Area Economist - Strategic Planning and Engagement - 11276

1
South East
Wallingford
Red Kite House
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Full Time
Economics
£34,879 (pro-rata)
With a changing climate and a growing population, the risks from flooding, coastal erosion, drought and environmental degradation are always increasing. The Environment Agency is responsible for tackling many of these issues, and we need to secure more external investment to keep people safe and leave the environment in a better state for the next generation.

Responsibilities include
• Developing a place-based funding strategy that brings together public and private funding sources to deliver environmental outcomes
• Working with LEPs, Local Authorities, Water Companies and third sector organisations to design funding strategies for catchment services
• Advising on how we can test and embed innovative funding mechanisms for delivering environmental outcomes.
• Developing and strengthening networks with national teams working on economic appraisal and natural capital
• Strengthening local knowledge/capacity to understand and interpret economic appraisals and the natural capital approach.
• Developing and trialling new methodologies to capture local valuations of ecosystem services, again leading to better decision making locally as well as benefitting the national teams by strengthening their methodological approaches, and leading to the ability to attract local partnership funding.
Strategic Planning and Engagement are a team based in the Environment Planning and Engagement department of the Thames Area. Working on a variety of innovative projects and work streams to support area strategic planning.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of an operational team who are leading our areas approach to securing innovative sources of funding to help deliver the ambitions set out in the Governments 25 Year Environment Plan.
We are looking for someone who combines excellent engagement and influencing skills with strong problem structuring and solving skills. You will be an effective partnership builder with experience of working on developing funding strategies/packages.

Essential skills and experience:
- Experience of putting together funding for environmental projects, particularly with private sector partners
- Thorough knowledge of the key current funding streams for environmental outcomes and mechanisms for delivery
- Innovative self-starter who takes initiative
- Strong engagement and influencing skills
- High-level of creative thinking and willingness to try new things

Desirable:
- Knowledge of payments for ecosystem services/outcomes mechanisms such as reverse auctions and trading schemes
- Knowledge of environmental regulation and investment
- Knowledge of local growth, local authorities and economic development
For more information about this role please contact the recruiting manager, Louise Guy via email: Louise.guy@environment-agency.gov.uk

03/07/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
12 months
Securing Financial Resources
Identifies opportunities to maximise income in line with business priorities, and putting in place plans and processes to secure financial resources
Environmental Economics
Understands how economic assessments underpin environmental planning
Achieves Results
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets.
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
Builds and Sustains Relationships
Develops and maintains effective working relationships
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.