Strategy Policy Lead – 32167
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Job Description
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, communities, and the environment.
We’re looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to lead a new EA team, the Strategic Design and Transition Programme. The role will assess the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission’s report on the water sector and its regulation for the future of the EA, considering options for the EA’s shape and design and developing a plan to ensure we continue to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable growth.
Responsibilities
* Lead work to provide high‑quality, balanced, evidence‑based advice to support future thinking in light of the IWC report, especially the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
* Lead engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA, and other regulators to ensure stakeholders are brought along as we develop our thinking.
* Support work to seek and deliver improvements to water regulation ahead of any future legislative change.
* Lead work to support Government Departments as they shape future policy by coordinating EA views and advice.
* Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking while keeping pace in a fast‑moving environment.
* Take a flexible approach, assisting other projects and workstreams within the programme as needed.
* Be an active team member, helping create conditions for a high‑performing, agile team to thrive and remain resilient amid 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 an engaging, rewarding environment where your personal development will be supported.
Experience / Skills Required
* Knowledge and understanding of environmental management and/or the water sector, how it is managed and regulated, and the EA’s role in that.
* Experience of working in central government to develop policy, including collaboration with specialists such as economists and scientists.
* Ability to think and act strategically.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills, including translating complex or ambiguous issues and information into simple, targeted advice, often on short notice.
* Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Contact & Additional Information
Base location: EA Office (national role – flexible working location). We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel, including occasional overnight stay, will be required.
Please see Job Profile for more information. Any queries, contact Emma.Harding2@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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.
Contract Length
Up to 12 months.
Assessment Competencies
Competence 1 – Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Describe a time when you led strategic thinking or direction within a complex programme or organisation. How did you ensure alignment across different stakeholders and maintain momentum in a fast‑paced environment?
Competence 2 – Embraces Change
Describe a situation where you had to embrace ambiguity and constructive challenge while working on a policy or strategy. How did you ensure diverse perspectives were considered and integrated into the final outcome?
Competence 3 – Making effective decisions
Give an example of how you’ve used evidence‑based analysis to inform policy development or strategic advice. How did you work with technical specialists (e.g., economists, scientists) to ensure your recommendations were robust and credible?
Competence 4 – Influences and Persuades Others
Describe how you’ve navigated cross‑government or multi‑agency environments to influence policy or strategic outcomes. What approaches did you use to build relationships and ensure your organisation’s voice was heard?
Disability Interview Guarantee
The Environment Agency has a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Equal Opportunities
The Environment Agency, as a Non‑Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we cannot engage with the market directly through post, email, or phone calls. If you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts, please visit the supplied link.
Artificial Intelligence
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. Where plagiarism has been identified—presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own—applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
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