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

We’re on an ambitious journey to embed nature-based solutions at the heart of flood resilience. This permanent senior role offers a unique opportunity to shape and accelerate the work to scale up Natural Flood Management (NFM) – building on learning, piloting approaches, and filling evidence gaps. You’ll lead key areas of work that influence national policy, investment decisions, and on‑the‑ground practice.

Responsibilities

The role will focus on several key priorities, including:

• Supporting the set‑up and managing the delivery of emerging large‑scale NFM pilots.
• Leading the evaluation of the £25 million NFM programme, including ownership of national analysis of hydrological and environmental monitoring data and evidence synthesis.
• Aligning with and delivering the agreed national direction of travel, supporting mainstreaming of NFM.
• Managing stakeholder relationships across the Environment Agency, EA partners such as Natural England and Defra, and delivery bodies.
• Co‑leading the internal NFM Community of Practice to build capability and share learning.
• Acting as a role model for the advisor within the team and collaborating to keep colleagues informed and aligned.
• Responding to incidents and providing business continuity support during an incident, which may include an additional payment.

Qualifications / Experience

• Comfortable managing competing priorities and leading work independently.
• A relevant qualification or experience in FCERM or a related discipline – a degree is desirable.
• Experience in Natural Flood Management – commissioning, funding, delivery, and identifying opportunities to upscale.
• Innovating and piloting approaches to NFM.
• Programme and financial management, including grant giving.
• Understanding of EA processes and governance (e.g., Scheme of Delegation and assurance).
• Building and sustaining stakeholder relationships, including working with delivery bodies.
• Communicating with clarity and impact, both written and verbal, including briefing senior leaders.
• Distilling key findings from evidence and insights, and translating them into strategic recommendations.

Location and Working Arrangements

Hybrid working with some travel and overnight stays. Flexible working is supported for all roles.

Contact

For questions about the role, contact Eleanor Heron at eleanor.heron@environment-agency.gov.uk. Interviews will be conducted virtually week commencing 17th November.

Diversity and Inclusion

We’re fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage flexible working arrangements and disability support.