Advisor - Water Resources Resilience - 31494

The Environment Agency is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek, embrace, and live diversity for the benefit of our staff, communities, and environment.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in planning England’s water resources. Our water supply faces increasing pressure due to drought and dry weather, with the driest start to the year since 1976. We have published the National Framework for Water Resources to secure our future water supply, and your role will be crucial to its success.

First released in March 2020, the framework innovatively plans for water resources to be more resilient to climate change, droughts, and population growth, while also enhancing the environment. The 2025 update reflects the urgency of these challenges, promoting integrated planning across national, regional, and local levels.

Your responsibilities will include supporting activities to deliver and implement this framework, working closely with stakeholders such as Defra, regulators, water companies, and sectors like energy and agriculture.

The Team

You will join the Water Resources Resilience team, which leads the National Framework and collaborates across water-using sectors to improve resilience.

About Us

We are part of the Environment and Business Directorate, influencing policy, legislation, and delivery to meet environmental objectives through evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation.

Experience and Skills

We welcome applicants with a good understanding of water resources, but this role also offers learning opportunities for those outside the field. We are interested in candidates with:

• Project and programme management skills
• Experience in environmental regulation, planning, licensing, or sustainable abstraction
• Experience reviewing statutory plans
• Relationship-building with stakeholders
• A proven track record of achieving results

As a dispersed team, you must be proactive and able to communicate effectively remotely. Development opportunities and training are provided.

Additional Information

This fixed-term role runs until 31 March 2026. We support flexible, hybrid working and provide inclusive development plans. Some travel may be required. For more details, see the Candidate Pack or contact WRNationalFramework@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Applications are assessed via competency questions, with interviews via MS Teams within two weeks of closing.

Contract Duration: Until 31/03/2026

Competencies

• Achieves Results: Share your significant achievement, its impact, feedback received, lessons learned, and future improvements.
• Influences and Persuades: Describe a situation where you persuaded someone, challenges faced, and outcomes.
• Decides and Solves Problems: Provide an example of quick decision-making, key factors, and lessons learned.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; employment does not include civil service benefits. We value diversity and inclusion, supporting flexible and accessible working arrangements, including for disabled applicants.