Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

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The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek and embrace diversity for the benefit of our staff, communities and the environment.

England is reforming agricultural policy and spending with the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, moving from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). ELM schemes incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. Working with Defra and delivery partner colleagues, you will help improve services to farmers. These reforms support the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, the environment and climate. The role may influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of organisational response to government reviews to achieve clean water, economic growth and nature recovery through regulation.

The Environment Agency ELM team seeks dynamic, strategic thinkers to shape the future of ELM, particularly the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). You will contribute to the continuous improvement of the scheme through its design and delivery, deliver and oversee milestones, manage commissions, identify risks and resource requirements, and collaborate with senior leaders across teams and organisations.

Experience/skills Required

You will represent our expertise to Defra, delivery bodies and the agricultural sector to achieve consistency and effective collaboration. Essential experience includes:

• Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies.
• Politically aware with excellent communication and networking skills.
• Understanding of environmental sensitivities associated with major agricultural sector reform.
• Experience interpreting and evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work as a self-starter who develops ideas and drives them forward.

Ideal candidates will show they can:

• Get things done, including through others.
• Embark our culture and ensure information is trusted.
• Cascade key information and build relationships quickly.
• Remain calm and resolve issues effectively.

Capabilities: Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery; Achieves Results; Seeing the Bigger Picture (Business of the EA); Focuses on Customers and Partners; Delivers Results Through Others.

Work arrangements: EA Office base location; flexible/hybrid in England. Some travel/overnights may be required. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Please include any preferred working arrangements on your application.

Applications and selection: Applications are blind assessed based on competency questions. Interviews via MS Teams are expected two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to being on a reserve list, your details may be kept for 6 months and you may be offered an alternative post.

Competencies (examples):

• Shapes organisational approach & delivery – provide examples of strategic work and prioritisation of resources.
• Achieves Results – prioritise and organise work under uncertainty.
• Focuses on Customers and Partners – provide rapid, effective responses to customers.
• Delivers Results Through Others – harness a team to deliver on time and to standard.
• Seeing the Big Picture – understand implications of government reviews on the water sector and regulatory reform.

Important notes:

1. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; continuous service rules differ. If unsure, consult your HR team.
2. We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share. Please indicate your preferred arrangements.
3. Guaranteed Interview Policy applies for applicants with a disability whose application meets minimum criteria.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and to providing value for money through central government frameworks. For supplier opportunities, see Crown Commercial Service guidelines.