Advisor - Water Resources Resilience - 31494

The Environment Agency is committed to fostering an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value diversity and aim to create an environment where everyone can thrive.

It’s an exciting time to be involved in planning England’s water resources. Our water supply faces ongoing pressure due to droughts and dry weather, with recent publications like the National Framework for Water Resources guiding our efforts to ensure future water security. As an integral part of this initiative, you will play a key role in its success.

First introduced in March 2020, the framework marked a significant shift in planning for resilient water resources amidst climate change, droughts, and population growth, promoting integrated, multi-sector planning at all levels. The 2025 update intensifies these efforts, emphasizing collaboration across sectors and levels.

Your responsibilities will include supporting the delivery and implementation of the National Framework, working closely with stakeholders such as Defra, regulators, Water Companies, and representatives from energy, agriculture, and other water-using sectors.

The team

You will be part of the Water Resources Resilience team, which leads the National Framework and collaborates across sectors to enhance resilience.

We are part of the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate, which influences policy, legislation, and delivery to meet environmental objectives, using evidence, engagement, and innovation to build trust and secure resources for environmental improvements.

Experience and skills required

We welcome applications from those with a good understanding of water resources, but this role also offers opportunities for those outside the field to learn. We are particularly interested if you have:

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

As a dispersed team, you should be able to work independently while maintaining effective communication. Development opportunities and training will be provided.

Additional information

This is a fixed-term role until 31 March 2026. We support flexible and hybrid working arrangements and will assist in finding roles that suit your needs. Training will be provided, and an inclusive incident management objective will be part of your development plan.

The role is based at an EA Office location, with flexible working options. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. Please review the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for further details. Queries can be directed to WRNationalFramework@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Applications are assessed based on competency questions, and interviews will be conducted via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Contract length

Until 31/03/2026

Competencies

• Achieves Results: Describe your most significant achievement, why you are proud, feedback received, and lessons learned.
• Influences and Persuades Others: Provide an example of persuading someone to your point of view, challenges faced, outcomes, and lessons learned.
• Takes Decisions and Solves Problems: Share an instance of making a quick decision, key factors, outcome, and reflections on doing it differently next time.

Note: The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; therefore, employment terms differ from Crown employment. Civil service or local government employees should check their status regarding continuous service and redundancy entitlements.

We value diversity and encourage flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. We guarantee interviews for applicants with disabilities meeting minimum criteria.

The Environment Agency is committed to value for money and uses government frameworks for recruitment. Direct market engagement is not conducted; interested suppliers should visit the Crown Commercial Service website for opportunities.