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Graduate Programme - Communications and External Affairs

Do you have a passion to work in the fast-paced world of Communications and External affairs?

Do you have what it takes to join one of the leading organisations representing British farming and food production? Do you want to get experience of working in a high-profile national organisation which is rarely out of the news?

If you are a graduate, and you have answered yes, then the NFU’s Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme is the right place for you.

The NFU is the UK’s largest trade association, representing farmers and growers across England and Wales, and is regarded as one of the most effective lobbying organisations in Europe, negotiating with governments and pressure groups at a local, national, European and international level.

The NFU’s Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme offers a rare opportunity to get experience of political lobbying and public campaigning, national media management, event management and multi-channel communications, all with an award-winning, in-house team. You will have the opportunity to build on your existing knowledge, work with and learn from communications and external affairs experts and join an organisation which is recognised as the leader in its field.

We will develop your knowledge, from delivering a programme of exciting, high-profile political campaigns, to influencing the public to back British farming, as well as learning what it takes to protect and promote the reputation of British food and farming, and the NFU, in the media and beyond.

As well as working with this high impact in-house team, you will gain valuable experience working in one of the most important industries in the country – farming, which supplies the raw ingredients for the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, UK food and drink. You will gain an understanding of the NFU, the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing NFU members, in a comprehensive and purpose-built programme which includes working across our Communications and External Affairs teams.

You will have or be predicted to have a 2:1 degree, or equivalent industry-related qualification, as well as the drive and determination to succeed both individually and as part of a team. Problem solving, planning skills and a flair for communication come naturally to you. The desire to represent and campaign on behalf of NFU members is crucial as is the desire to further your career in a communications or external affairs role.

This role will be based in Warwickshire and Westminster; therefore, a flexible approach to location is essential.

At the NFU, we embrace the unique worth of everyone from all backgrounds, identities and circumstance. As a Professional, Resourceful, United and Inclusive organisation, we strive to celebrate all individuals. We are committed to creating a sense of belonging, educating and developing an inclusive community, and welcoming the value of diversity.

Our ‘hybrid working’ scheme gives colleagues the choice of working from home for up to 3 days a week (pro rata for part-time colleagues), with other working days being from the office or out and about with our members.

Why choose us:

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 holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year pro rata + Bank Holidays, rising to 30 days pro rata with length of service), plus 1 annual NFU day
• Company Funded Cashplan to help with every day costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7 etc.
• Option to buy and sell annual leave
• Health and Wellbeing Hub
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
• Performance-related pay
• Competitive Pension and Life assurance
• Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons
• Employee Assistance program to help you deal with life’s challenges
• Discounts on new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more
• Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme
• Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment (hybrid working)
• Attractive, modern offices; (HQ has on-site restaurant and free parking)

The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to withdraw this advert before the closing date.

Closing Date: 16 April 2023

Please also check out our Agriculture Policy Graduate Programme for our vacancies in our Policy team.