Vacancy for Head of Policy and Communications in the Antimicrobial Resistance Team

Opportunity to join the VMD’s expanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) team as we deliver Defra’s commitments in the UK’s 5-year action plan.

This is an exciting time to join the VMD’s expanding Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) team.

This is one of a series of vacancies we are recruiting and puts you at the heart of the AMR team as we deliver Defra’s commitments in the UK’s 5-year action plan for antimicrobial resistance, which supports the UK’s 20-year vision for AMR.

This role involves leading, advising on, coordinating and communicating policy on AMR as it relates to veterinary medicines and cross-Defra issues.

You will lead a small team responsible for the coordination and delivery of the Defra group’s (including VMD’s) commitments in the UK’s national action plan for AMR and develop and implement the team’s communications strategy.

Job Title
AMR Head of Policy and Communications in the Antimicrobial Resistance Team

Grade
Grade 7

Office base
Addlestone, Surrey

Salary & Pension
£52,289 per annum with Pension Scheme

Annual Leave entitlement
Commencing at 25 days

Role
As Head of Policy and Communications in the AMR team, you will develop government policy on AMR and animal health. This will involve “knowing your brief” as you will become the go-to source of detailed policy knowledge on AMR within the department, framing it as needed for a national or international policy context.

You will have or develop a good grasp of, technical detail to the extent that it informs policy (including relating to veterinary medicine, microbiology and farming systems) that allows you to provide high quality oral and written briefing on AMR to ministers and senior colleagues in government.

Skills
We require some experience in or awareness of the following, or a demonstrable ability to get up to speed with them rapidly:

Familiarity with animal health, farming or biological sciences, either through experience working in one or more of these areas; a related degree would be an advantage.

Demonstrable ability to think strategically and grasp complex concepts quickly which in this role is within a veterinary/biological context and apply them within a policy context
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

How to apply
You must make your application via the Civil Service Jobs Website where you will find a full job description including salary details.

Closing Date
5th July 2021