Overview

Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

The Environment Agency are committed to an inclusive workforce and to reflecting the communities we serve. We are reforming agricultural policy and spending in England, moving from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes enable farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes in return for public money. This role involves influencing the design and delivery of incentives within the broader context of the Agency's response to recent government reviews and supporting the journey toward EA2030 targets for water, the environment and climate.

The Environment Agency ELM team seeks dynamic, strategic thinkers to shape the future of ELM and the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). The role contributes to delivering key CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and supports continuous improvement in scheme design and delivery.

Responsibilities

• Provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, and oversee Programme milestones.
• Identify future risks and resource requirements; work across teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that delivers outcomes.
• Influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of organisational response to government reviews.
• Deliver and support CSHT products and contribute to continuous improvement of the scheme.
• Participate in a collaborative, agile, fast-paced environment within the Nature & Place Directorate.

Experience and qualifications

• Experience of Agriculture and working with Defra and other statutory bodies is essential.
• Political awareness with excellent communication and networking skills.
• Understanding 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 develops and advances ideas.

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

Location, travel and working arrangements

You’ll have an EA Office base location; as a national role, the working location is flexible/hybrid in England. Some travel/overnights will be required. The team uses smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel.

Application process and 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 and assessed against competency questions. Interviews are expected via MS Teams two weeks after the closing date. If you are on a reserve list, your details may be held for 6 months for potential alternative posts.

Additional information

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. We have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability meeting minimum criteria. The Environment Agency is not part of HM Civil Service; eligibility for continuous service may vary if you migrate from other public bodies.