There has never been a more exciting time to join the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra). Decisions made at Defra affect the whole of the United Kingdom. Responsible for the environment, the countryside and the rural economy, Defra’s diverse teams deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s day-to-day life - from the food we eat and the air we breathe, to the water we drink. Defra’s remit spans everything from the food and farming sectors, to protecting the environment from all manner of natural threats and hazards. Crucially, Defra is also one of the lead departments in delivering a successful exit from the European Union.

We are seeking two Assistant Private Secretaries, one to the Group Director of Strategy and one to the Director of EU Strategy and International Trade. Both roles offer you the opportunity to be more than a Personal Assistant. Your Director will rely on you as a crucial coordinator in the smooth running of their directorate, as they lead on important decisions which will affect the future of the UK. Managing the Director’s office and acting as the primary point of contact for access to them means you will enjoy great autonomy, as you will have to act as an intelligent filter ensuring you cascade information effectively to the directorate. These are fascinating positions, which will provide you with a unique oversight of work that has a huge impact. In our fast-paced environment, every day will be different. Your responsibilities will range from formulating directorate communications, to leading on initiatives as diverse as recruitment, away days, partnership building, and policy projects. Although based in London, you’ll forge strong professional relationships with colleagues across the Defra Group.

You will need excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver high quality work at pace. The confidence and ability to act on your own initiative and make sound judgements is crucial. Defra is constantly evolving and adapting to meet new challenges and opportunities, so it is vital that you demonstrate a love of learning in order to be able to understand the political environment and changing departmental priorities.