Strategic Design and Transition Programme – Strategy Policy Specialist – 32182
The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek diversity, 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 join the Strategic Design and Transition Programme. The role involves examining the recommendations of the Independent Water Commission’s report into the water sector and its regulation, considering the implications for the future shape of the EA, and developing a plan to ensure we continue to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable growth.
Key responsibilities
* Support the delivery of high‑quality, balanced, evidence‑based advice to support future thinking on the IWC report recommendations, particularly the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
* Engage with colleagues across Government, within the EA and with other regulators to ensure collaborative development of our thinking.
* Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thought while keeping pace in a fast‑moving working environment.
* Take a flexible approach and be willing to assist other projects and workstreams within the programme as required.
* Actively contribute to a high‑performing, agile team, creating conditions that enable resilience amid high demand and ambiguity.
Experience and skills required
* Experience working with 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, with the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issues into simple, targeted advice, often at short notice.
* Experience working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
You will 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 where your personal development will be supported.
Application information
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. The contract length is up to 12 months.
Competence assessment
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 galvanised 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 have 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 Independent Water Commission’s recommendation for a single integrated water regulator?
Employment details
Location: EA Office base. The role is a national position, so the working location is flexible. Some travel may be required, including occasional overnight stays.
For more information, see the Job Profile or contact james.gingell@environment-agency.gov.uk.
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns are available for all our vacancies. We also offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support candidates with disabilities.
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 suppliers interested in supporting the EA, please visit the Crown Commercial Service website.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; however, all submitted examples and statements must be truthful, factually accurate, and taken directly from your own experience. Any application containing plagiarised or AI‑generated content may be withdrawn.
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