Strategic Design and Transition Programme – Strategy Policy Lead
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 lead a new EA team, the Strategic Design and Transition Programme. This role focuses on assessing the Independent Water Commission’s report recommendations and shaping the future framework for the Environment Agency, including potential reforms such as a single water regulator. The goal is to ensure continued protection and enhancement of the environment while supporting sustainable growth.
Responsibilities
* Lead work to provide high-quality, balanced, evidence-based advice supporting future thinking in light of the IWC report recommendations, especially the recommendation to create a single water regulator.
* Lead engagement with colleagues across government, within the EA, and other regulators to ensure collaboration as thinking develops.
* 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.
* Provide flexible support to other projects and workstreams within the programme as needed.
* Be an active team member, helping create conditions for a high performing, agile team that can thrive and remain resilient under 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, rewarding environment that supports your personal development.
Experience and Skills Required
As an experienced leader, key skills required include:
* Knowledge and understanding of environmental management and/or the water sector, including the regulatory framework and the EA’s role.
* Experience developing policy in central government, collaborating with specialists such as economists and scientists.
* Strategic thinking and the ability to act strategically.
* Excellent communication and engagement skills, translating complex or ambiguous information into simple, targeted advice on short notice.
* Experience working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.
Additional Information
You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible. We use digital tools to reduce travel, though some travel, including occasional stays, may be required. Please see Job Profile for more information. For any queries, contact 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 (Interview Topics)
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?
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?
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?
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?
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. Flexible working patterns are available, including job share, and we guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
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