Overview

The Environment Agency is reforming agricultural policy and spending through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, moving from CAP to ELM. ELM schemes incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production, with public money to support public goods. This role will influence the design and delivery of incentives within the organisation’s response to government reviews and support the delivery of the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). It involves working with Defra and delivery partner colleagues to improve services to farmers and to help achieve EA2030 targets for water, the environment and climate.

The ELM team informs and shapes the future of ELM, delivering CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme, and contributing to continuous improvement through design and delivery. The role includes providing advice in meetings, managing commissions, overseeing programme milestones, identifying risks and resource needs, and collaborating with senior leaders across teams and organisations.

The team sits within the Nature & Place Directorate, part of the National Agriculture and Land Team, working with government, statutory bodies and industry in an agile, fast-paced environment. We value diversity, foster a supportive culture, and use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee programme milestones for the Farming and Countryside Programme.
• Identify future risks and resource requirements; work with multiple teams and organisations to articulate a scheme that supports outcomes.
• Influence the design and delivery of incentives within the broader reform context.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of CSHT through its design and delivery.

Qualifications / Experience

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

Ideal competencies

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

Role details

• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Location & travel

EA Office base location; national role with flexible/hybrid working in England. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

Application and contact

Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack. For more information, contact:

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

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

Additional notes

The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcomes flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria. The Agency operates as a Non-Departmental Public Body and uses government frameworks for recruitment.