Overview

Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce. England is reforming agricultural policy and expenditure from the CAP to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. This role involves influencing the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of government reviews and supporting the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). The team is part of the Nature & Place Directorate within the National Agriculture and Land Team, working with government, statutory bodies and industry in an agile, fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme; contribute to continuous improvement of the scheme through its design and delivery.
• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee programme milestones.
• Identify future risks and resource requirements; work across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports outcomes.
• Influence the design and delivery of incentives within the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, environment and climate.
• Engage with Defra and delivery bodies to achieve consistency across organisations.

Experience / Qualifications

• Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies is essential.
• Politically aware with excellent communication and networking skills.
• Understanding of environmental sensitivities related to agriculture sector reform.
• Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for complex problems.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work; self-starter who develops and advances ideas.

Ideal Capabilities

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

Location and Travel

EA Office base location; national role with flexible/hybrid working in England. Some travel/overnights required. The environment supports flexible working and reduced travel.

Application Process & Contacts

Applications are assessed blind using competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you are placed on a reserve list, your details may be held for 6 months for potential offers.

• Kate Bayley: kate.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk
• D-J Gent: dj.gent@environment-agency.gov.uk

Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for information.

Notes

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, welcome flexible working patterns, and offer a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities whose applications meet minimum criteria.