Consulting Director: Farming, food and environment policy evaluation

ICF is looking for an experienced evaluator, policy analyst and service leader with expertise in policies for farming, food and the environment, to support the delivery and growth of our work in this area in the UK. Recent contract awards have confirmed our status as the principal provider of evaluation support to Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation and the rest of the Defra family. 

Our work covers issues at the top of today’s policy agenda, including:

• Rural economy and agriculture
• Sustainable food production and the agri-food chain
• Restoring biodiversity and natural capital
• Blue economy, marine planning and conservation
• Sustainable fisheries
• Addressing climate change and net zero
• Pollution and circular economy

Why ICF

This role offers you the chance to develop your career within a global business, in a work environment that is collegiate and supportive. ICF are thought leaders across a wide range of disciplines, with an unrivalled network of experts. You’ll join a team that’s focused only on delivering high quality evidence and evaluation. We’re always ready to embrace new ideas and approaches, and never afraid to ask if there is a better way to do something. This is work with impact. 

Ongoing growth in demand for our services in this area means we are creating a new role at Consulting Director with a special focus on farming, food and environmental policies. The successful candidate will direct projects in our portfolio and work as part of the management team for this important area of our business. The role is situated in an ICF line of business that is focused on delivery of policy research and evaluation to the UK Government and EU institutions, and which provides analysis and advice on a wide range of policy issues, from transport to justice, food to skills.

The job role

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a key policy area, alongside a team of highly motivated and skilled individuals, with opportunities for learning and growth. Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Work with senior managers to shape and deliver strategic growth for the team
• Manage large framework contracts, working with clients and research partners
• Lead and support technical excellence and innovation in evaluation and research
• Contribute knowledge and expertise in the land, food and agriculture policy area
• Direct projects to support project managers in delivering projects to time and budget
• Manage and mentor staff and project teams, as appropriate
• Lead business development opportunities and build networks and partnerships
• Profile and promote ICF evaluation and research expertise and work

You will contribute to a diverse range of large and complex consulting projects, directing and managing teams. ICF will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development support, a structured career pathway, our mentoring programme, communities of practice and line management arrangements.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a strategic thinker and leader, and a strong team player, with a track record of excellence in consulting. You will have:

• A track record in delivering business growth and capacity building
• Proven experience of working with government at senior levels
• Expertise in policy evaluation, research and analysis
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in land management, agriculture, food chain and environmental policies
• Experience of managing projects, budgets, teams and client interactions
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Highly-developed interpersonal skills and self-motivation.

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About us:

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.

We can only solve the world’s toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. 

Learn more about what we do and our commitment to inclusion. 

The benefits of joining ICF:

Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.

We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.

To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.

We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.

ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:

• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
• Dental insurance and an online GP service.
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution
• Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
• Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.

London (GB80)

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