The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) is the only dedicated voice of British dairy farmers. Founded in 1876, we are a charitable organisation, with a valued royal patronage. RABDF is passionate about enabling the growth and advance of the dairy sector through advocacy, representation and developing future talent.

At RABDF, we’re embarking on a period of exciting transformation! In this new era of the organisation’s long legacy, our values of honesty, integrity, teamwork, collaboration and hard work for dairy farmers guides everything we do.

What you can expect from this role:

• Opportunities to grow as we shape the future of the organisation together.

• A chance to make a meaningful impact on the evolving dairy agriculture industry.

• Training and development to enable and support you to reach your full potential.

• An inclusive employer, committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and highly-talented workforce.

We are on a journey of transformation, and we’re looking for motivated individuals who are ready to help define what comes next.

The Senior Policy Adviser will drive our policy development and advocacy efforts, playing a pivotal role in shaping RABDF’s policy agenda. This role is key to ensuring the voices of dairy farmers are heard at every level, engaging with stakeholders and members, and working closely with government agencies and industry groups to represent farmers’ interests.

• Develop and implement policy strategies aligned with RABDF's mission and objectives.

• Conduct research, analyse industry trends, and provide insights for policy positions.

• Engage with government bodies, industry organisations, members and stakeholders to influence policy decisions.

• Establish and lead RABDF's member policy forum.

• Draft concise policy papers, consultation responses, and briefing documents; sometimes at pace.

• Represent RABDF at external meetings, conferences, working groups and to the media.

• Collaborate with the Events & Membership team to communicate policy work effectively and align events to policy objectives.

• Work closely with industry partners to align advocacy efforts.

• Monitor legislative developments and provide updates to RABDF, Council, members, and CEO.

• Manage any direct reports.

• Contribute appropriate articles and content on topical issues to our communications and PR partners to raise the profile of policies and the organisation.

• Publish articles to the RABDF news section of the website and contribute items to our member newsletter.

• This job description may develop to adapt to the changing needs of RABDF, and any additional duties will be commensurate with the postholder’s grade.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in policy, advocacy, or public affairs.

• Experience working with farmers, government departments , supply chain and regulatory bodies.

• Knowledge of agricultural regulatory frameworks and policy development.

• Strong analytical, communication, presentation and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and draft policy documents.

• Excellent time management, organisational skills, and proactive ‘can do’ attitude.

• Ability to work as part of a team.

• Ability to build a good professional reputation.

• Able to cope with interruptions, prompt deadlines, quick response requests (e.g. from media or Council) and changing priorities.

• Some travel in the UK with some overnight stays.

• Previous relevant experience of representing a trade association and/or advising businesses (desirable).

• Experience within a charity, non-profit, or membership organisation (desirable).

• Established network in agricultural and rural policy circles (desirable).

• Experience of managing others (desirable).

• Relevant qualifications in Public Policy, Politics, Geography, Agriculture, or a related field.

• Full current UK driving licence (consideration will be given under the Equality Act 2010 where applicable).

Join us and you’ll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including:

• Generous pension scheme

• Agile and flexible working opportunities

• Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year + Bank Holidays FTE)

• A bonus day off for your birthday each year

• Team building days

• Attractive rural office, with on-site parking description