Overview

Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

England is reforming agricultural policy and spending through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes support farmers to provide public goods in return for public money, incentivising water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. The Environment Agency aims to improve services to farmers in this context and shape our organisational response to government reviews. This role contributes to the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) and the Farming and Countryside Programme, advising on scheme design and delivery and working with Defra and delivery partners.

Responsibilities

• Deliver key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and contribute to continuous improvement of scheme design and delivery.
• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, and identify risks and resource requirements.
• Collaborate with a variety of teams and organisations, including senior leaders, to articulate a scheme that supports outcomes.
• Influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, the environment and climate.
• Represent EA expertise to Defra, delivery bodies and the agriculture sector to achieve consistency and improve cross-organisation collaboration.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies is essential.
• Politically aware with excellent communication and networking skills.
• Understanding 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; self-starter who develops and advances ideas.
• Ideal candidates will demonstrate capability to get things done through others, embody the culture, ensure information is trusted, cascade key information, build relationships quickly, and manage conflict 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

Location, Travel & Working Arrangements

You’ll have an EA Office base location; the role is national with flexible/hybrid working in England. Some travel and overnight stays are required. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

How to apply / Contacts

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

Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to a reserve list, details may be held for 6 months for potential alternative posts. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies, continuous service status may vary. See the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for details.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working, including job sharing. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management and Manufacturing