Landscape jobs in United Kingdom

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

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.

• 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.

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.

• Essential: Level A1 – Entry level

• 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.

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.

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

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.