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.
We’re looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to take a lead role in a new EA team, the Strategic Design and Transition Programme, looking at 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. This includes considering the 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.
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.
Qualifications & Experience
* 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 communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issue and information into simple, targeted advice often at short notice.
* Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Competencies
* Strategic Thinking – Demonstrate how you led strategic thinking or direction within a complex programme or organisation.
* Embraces Change – Show how you embraced ambiguity and constructive challenge while working on a policy or strategy.
* Making Effective Decisions – Explain how you used evidence-based analysis to inform policy development or strategic advice.
* Influence and Persuade – Describe how you navigated cross-government or multi-agency environments to influence policy or strategic outcomes.
Benefits & Conditions
Work from a national flexible working base location – the role is flexible and can be based from anywhere in the UK.
Some travel may be required, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.
Length of contract: Up to 12 months.
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.
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, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.
We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
Contact
For queries contact emma.harding@environment-agency.gov.uk.
See Job Profile for more information.
We are not part of HM Civil Service and you will not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Continuous service eligibility information provided.
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