Overview
Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666
The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects 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. England is reforming agricultural policy and spending, moving from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes support farmers to provide public goods in return for public money, incentivising land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. This role aims to improve our services to farmers in the broader context of the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, environment and climate.
The role will influence the design and delivery of incentives and shape our organisational response to government reviews related to water, regulation, and nature recovery. The Environment Agency ELM team is seeking dynamic, strategic thinkers to help inform and shape the future of ELM, particularly the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).
Responsibilities
* Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee Programme milestones.
* Identify future risks and resource requirements; work across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports outcomes.
* Contribute to the design and delivery of incentives within the wider reform context; support the CSHT delivery and continuous improvement of the Farming and Countryside Programme.
The team sits within the Nature & Place Directorate, part of the National Agriculture and Land Team, working with government, statutory bodies and industry. We operate in an agile, fast-paced, flexible, and collaborative environment and use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.
We value our people and foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We are a dispersed team and prioritise connectivity.
Experience/Skills Required
* Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies is essential.
* Politically aware with excellent communication and networking skills.
* Understanding of environmental sensitivities associated with major agricultural reform.
* Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
* Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work; self-starter who develops ideas and drives them forward.
Ideal candidates will be able to demonstrate: get things done through others, embody our culture, ensure information is trusted, cascade key information, build relationships quickly, and manage difficult situations.
Relevant capabilities include Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery, Achieves Results, Seeing the Bigger Picture, Focuses on Customers and Partners, Delivers Results Through Others.
Additional Information
You’ll have an incident management objective in your development plan. Appropriate training will be provided. The EA Office base location is flexible/hybrid in England for a national role. Some travel/overnights will be required. Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for more information.
Contacts: Kate Bayley (kate.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk) and D-J Gent (dj.gent@environment-agency.gov.uk).
Applications are assessed blind using competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to a reserve list, we may hold your details for 6 months and offer an alternative post.
Important notice for applicants: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; you would not be a Crown Servant if appointed. There are guidelines regarding continuous service and redundancy payments; please consult your HR team if unsure.
We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working, including job share. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria. We use Central Government frameworks for external recruitment.
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