Strategic Design and Transition Programme - Strategy Policy Lead - 32167
The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect 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.
Overview
We’re looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to take a lead role in the Strategic Design and Transition Programme. This role considers what the recommendations in the Independent Water Commission’s report into the water sector and its regulation mean for the future of the Environment Agency, including options for 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. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of the EA.
Responsibilities
* Lead work to provide high quality, balanced and evidence-based advice to support future thinking in light of the IWC report recommendations, in particular the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
* Lead engagement with colleagues across Government, within the 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 whilst 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, playing a role in creating conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
Team and Environment
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 and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.
Experience / Skills Required
As well as being an experienced leader some of the key skills required are:
* 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 working with specialists such as economists and scientists.
* Ability to think and act strategically.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issues and information into simple, targeted advice often at short notice.
* Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Contact and Additional Information
You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible. Some travel will be required, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.
Please see Job Profile for more information. Any 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.
Contract and Competencies
Length of contract: Up to 12 months
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
Describe how you’ve used evidence-based analysis to inform policy development or strategic advice. How did you work with technical specialists 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?
Note: If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks and contracts for external recruitment. Further information for suppliers is available on gov.uk.
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