Overview

Flood and Coastal Risk Management - Advisor - Natural Flood Management - 32108

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 and you will be required to have an incident role with the possibility of additional payment and full training. Workplace adjustments will be available to support your incident role.

The team

You’ll join a small, inclusive Natural Flood Management Team within the Strategy and Adaptation Department of our national Flood and Coastal Risk Management Directorate. We’re a collaborative and passionate team, driving forward NFM. The department works closely with Defra and other partners to shape the future of flood resilience, set strategic direction, and drive innovation. It’s a dynamic space, and we welcome flexible working for all roles.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the NFM Community of Practice and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
• Lead workstreams such as environmental and hydrological monitoring, permitting, or asset management with initiative and independence.
• Provide project tracking and grant management support for the NFM Programme.
• Secretariat support for the NFM Programme and help mainstream innovative approaches into the wider FCERM portfolio.
• Travel as required; hybrid working and some overnight stays.
• Respond to incidents as part of the team’s incident role with training and potential additional payment.

Experience/skills Required

We’re seeking a proactive individual with a strong track record of delivering results. You’ll be confident managing a varied workload, coordinating across teams, and progressing work independently.

A relevant qualification or experience in FCRM or a related discipline is essential. We welcome candidates with 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, including coding, Power BI, Power Automate and effective use of tracking and filing systems
• Using GIS tools and carrying out spatial data analysis

Safety, inclusion and working patterns
The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. If applying from Civil Service, note that EA is not part of HM Civil Service. Please check your eligibility with your HR team if unsure.

We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We guarantee an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

Contact and additional information
If you have questions about the role, 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.

Competencies

Competence 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?

Competence 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 did you use to stay effective, and how did you ensure your wellbeing was maintained?

Competence 3 – Works in Teams
Thinking of a time when you’ve worked as part of an effective team, 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?

Competence 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?

Note
If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants in local government, continuous service for redundancy calculation may apply per regulations. Contact your HR Team if unsure.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please include any information about your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability. The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment. For supplier opportunities, visit the Crown Commercial Service guidance.

Artificial intelligence disclaimer
AI can assist your application, but all content must be truthful and from your own experience. Do not plagiarise. We align with Civil Service guidance on AI use.