture.
- Confidence in technology for evidence application (e.g., data products, dashboards).
- Knowledge of UK government datasets (agricultural, environmental, land use).
- Experience with stakeholder engagement to build common cause.
Behavioural Expectations
We assess you against these key attributes:
- Seeing the Big Picture – Align work with strategy, anticipating long-term leverage points
- Communicating & Influencing – Articulate complex data insights to diverse audiences
- Making Effective Decisions – Balancing evidence against resource constraints
About DEFRA’s Offer
- Base Salary: £42,665 (Grade 7-8)
- Civil Service Pension: Qualifies for Defra’s £12,360 employer contribution to the Longevity Safety Net pension
- Development: Tailored professional growth opportunities
- Work Life: 60% on-site, 40% flexible home-working options
- Inclusion: Strong culture for diversity & equal opportunity
- Assurance: Basis clearances mandatory; London roles may require higher security checks (additional security vetting)
Application Process
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What to Submit
- Name-blind CV (covering work history, weblinks, and qualifications)
- Personality Statement (≤ 500 words) – align your experience with the "Essential Criteria"
- Strengths Statements (3 × ≤ 250-word essays covering behaviours):
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
Applications will be sifted by:
- Essentia Criteria alignment
- Big Picture behaviour (lead assessment factor for high-volume vacancies)
Interview (60 mins, MS Teams):
- Core Behaviours tested
- Strengths-based situational challenges
- Pure technical components not pre-announced
Candidate Considerations
Location Policy
- Flex Location: Permanent home standard set in Bristol, London, Newcastle, or York
- Home-working: 40% remote permitted; contractions met on-site from other non-contractual sites
Visa Sponsorship
⚠️ Defra does not sponsor visas—applicants must own genuine visa right to work.
Security & Clearances
- Basic clearance mandatory.
- London-based offers subject to enhanced vetting.
Support for Diverse Candidates
- Accessibility: Disability adjustments available at all stages—contact GWEN.EVANS@DEFRA.GOV.UK
- Disability Confident Scheme: Reaches out to accommodationally throughout recruitment
- Near-miss panel for partial applicants across Defra grades
Other Key Info
-.No childcare vouchers from government roles (consolidation under Tax-Free Childcare). -All eligible candidates undergo criminal record checks. --Post-interview feedback provided if called.
Next Steps
For application queries or support:
- Job Contact: Gwen Evans (Gwen.Evans@defra.gov.uk)
- Recruitment Team: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
- Dispute or complaint process: Escalate via email for Civil Service Commission review.
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