Strategic Design and Transition Programme - Strategy Policy Lead - 32167

Environment Agency; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A national environmental organization in Penrith seeks a Strategy Policy Lead to guide the Strategic Design and Transition Programme. This role involves leading policy development related to water regulation, engaging with various stakeholders, and shaping the EA's future direction. The candidate should have strong knowledge of environmental management, excellent communication skills, and experience in policy development. Flexible working options are available.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of how the water sector is managed and regulated.
• Experience working in central government to develop policy.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills.
• Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead work to provide evidence-based advice related to the water regulation.
• Engage with colleagues across Government to develop thinking.
• Support improvements to water regulation before legislative changes.
• Coordinate EA views and advice for Government Departments.

Skills

Knowledge of environmental management

Policy development experience

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication skills

Cross-boundary influencing

Job description

Strategic Design and Transition Programme - Strategy Policy Lead - 32167

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We’re looking for an experienced Strategy and Policy Specialist to take a lead role in a new EA team, the Strategic Design and Transition Programme, looking at what the recommendations in the Independent Water Commission’s report into the water sector and its regulation mean for the future of the Environment Agency. This includes considering the options for the EA’s future shape and design and developing a plan to ensure we continue to protect and enhance the environment and support sustainable growth.

This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of shaping the future of the EA.

You will:

• Lead work to provide high quality, balanced and evidence-based advice to support future thinking in light of the IWC report recommendations, in particular the recommendation to create one single water regulator.
• Lead engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA and other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.
• Support work to seek and make improvements to water regulation in advance of any future legislative change.
• Lead work to support Government Departments as they shape future policy by coordinating EA views and advice.
• Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking whilst keeping pace in a fast-moving environment.
• Take a flexible approach assisting other projects and workstreams within the programme as needed.
• Be an active member of the team, playing a role in creating conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.

The team

You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors. The team is still forming, but you can expect a friendly welcome and an engaging and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.

Experience/skills Required

• Knowledge and understanding of environmental management and/or the water sector, how it is managed and regulated and the EA’s role in that.
• Experience of working in central government to develop policy, including working with specialists such as economists and scientists.
• Ability to think and act strategically.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issue and information into simple, targeted advice often at short notice.
• Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels.

Contact and additional information

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel. Some travel will be required, and this may occasionally include an overnight stay.

Please see Job Profile for more information. Any queries, contact [e-mail]

Applications are blind assessed using your answers to the questions asked.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.

Length of contract

Up to 12 months

Competence 1

Shapes organisational approach & delivery

Description

Describe a time when you led strategic thinking or direction within a complex programme or organisation? How did you ensure alignment across different stakeholders and maintain momentum in a fast-paced environment?

Competence 2

Embraces Change

Description

Describe a situation where you had to embrace ambiguity and constructive challenge while working on a policy or strategy. How did you ensure diverse perspectives were considered and integrated into the final outcome?

Competence 3

Making effective decisions

Description

Give an example of how you’ve used evidence-based analysis to inform policy development or strategic advice. How did you work with technical specialists (e.g., economists, scientists) to ensure your recommendations were robust and credible?

Competence 4

Influences and Persuades Others

Description

Describe how you’ve navigated cross-government or multi-agency environments to influence policy or strategic outcomes. What approaches did you use to build relationships and ensure your organisation’s voice was heard?

Additional Information

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls. Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.