Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

Overview

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce. This role supports the reform of agricultural policy and spending in England, moving from CAP to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. The ELM team will contribute to the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of Government reviews, delivering public goods in water, soil and biodiversity while supporting the agricultural sector’s resilience and growth.

The role involves informing and shaping the future of ELM, with a focus on delivering Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) products, managing commissions, and ensuring milestones, risks and resource needs are overseen. You will work across multiple teams and organisations, including senior leaders, to articulate schemes that deliver outcomes aligned with EA2030 and government targets for water, environment and climate.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee programme milestones.
• Identify risks and resource requirements; work across teams and organisations to articulate and deliver schemes that meet outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of incentives within the Environmental Land Management context.
• Support the Farming and Countryside Programme with CSHT products and drive continuous improvement in scheme design and delivery.
• Engage with Defra, delivery bodies and the agriculture sector to promote consistency and collaboration.

Experience / Skills Required

• 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 associated with significant agriculture sector reform.
• Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work, and to act as a self-starter who develops and progresses 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

Additional information

• Base location: EA office with flexible/hybrid working in England; some travel/overnights may be required.
• Incident management objective included in development plan; appropriate training will be provided.
• We welcome flexible working patterns, including job share; guaranteed interview policy for applicants with a disability who meet minimum criteria.
• Screening and selection may involve competency-based questions and MS Teams interviews; reserve list may be used.

Contact

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

Applicant notes

Applications are assessed using competency questions. For information about the role or status, contact the provided email addresses. The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body and is committed to value for money and using Central Government frameworks for recruitment.