Overview

Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management (ELM) – 31666

England is reforming agricultural policy with Environmental Land Management schemes. The Environment Agency aims to improve services to farmers and shape its response to government reviews. This role will influence the design and delivery of incentives within ELM and contribute to the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) while supporting EA2030 targets for water, environment and climate.

Responsibilities

• Deliver key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and contribute to continuous improvement in scheme design and delivery.
• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, and identify risks and resource requirements.
• Collaborate across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that delivers outcomes aligned with EA2030 and government targets.

Team context

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

Experience / Skills Required

• Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies; able to represent the Environment Agency to Defra and others.
• Politically aware with excellent communication and networking skills.
• Understanding of environmental sensitivities associated with significant agriculture sector reform.
• Experience interpreting and evaluating evidence to propose effective risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
• Ability to prioritize and deliver complex work.
• Self-starter who actively develops and advances ideas.

Ideal candidates will also be able to:

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

Competencies

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

Location & Logistics

EA Office base location with flexible/hybrid working in England. Some travel and occasional overnight stays may be required. Incident management objectives will be part of development plans; appropriate training will be provided.

Applications

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 based on competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to a reserve list, your details may be retained for up to 6 months and you may be offered an alternative post.

Equal Opportunities & Recruitment Policy

The Environment Agency is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and flexible working patterns, including job sharing. We offer a Guaranteed Interview policy to applicants with disabilities who meet minimum criteria. The Agency uses Crown frameworks and contracts for external recruitment.