Senior Strategic Environmental Policy Specialist in Aberystwyth

Natural Resources Wales; Aberystwyth; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental governance organization in Aberystwyth is looking for a Senior Strategic Environmental Policy Specialist to lead a cross-cutting policy programme. This role requires extensive knowledge of environmental legislation and experience in managing national-level work programmes. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in advising the Welsh and UK Governments on various environmental issues and strategies. Competitive salary with excellent benefits included.

Benefits

Civil Service Pension Scheme with generous contributions

28 to 33 days annual leave

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of environmental legislation and policy.
• Experience managing portfolios of environmental work programmes.
• Ability to work rapidly with a proven track record of delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop policy and advice for sustainable management of natural resources.
• Lead collaboration with the Office of Environmental Governance.
• Manage organisational risks related to the Integrated Approaches Programme.

Skills

Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation

Experience influencing government departments

Understanding of environmental governance

Ability to manage work programmes

Experience in programme and project management

Job description

Senior Strategic Environmental Policy Specialist (Role ID: 203146)

Directorate: Evidence, Policy and Permitting
Team: Integrated Approaches for Nature, Climate and People
Location: Aberystwyth
Grade/Salary: £52,268 – £57,726
Working pattern: Full time
Contract type: Fixed‑Term Appointment (FTA)
Closing date: 16/12/2025

The role

You will develop and manage a new, cross‑cutting programme of policy and advice that supports the sustainable management of natural resources (SMNR) as part of NRW's Natural Resource Management Service. The programme will enhance integration across nature, climate and people, covering policy areas such as climate change, biodiversity, wellbeing, nature access, environmental assessment, land use planning, landscape and energy. You will provide strategic environmental policy advice to NRW and to Welsh and UK Government and act as senior specialist advisor to the Natural Resource Management Service.

What you will do

• Serve as the principal point of contact with the Office of Environmental Governance for Wales to share information and collaborate on environmental governance, engagement and strategic projects.
• Develop policies, strategies, plans and programmes for a wide portfolio across nature, climate and people, ensuring alignment with Welsh legislation and driving collaboration with other policy areas and funding mechanisms.
• Identify and manage organisational and reputational risks relating to the Integrated Approaches Programme, exercising sound judgement and political awareness.
• Lead the mentoring and coaching of Advisors within the Integrated Approaches for Nature, Climate and People Group to build technical and legislative resilience.
• Retain ownership and oversight of the NRW Service Integrated Approaches policy area to ensure consistency with Welsh and Central Government approaches.
• Provide advice to Welsh and UK Government bodies, reviewing and advising on produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Commission evidence projects and manage complex evidence programmes in line with the evidence strategy.
• Contribute to task and finish groups on environmental governance, international engagement and strategic projects.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Support NRW's Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and commit to personal development plans.
• Perform any other reasonable duties consistent with the grade.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

1. Extensive knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation and policy drivers related to environmental governance, regulation and the environment.
2. Experience informing and influencing government departments or regulators on environmental issues.
3. Knowledge and practical understanding of overcoming the complex priorities, drivers and barriers faced by NRW, partners and stakeholders in delivering natural resource and environment outcomes in Wales.
4. Experience managing a portfolio of work programmes related to environmental policy at a national level.
5. In‑depth understanding of environmental governance and delivery barriers.
6. Ability to work at pace and a track record of delivery.
7. Programme and project management experience and/or qualifications.

Welsh language requirements

• Essential: Level A1 – Entry level

Benefits

• Civil Service Pension Scheme with 28.97% employer contributions.
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days.
• Generous leave entitlements.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
• Weekly wellbeing hour.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We embrace diversity of workforce and encourage applications from under‑represented communities. We guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. All candidates will be considered fairly regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Key contact

For an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Mary Lewis at mary.lewis(A)cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk.

Additional information

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Visa route. Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. The fixed‑term appointment lasts until 29 May 2026, with potential for permanent placement.