Overview

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We recognise the importance of diversity and aim to reflect it across our staff, communities and environment.

England is reforming agricultural policy and spending through the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes incentivise farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production, with public money supporting these public goods. This role aims to influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of our organisational response to government reviews, and to help shape our response to water quality, the environment and climate goals.

The Environment Agency ELM team seeks dynamic, strategic thinkers to inform and shape the future of ELM, particularly the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). You will deliver key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and contribute to continuous improvement of the scheme through its design and delivery. You will provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, identify risks and resource requirements, and work across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports our outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings and deliver oversight of programme milestones.
• Manage commissions and identify future risks and resource requirements.
• Work across a variety of teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports and delivers outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of incentives within the wider reform context.
• Support continuous improvement of the CSHT within the Farming and Countryside Programme.

Experience and 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; a self-starter who actively develops and advances ideas.
• Ability to engage across organisations and with senior leaders to achieve consistency and collaboration.

Ideal Capabilities

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

Contact and Additional Information

• EA Office base location is flexible/hybrid in England; some travel may be required.
• Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack for information.
• Kate Bayley: kate.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk
• D-J Gent: dj.gent@environment-agency.gov.uk

Applications are parsed via a blind assessment process. 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.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job shares. We also guarantee an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.