Overview

Flood and Coastal Risk Management – Advisor – Natural Flood Management (NFM) role focusing on delivering and scaling nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and provide wider benefits. This permanent role supports the £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support, and helps mainstream innovative approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio. The team coordinates the NFM Community of Practice and responds to stakeholder enquiries. The role involves hybrid working with some travel and overnight stays. Responding to incidents is a central part of the work; you will be required to have an incident role and may receive additional payment and training/workplace adjustments will be provided to support this responsibility.

The Environment Agency’s Natural Flood Management Team sits within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of the national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. The department collaborates with Defra and other partners to shape flood resilience, set strategic direction, and drive innovation. Flexible working is welcomed for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Support the £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat duties.
• Help mainstream innovative NFM approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.
• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Lead specific workstreams (e.g., environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, asset management) with initiative and independence.
• Deliver results in a varied workload across teams and progress work independently.
• Travel as required by the role, including occasional overnight stays; hybrid working arrangement.
• Respond to incidents as part of business continuity and incident management; eligibility for additional payment and access to training/workplace adjustments.

Qualifications and experience

• A relevant qualification or experience in Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) or a related discipline is essential.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management (commissioning, funding, delivery, and scaling opportunities).
• Project and grant management experience; familiarity with EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Ability to build and sustain stakeholder relationships across a range of delivery bodies; strong communication skills.
• Strong digital and data skills, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate, and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Experience using GIS tools and carrying out spatial data analysis.

Additional information

• We are committed to an inclusive workforce; flexible working patterns are supported, including job sharing. Please include any information about preferred working arrangements on your application.
• We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.
• The Environment Agency operates as a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses central government frameworks; suppliers may refer to Crown Commercial Service guidance for opportunities.
• Interviews will be conducted virtually during the week commencing 3 November.

Contact details: Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) and Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk).