Strategic Design and Transition Programme - Strategy Policy Lead - 32167
The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We do not just talk about diversity; we seek, embrace and live it for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.
Responsibilities
* Lead work to provide high‑quality, balanced and evidence‑based advice to support future thinking in light of the Independent Water Commission (IWC) report recommendations, especially 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 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, playing a role in creating conditions for a high‑performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient even in the face of 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 and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.
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.
* 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 & Additional Information
You’ll 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, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.
For more information, see the Job Profile. Any queries: 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.
Competencies
* Strategic Thinking – Describe a time when you led strategic thinking or direction within a complex programme or organisation. How did you ensure alignment across stakeholders and maintain momentum in a fast‑paced environment?
* 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?
* Effective Decision Making – Give an example of how you 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?
* Influences and Persuades Others – Describe how you 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?
Legal and Diversity Statements
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. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, but all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may face disciplinary action.
#J-18808-Ljbffr