Overview

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce. England is reforming agricultural policy and spending through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes, which incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. This role supports the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, environment and climate. The role will influence the design and delivery of ELM incentives and help shape the organisation's response to government reviews, with a focus on delivering Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) products for the Farming and Countryside Programme.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee programme milestones.
• Identify future risks and resource requirements; work across a variety of teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports outcomes.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the CSHT scheme through its design and delivery.
• Represent expertise to Defra, delivery bodies and the agriculture sector to achieve consistency and improve collaboration among organisations.
• Work within the Nature & Place Directorate as part of the National Agriculture and Land Team, in an agile, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.

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 associated with significant agriculture sector reform.
• Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose effective risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work; self-starter who actively develops and takes ideas forward.

Ideal capabilities

• Get things done, including through others
• Embody the organisational culture
• Ensure information is trusted
• Cascade key information
• Build relationships quickly
• Soothe troubled waters

Other 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 possible overnight stays may be required.

Application information

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 blind assessed via competency questions. Interviews are expected 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 and an alternative post may be offered.

The Environment Agency is a Non-Departmental Public Body committed to diversity and flexible working patterns. We guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability meeting the minimum criteria. The Agency uses Central Government frameworks and contracts for recruitment.