Number of jobs available: 1
Region: National
City/Town: Various
Building/Site: Various
Grade: Staff Grade 6
Post Type: Fixed Term
Role Type: Programme and Project Management
Working Pattern: Full Time, Other
Salary Minimum: £54,940 – £64,576 Pro-rata
Closing Date: 29/08/2026, 23:55 hours
Job description attachment 1
AS06 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 6
Job description attachment 2
AS06 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 6.pdf – 257KB
Candidate pack
Candidate Pack – 36103.docx – 6433KB
Converted File Candidate Pack – 36103.docx.pdf – 2090KB
Security checks level: Basic Check
Job description
The Environment Agency are 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 be part of a central 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. This is a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of shaping the future of the EA.
The team
The Strategic Design and Transition Programme team is leading the Environment Agency’s response to the Independent Water Commission, shaping the future role and design of the EA and supporting the transition to a reformed water regulatory system. This involves working closely with Defra on the forthcoming Clean Water Bill, which will include establishing a new water regulator. It also includes a critical programme of work to encourage better collaboration between existing water regulators.
Experience/skills required
You will help shape the Environment Agency’s response to the Water White Paper and the creation of a new integrated water regulator. Working across policy, strategy, communications and engagement, you will support the development of EA policy positions and help translate what changes could mean for the future design and role of the organisation.
You will work with colleagues across government, the EA and other regulators to build relationships, improve coordination and support better regulatory outcomes. You will help bring people together, create shared understanding, and ensure approaches remain coherent as thinking develops. The role requires someone comfortable working at pace, embracing constructive challenge and diverse perspectives, and contributing positively to a resilient, agile and high-performing team.
Contact and additional information
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel and overnights will be required.
Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact James.Gingell@environment-agency.gov.uk and Lucy.McMahon@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Length of contract: Up to 12 Months
Competence 1: Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Description
Describe a time when you have been part of a team developing policy options against a demanding timetable. How did you draw from expertise and stakeholder views to present credible choices?
Competence 2: Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Describe a time when you engaged with, influenced and galvanised a wide range of stakeholders around a common goal. What approaches and techniques did you use?
Competence 3: Leading and communicating
Description
Describe a time when you have led others to deliver in a situation where desired outcomes were ambiguous and/or there was uncertainty
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.
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.
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 this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.
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. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with 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.
