OverviewG5 Communications and Engagement Business Partner – 31973. This opportunity supports the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance (STA) Directorate, helping tell the story of the Environment Agency (EA) as it evolves to respond to environmental challenges set out in EA2030. The Internal Communications and Engagement (ICE) team builds cohesion across directorates to plan and coordinate activity across STA, ensuring people receive the right information, in the right format, at the right time.This is a new way of working, with the ICE team building cohesion across directorates. Each role will oversee a portfolio of work while collaborating to share insight and provide resilience. ResponsibilitiesWork across a portfolio of themes, acting as a vital link between the directorate and the wider ICE team.Interact widely and develop effective relationships with stakeholders and customers across the organisation.Plan strategy, share and drive best practice, set editorial standards, ensure executional consistency, align with organisational priorities and our brand.Align communications and engagement with the central narrative and assure corporate discipline to improve message consistency.Champion high standards and help people engage with the things that truly matter.Influence teams and departments to maximise the effectiveness of the work.Team and ContextThe ICE business partner team is a small cross-functional group of communication and engagement experts within the ICE team, part of the STA Directorate. We collaborate with Defra Group Communications and other colleagues to enable effective communications and engagement by providing the right tools, skills and ways of working, plan and deliver integrated activities, and continually improve engagement with our people.Experience / Skills RequiredAbility to persuade, influence and reason with others.Experience and understanding of planning and delivering excellent communications and engagement activities to drive operational improvements.Ability to balance a broad understanding of EA challenges in delivering EA2030 with prioritisation of individual projects and programmes.Comfort in creating and maintaining relationships at all levels of the EA and Defra; able to work as part of a dispersed team.Comfortable challenging constructively and driving high standards for all communications and engagement activities.Additional InformationThis is a hybrid role with flexible working from home and EA offices. Occasional travel may be required. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and flexible working patterns, including job share. An incident response role is part of the position, with potential additional pay; training and workplace adjustments are available.Interviews are expected toward the end of October. For more information, contact sam.elfer@environment-agency.gov.uk.CompetenciesCommunicates Effectively: Listens, questions to understand and engages; conveys information clearly in speech and writing.Engages Others: Plans, carries out and evaluates effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders.Influences and Persuades Others: Presents cases in a convincing way to win support and follow plans.Builds and Sustains Relationships: Develops and maintains effective working relationships.Notes for ApplicantsWe are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working patterns and encourage you to include your preferred working arrangements in your application. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; continuous service eligibility varies with local government rules. If applying from the Civil Service, consult your HR team to confirm status. We also offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria. The EA is a Non-Departmental Public Body sponsored by Defra and uses Central Government frameworks for recruitment.Artificial intelligence disclaimer: AI can support your application, but all examples must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal or disciplinary action. We align with Civil Service guidance on AI usage. #J-18808-Ljbffr