NFU Graduate - Communications & External Affairs

hireful; Stoneleigh; Hybrid; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A major agricultural organization in the UK is offering a Graduate Programme in Communications and External Affairs. This role, commencing in September 2026, provides valuable experience in political lobbying, media management, and multi-channel communications. Candidates should have a minimum of a 2:1 degree. The position includes placements in both Warwickshire and Westminster, and offers a supportive environment with a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance and health programs.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days plus Bank Holidays)

Company funded health cashplan

Option to buy and sell annual leave

Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave

Competitive Pension and Life assurance

Access to interest-free loans

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on vehicles and lifestyle

Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme

Flexible and supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and planning abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support political lobbying and public campaigning efforts.
• Engage with the media for national coverage.
• Work across multiple departments on various campaigns.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Planning skills

Teamwork

Education

At least a 2:1 degree or equivalent industry-related qualification

Job description

Salary: £28,000 per annum | £2,000 Relocation support to assist with relocation costs between placements.

Location: HQ Stoneleigh, Warwickshire and Westminster, London, with agile working (mix of office and home working).

Working Hours: 35 hours per week.

Contract: 2-year fixed term commencing September 2026

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 National Farmers’ Union (NFU) is the largest organisation representing farming in the UK. We’re proud to make a difference for all our members, by shaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from ensuring government support for British food and farming, and our work for the environment, to rural crime and rural mental health.

Purpose of the role & how you will contribute

Join us and you’ll enjoy a wide variety of work in a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to connect with people across the organisation and beyond. All in an open, inclusive environment, where we all pull together to support our members.

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. Communicate, as well as engage NFU members.

In addition to 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.

What you’ll bring

You will have or be predicted to have at least 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. There will be placements in each location over the 2 years split between a 12‑month placement across the Communications, Media, Digital and Campaigns and Events’ teams in Warwickshire and a second 12‑month placement in External Affairs in London.

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 + Bank Holidays), plus 1 annual Christmas company day.
• Company funded health cashplan benefit to assist with everyday costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7 etc.
• Option to buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• 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 a range of new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more.
• Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme.
• Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment.
• Attractive, modern office, with on‑site restaurant and free parking.

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

Join us

We’re committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce. We’ll support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities.

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

Application Process

Closing Date for Application: 11 January 2026

Virtual Selection Process: January – March 2026

Face to Interviews: April 2026

Start Date: September 2026

Please also check out our Agriculture Policy and NFU Cymru Graduate Programmes.

REF-225 528