Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Advisor - Natural Flood Management

We’re on an ambitious journey to embed nature-based solutions at the heart of flood resilience. As outlined in our FCERM Strategy and Roadmap, Natural Flood Management (NFM) plays a vital role in reducing flood risk while delivering wider benefits for nature, communities, and society.

This permanent role offers an exciting opportunity to help deliver and upscale NFM across England. You’ll support our £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support. You’ll also help mainstream innovative approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.

In addition, you’ll coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries. We’re looking for someone who can confidently lead specific workstreams – such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management – with initiative and independence.

The role involves hybrid working, with some travel and overnight stays. Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and workplace adjustments will be available to support you with your incident role.

Responsibilities

Work closely with the Natural Flood Management Team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of our national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. Drive forward NFM, support collaboration with Defra and partners, and welcome flexible working for all roles.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong track record of delivering results and managing a varied workload.
• Relevant qualification or experience in Flood & Coastal Risk Management or a related discipline.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management – commissioning, funding, delivery, and identifying opportunities and barriers to upscaling.
• Project and grant management.
• EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Building and sustaining stakeholder relationships, including supporting delivery bodies.
• Clear, effective communication.
• Strong digital and data skills, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Using GIS tools and carrying out spatial data analysis.

We’re committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

Competence Assessment

1. Achieves Results

Please give an example of a time when you successfully delivered a complex or challenging outcome despite having incomplete information or uncertainty around the solution. How did you approach the situation, and what steps did you take to move forward and achieve results?

2. Manages Self

Please give us a work example where you drew on your personal organisation skills and resilience to manage a demanding situation. What techniques or approaches did you use to stay effective, and how did you ensure your wellbeing was maintained throughout?

3. Works in Teams

Thinking of a time when you’ve worked as part of an effective team, can you describe how your behaviour, skills, and knowledge contributed to the team’s effectiveness? What was the outcome, and is there anything you’re particularly proud to have achieved as part of that team?

4. Data and Information Management

Describe a time when you collected, analysed, and interpreted a complex set of data. How did you approach the task, what tools did you use, and how did you present your findings to communicate a compelling case to your audience?

Application and Interview Information

Contact Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk) for questions. Interviews will take place virtually week commencing 3 Nov.

Employment Details

Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Finance and Sales

Equal Opportunities and Inclusive Hiring

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, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 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.