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 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 – and examine what the recommendations in the Independent Water Commission’s report mean for the future of the Environment Agency. This includes considering options for the EA’s future shape and design, and developing a plan that ensures we continue to protect and enhance the environment while supporting sustainable growth. It is a unique opportunity to shape 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
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 and Skills Required
* 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 issue 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. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel – and occasionally overnight stays – may be required.
For more information see the Job Profile. Any queries, contact emma.harding@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Application Process
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 Length
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
Give an example of how you’ve 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?
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?
Equal Opportunities
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 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 are committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
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 more information on frameworks, visit the official guidance.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. The Environment Agency subscribes to the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
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