Overview

Flood and Coastal Risk Management (FCRM) – Advisor, Natural Flood Management (NFM). This permanent role supports the £25 million NFM Programme through project tracking, grant management, and secretariat support, with the aim of embedding nature-based solutions to reduce flood risk and deliver wider benefits for nature, communities, and society.

You will coordinate the NFM Community of Practice, respond to stakeholder enquiries, and 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 the role and may attract additional payment; full training and workplace adjustments are available to support you in your incident role.

The team is a small, inclusive Natural Flood Management Team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of the national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. We work with Defra and partners to shape the future of flood resilience and drive innovation. Flexible working is welcome.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and upscale Natural Flood Management across England by supporting project tracking, grant management, and programme governance.
• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder inquiries.
• Lead specific workstreams (e.g., environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, asset management) with initiative and independence.
• Assist in mainstreaming innovative approaches trialled through the programme into the wider FCERM investment portfolio.
• Travel as required; this role includes hybrid working and potential overnight stays.
• Respond to incidents, with eligible payment and access to training and workplace adjustments.

Experience and Skills

• A relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential.
• 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 a wide range of delivery bodies.
• Clear, effective communication; strong digital and data skills (coding, Power BI, Power Automate) and effective use of tracking and filing systems.
• Proficiency with GIS tools and spatial data analysis.

Additional information

• We are committed to an inclusive workforce reflecting the communities we serve and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.
• Contact: Eleanor Heron (eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk) or Jon Hollis (jon.hollis@environment-agency.gov.uk).
• Interviews will take place virtually during the week commencing 3 November.
• We support flexible working arrangements, including job share where possible; please indicate your preferred working arrangements in your application.
• Guaranteed Interview Policy: we guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.
• Legal and recruitment notes: Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body. For information about supplier opportunities, see GOV.UK guidance on becoming a Crown Commercial Service supplier.

Additional notes

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application; all examples and statements must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Avoid presenting ideas or experiences of others or those generated by AI as your own.