Strategic Design and Transition Programme – Strategy Policy Specialist
The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We’re looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to be part of a central team – the Strategic Design and Transition Programme – examining the implications of the Independent Water Commission’s report (IWC) for the future of the EA. This includes considering the EA’s future shape and design and developing a plan to ensure we continue to protect and enhance the environment and support sustainable growth.
Responsibilities
* Support work to provide high‑quality, balanced, and evidence‑based advice to support future thinking in light of the IWC report recommendations, especially the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
* Engage with colleagues across Government, within the EA, and other regulators to ensure all stakeholders are brought along as we develop our thinking.
* Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking while keeping pace in a fast‑moving working environment.
* Take a flexible approach and assist other projects and workstreams within the programme as needs arise.
* Actively contribute to a high‑performing, agile team, helping to create a resilient environment even under high demand and ambiguity.
Team
You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors. The team is still forming, but you can expect a friendly welcome and a rewarding environment that supports your personal development.
Experience / Skills Required
* Experience of working with central government to develop policy, including collaborating with specialists such as economists and scientists.
* Strategic thinking and the ability to act on it.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills, including translating complex or ambiguous issues into simple, targeted advice at short notice.
* Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Competences
Competence 1 – Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery
Describe a time when you have been part of a team developing policy options against a demanding timetable. How did you draw from expertise and stakeholder views to present credible choices?
Competence 2 – Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you engaged with, influenced, and galvanized a wide range of stakeholders around a common goal. What approaches and techniques did you use?
Competence 3 – Leading and Communicating
Describe a time when you led others to deliver in a situation where desired outcomes were ambiguous and/or there was uncertainty.
Competence 4 – Technical Skills
Based on your understanding of the water sector and environmental regulation, what do you see as the key challenges and opportunities in implementing the IWC recommendation for a single integrated water regulator?
Location & Working Arrangements
EA Office base location, with flexibility for a national role. Some travel will be required, including occasional overnight stays.
Contract Details
Length of contract: Up to 12 months.
Application Process
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the questions asked. Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
Contact
Please see Job Profile for more information. Any queries, contact james.gingell@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Seniorities & Employment Type
* Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
* Employment type: Full‑time
* Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
EEO and Diversity Statement
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share, and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability.
Artificial Intelligence Statement
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Any plagiarism or misrepresentation may result in withdrawal of the application.
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