Deadline for applications: 19th December 2023 @ 15:00hrs
The Environmental Protection Division in the Welsh Government is seeking a PhD student for a placement opportunity within its Local Environment Quality policy team. The teams’ remit falls under the portfolio of the Minister for Climate Change and supports objectives under the Environment Act and Wellbeing of Future Generations Act. The team is responsible for delivering a programme of work which focuses on improving the local environment of communities, targeting issues such as single use plastics and reducing litter, fly-tipping, dog fouling and other forms of environmental anti-social behaviour.
The four UK Government’s launched a consultation on 12 October setting out proposals for ‘Creating a smokefree generation and tackling youth vaping’. To prevent young people from starting smoking, the proposals include the introduction of a new law to stop children who turn 14 this year or younger from ever legally being sold cigarettes. Proposals are also included to introduce legislation that would restrict the sale and supply of disposable vapes, which are linked to the rise in vaping in children and incredibly harmful to the environment.
This consultation closes on 6 December and work will then begin with the other Governments to collectively analyse the responses to develop our policy position. To help with this policy development and potential introduction of legislation, we are seeking a PhD student placement. The post holder will be required to coordinate and collaborate with several policy teams across both the Welsh Government and the other UK Government Departments to develop the evidence to support our policy position. This will involve analysing and collating evidence to help develop the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). The RIA is used in the Welsh Government to support all legislative development and is a key tool in delivering better policy and outcomes for the people of Wales.
The post will involve the following key tasks:
- Assess and synthesise available evidence to inform policy development
- Working with policy officials across different Departments to co-ordinate and develop the Welsh Government’s position.
- Working with external stakeholders to ensure a consistent and cohesive approach is adopted across the UK
- Develop briefing for Senior Officials and Ministers
The post holder will work extensively with internal and external stakeholders, including other government departments. With support and direction from the Branch, the post holder will help to build valuable working relationships, broaden their knowledge and understanding of Welsh Government policy work and have the opportunity to identify and develop initiatives to support the effective delivery of evidence-based policy.
For further information about the role and details of how to apply, please download the following document: