Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek diversity and strive to create an environment where staff, communities and the environment benefit from our shared work.

Overview

England is reforming agricultural policy and spending through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. This role supports Defra and delivery partner colleagues to improve services to farmers, shape the design and delivery of incentives, and contribute to the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, environment and climate. The role will influence policy and the wider organisational response to government reviews aimed at cleaner water, better regulation, and greater economic growth and nature recovery.

The Environment Agency ELM team seeks dynamic, strategic thinkers to influence the future of ELM, particularly the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). You will contribute to the design and delivery of CSHT products within the Farming and Countryside Programme, and provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, and identify future risks and resource needs. You will work across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that delivers outcomes.

Team

The team sits within the Nature & Place Directorate, part of the National Agriculture and Land Team. We work in an agile, fast-paced, flexible and collaborative environment and are committed to a welcoming, safe, supportive workplace. We are a dispersed team and use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings and manage commissions related to CSHT and ELM delivery.
• Deliver and oversee programme milestones and identify risks and resource requirements.
• Collaborate with Defra, delivery bodies, and the agriculture sector to achieve consistency and improve collaboration.
• Influence design and delivery of incentives within the wider response to government reviews.
• Engage with senior leaders and external partners to articulate schemes that deliver EA outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience

• 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 major agricultural sector reform.
• Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for challenging 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
• Focuses on Customers and Partners
• Delivers Results Through Others

Location and Travel

EA Office base location; flexible/hybrid in England. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. Smart tools are used to stay connected and reduce travel.

Application and Assessment

Applications are blind-assessed using competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to being on a reserve list, your details may be held for 6 months for potential alternative posts. Read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for more information.

Contact

Please contact: Kate Bayley (kate.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk) or D-J Gent (dj.gent@environment-agency.gov.uk).

The Environment Agency is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes flexible working patterns, including job shares. We guarantee an interview to any disabled candidate whose application meets the minimum criteria.

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