Strategic Design and Transition Programme – Strategy Policy Lead – 32167
About the Role
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 to benefit our staff, our communities, and our environment.
We are looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to take a lead role in the newly formed Strategic Design and Transition Programme. The focus is on interpreting the Independent Water Commission’s (IWC) report recommendations for the future shape and design of the EA, ensuring we continue to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable growth.
Responsibilities
* Lead work to provide high‑quality, balanced, evidence‑based advice supporting future thinking in light of the IWC report, particularly the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
* Lead engagement with colleagues across Government, within EA and other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.
* Support work to seek and make improvements to water regulation in advance 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 member of the team, creating conditions for a high‑performing, agile, resilient team, often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
Experience / Skills Required
* Knowledge and understanding of environmental management and/or the water sector, including its governance and EA’s role.
* Experience working in central government to develop policy, collaborating with specialists such as economists and scientists.
* Ability to think and act strategically.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills, including translating complex or ambiguous issues into simple, targeted advice, often on short notice.
* Experience working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Contact & Additional Information
You will have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel will be required, occasionally including an overnight stay.
Please see the Job Profile for more information. For queries, contact Emma.Harding2@environment-agency.gov.uk.
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. Length of contract: up to 12 months.
Assessment Questions
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 and Equality
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, and have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
Because EA is a Non‑Departmental Public Body, please note that applicants from the Civil Service will not be Crown Servants, and continuous service cannot be granted. For details, consult your own HR team. For local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for redundancy calculations.
Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence may support your application, but all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate, and directly from your own experience. Any use of AI-generated content to misrepresent your experience may result in withdrawal of your application.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology
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