Policy Officer

Government Recruitment Service; Borough of Runnymede; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK government agency is seeking a Policy Officer to oversee the development and implementation of veterinary medicines policy. The role involves supporting legislative processes and engaging with various stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have experience in policy development and strong communication skills. This is a vital role to ensure the regulation of veterinary medicines is effective and compliant with new legislation.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy development within a governmental or regulatory setting.
• Excellent written communication and drafting skills.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and coordinate with experts.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and implementation of veterinary medicines policy.
• Support the legislative process in making and enacting legislation.
• Represent the VMD at government department meetings.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy development

Legislative knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About the VMD

You may not have heard of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), but have you ever:

• eaten meat, eggs, fish or honey
• drunk milk
• owned a pet or animal
• taken antibiotics

If you said yes to any of the above, you are directly affected by what the VMD does.

The VMD is the regulatory and policy lead responsible for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.

Our aim is to protect public health, animal health, and the environment, and promote animal welfare by assuring the safety, quality and effectiveness of veterinary medicines.

Find out more at: About us - Veterinary Medicines Directorate - GOV.UK

About the Job

This exciting and interesting job puts you at the heart of the VMD’s work as the regulatory and policy lead for issues concerning the authorisation, use, and manufacture of veterinary medicines in the UK.

As a Policy Officer, you will be responsible for the development and implementation of policy and legislation on veterinary medicines such as authorisation, manufacture, supply and prescription. You will also advise stakeholders on these requirements.

Veterinary medicines regulation has undergone a period of significant change due to the introduction of new legislation in Great Britain. The regulation of veterinary medicines operates slightly differently in Northern Ireland, and this adds to the complexity of the work dealt with by the VMD.

Your main duties will include:

• Line management responsibilities.
• Supporting the legislative process from making to enacting legislation.
• Contributing to the VMD’s Policy Network.
• Coordinating the development of policy in consultation with subject matter experts from the relevant business areas.
• Drafting communications that explain legislation and / or policies to internal colleagues, Ministers and external stakeholders.
• Providing policy support to Senior Policy Advisors
• Representing the VMD at Defra, other government departments and stakeholder meetings, as required.
• Complying with ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 27001 (information security) standards, and GDPR and record management requirements.
• Act corporately – meeting, role-modelling, embedding, and championing the corporate objectives set by the VMD.