Overview

Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management. The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to delivering Government reform of agricultural policy and funding through Environmental Land Management schemes.

In this role you will influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of shaping our organisational response to government reviews, and help deliver high quality schemes that support water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production. You will work with Defra and delivery partner colleagues to improve services to farmers and contribute to the EA2030 strategy and targets for water, the environment and climate.

This position is part of the Nature & Place Directorate, National Agriculture and Land Team, and involves working with colleagues across government, statutory bodies and industry in an agile, fast-paced, flexible environment. The team emphasises connectivity and a welcoming, inclusive culture with reduced travel where possible.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, identify risks and resource requirements.
• Influence and shape the design and delivery of incentives within Environmental Land Management, particularly the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).
• Collaborate across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that delivers EA outcomes.
• Deliver key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and contribute to continuous improvement of the scheme through its design and execution.

Experience & Skills Required

• 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 related to major agricultural reform.
• Experience interpreting/evaluating evidence to propose risk-based solutions for challenging problems.
• Ability to prioritise and deliver complex work as a self-starter who develops and advances ideas.

Competencies (Examples)

• Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery: inform and influence Government policy and agricultural scheme design and implementation; provide examples of strategic work and resource prioritisation.
• Achieves Results: prioritise and organise tasks and resources amid uncertainty.
• Focuses on Customers and Partners: address internal and external customer needs and manage expectations.
• Delivers Results Through Others: harness teams to deliver on time and to required standards.
• Seeing the Big Picture: understand and respond to changing EA direction, goals and business context; discuss implications of government reviews on the water sector and regulatory reform.

Working Arrangements

You will have an EA Office base location, but the role is national and working location is flexible/hybrid in England. Some travel and overnight stays will be required. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

How to Apply / Contact

For more information please 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 about two weeks after the closing date. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, details may be kept for up to 6 months for potential alternative posts.