Senior Advisor - Future Agriculture - Environmental Land Management - 31666

The Environment Agency is committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek diversity, embrace it and live it for the benefit of staff, communities and the environment.

England is reforming agricultural policy and spending through Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. ELM schemes encourage farmers and land managers to deliver water, soil and biodiversity outcomes alongside food production, in return for public money. Working with Defra and delivery partner colleagues, you will help radically improve our services to farmers. The reforms support a resilient, productive agriculture sector, align with the EA2030 strategy and government targets for water, environment and climate. This role will influence the design and delivery of incentives within the wider context of our organisational response to government reviews aimed at improving water quality, regulation and nature recovery.

The Environment Agency ELM team seeks dynamic, strategic thinkers to shape the future of ELM, particularly the delivery of Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT). You will contribute to the delivery of CSHT products for the Farming and Countryside Programme and drive ongoing improvements in scheme design and delivery.

You will provide advice in meetings, manage commissions, oversee programme milestones, identify risks and resource requirements, and work across multiple teams and organisations with senior leaders to articulate a scheme that supports our outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide advisory input in meetings and manage commissions.
• Deliver and oversee programme milestones; identify risks and resource needs.
• Collaborate across teams and external partners to articulate and deliver schemes that meet outcomes.
• Contribute to the design and delivery of incentives within ELM and related policy responses.

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

Ideal capabilities

• Get things done, including through others; embody the organisation’s culture.
• Ensure information is trusted and cascade key information.
• Build relationships quickly and manage challenging issues effectively.

Location, travel and working arrangements

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

Application and selection process

Please read the Candidate/Additional Information Pack. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions. 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, we may contact you about alternative posts for up to 6 months.

Contact details:

• Kate Bayley: kate.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk
• D-J Gent: dj.gent@environment-agency.gov.uk

Competencies (examples requested in application)

• Shapes organisational approach & delivery
• Achieves results
• Focuses on customers and partners
• Delivers results through others
• Seeing the big picture

The Environment Agency is an inclusive, diverse employer and welcomes flexible working arrangements, including job sharing. There is a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria.