Head of Policy - Wales

1. We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced policy professional to lead the Soil Association’s policy influencing work in Wales, at a crucial time for food, farming and land use policy.
2. The role will involve close working with the Soil Association senior policy leads in Scotland and England and with farming organisations and partner NGOs in Food Policy Alliance Cymru.
3. This is a home-based role with frequent travel to Cardiff and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at the Bristol office.

About our organisation

The Soil Association, formed in 1946, is the only UK charity which works across the spectrum of human health, the environment and animal welfare. That’s because we cannot tackle these issues in isolation.

We campaign for change, we support farming innovation, we serve healthy food in communities, we support and grow the organic market, and we protect forests. We couldn't do any of this without our supporters, partners, donors and dedicated staff. We make a difference in the world where it’s needed the most.

About the opportunity

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced policy professional to lead the Soil Association’s policy influencing work in Wales, at a crucial time for food, farming and land use policy. The Soil Association influences policy ‘from the ground up’ and is focused on achieving a mainstream transition to agroecological farming, regenerative forestry and healthy and sustainable diets. This is a new role with an initial focus on agriculture legislation, the Sustainable Farming Scheme and wider land use policy, but with the opportunity to define our best role in influencing wider food policy in Wales. The role will involve close working with the Soil Association senior policy leads in Scotland and England and with farming organisations and partner NGOs in Food Policy Alliance Cymru. This is a home-based role with frequent travel to Cardiff and the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues at the Bristol office.

About you

• Commitment to continuous improvement in Welsh language if not a Welsh speaker
• High credibility with policy audiences
• Mature understanding of how policy change happens and how to play an effective role.
• Initiative, self-direction and motivation, as part of a virtual networked team.
• Excellent facilitation and networking skills, able to maintain and build extensive contacts

Our Benefits

We offer a range of financial and lifestyle benefits to all our employees, including:

• 27 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days with length of service plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme with ethical investment options and employer contribution increasing with length of service
• Free membership of the Soil Association and discounts on organic produce
• Volunteer days to give back to the local community or support green initiatives
• Family friendly policies and flexible working
• Cycle to work scheme
• Sociable and engaging workplace of professionals that share a passion for healthy, sustainable lifestyle and produce

Hours

30 - 37.5 hours per week

Location

Home based - Wales/Cardiff

To Apply

Click ‘apply now’ to submit your application form. Please note we look at applications on arrival and reserve the right to close this vacancy early.

Please check your junk/spam folder if you do not receive a confirmation email upon submitting your application. All candidates will subsequently receive an email to confirm whether they have made it through to interview stage.

Please note we do not accept CVs or Cover Letters.

We know the value of diversity in nature and want it in our organisation. We recognise that diverse backgrounds and experiences will bring a fresh perspective to our work. If you're not sure about applying, please get in touch with us for a chat.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work at the Soil Association.

Closing date: 21/08/2022