Job Description
At the Environment Agency, we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed.
Do you want to be at the heart of shaping the future of water management?
We are at the forefront of addressing the multiple challenges and transformations in water policy driven by climate change, a growing population, and socio-economic changes. Our proactive engagement with the government during the development of the Environment Act, the Special Measures Bill, and the Cunliffe Review has demonstrated that early insights foster greater innovation, action, and alignment in our joint water-related goals.
We are seeking a Strategic Water Policy Manager to lead and oversee emerging water policy, identify dependencies, and anticipate future developments. This role is crucial for enhancing our agility in responding to and pre-empting policy shifts, ensuring thought leadership and integration in water management across the department.
As a visible leader, you'll address delivery and policy issues, collaborate with senior leadership, and form virtual teams to solve problems. You will have experience in developing and implementing strategic policies.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Conducting horizon scanning to identify emerging issues and shifts in government agendas.
2. Support decision-makers in managing risks and opportunities related to water policy.
3. Serve as the central point for integrated water policy issues.
4. Lead the development of the Agency’s response to the Cunliffe Review.
5. Provide objective, evidence-based insights and evaluations.
6. Collaborate with strategic teams, including the Chief Scientist’s Group, Chief Regulators Group, and Strategy Team.
7. Build networks with NGOs and other sectors.
8. Lead international water policy efforts post-Brexit.
The team
You will join the Water Futures, a dynamic and dedicated team within Water in the Environment and Business Directorate.
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Water Futures, you'll play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of water management. This dispersed team leverages expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance delivery and influence policy and legislation. You'll collaborate across all water teams, forming virtual groups to integrate and resolve policy issues.
Experience/skills Required
You will understand water management / water environment and be responsive and flexible to changing priorities with emotional intelligence and resilience. To undertake this role, you will have:
1. Strong political awareness and understanding of government processes and water programmes
2. Experience working with and influencing senior leaders
3. Experience resolving complex challenges collaboratively
4. Strong interpersonal skills to develop relationships with partners and stakeholders
5. Good communication skills to convey complex information to a range of audiences
6. Ability to process large amounts of information, and make clear recommendations
7. Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing demands
8. Proven ability to lead and develop work independently and as part of a team
9. Confidence to question the status quo, introduce innovative ideas, and solve problems
10. Willingness to be adaptable, seek diverse perspectives, and use evidence to inform decision-making
11. A degree or equivalent experience in relevant field
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 and overnights may be required.
You’ll have an incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll support you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances. Appropriate training will be given.
Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for more information. Any queries, contact anne.dacey@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held via MS Teams within two weeks of the closing date.
If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.
Competence 1
Leads People
Description
Provides leadership that inspires and motivates others to achieve their personal goals and the goals of the Environment Agency.
Please describe a time when you have set direction and empowered others to deliver.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 2
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Description
Informs Government Policy and / or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment.
Describe a time when you have led a significant change in organisational approach. Detail the steps you took to implement the change and ensure buy-in.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Competence 3
Manages the Business
Description
Understands the Environment Agency’s business processes and how to maximise the use of resources in an efficient and effective way.
In the context of water resources or quality management; give an example of how you have led a project with significant reputational risks – what did you do.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
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 this link for more information.
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