Job Description

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Correspondence Officer (Inside IR35) for a 12 month contract based. This is a hybrid working role (up to three days per week office based - Leeds).



In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people's lives. We are responsible for England's environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.

Our objectives are:

To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future. To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production. To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Job Purpose:

The Customers and Engagement (C&E) team plays a key role in delivering excellent customer service to communities across Yorkshire. We provide clear, consistent advice on sensitive and emotive issues, including flooding, pollution, and regulated sites.



As a Correspondence Officer, you will manage a diverse range of requests and correspondence from stakeholders, including Members of Parliament and Government Ministers. You will work closely with internal teams to ensure timely and accurate responses, helping to protect the reputation of EA Defra.



As a Correspondence Officer, your main responsibilities will be to:



Manage correspondence, ensuring timely and accurate responses. Handle complaints with professionalism, identifying resolutions. Analyse data and produce reports to support decision-making. Prepare ministerial briefings on key environmental and policy issues. Lead on high-profile and complex cases within the team. Collaborate with colleagues to manage reputational risks effectively.

You'll have:

Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience in managing stakeholder engagement and correspondence. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality service.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.



Disability Confident



As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



Armed Forces Covenant



Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.



In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".