External Affairs Advisor - 34656

The Environment Agency (EA) is fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects 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. You will be joining the External Affairs function within Environment and Business, a high-profile team that has transformed engagement across the Directorate, with government, partners, and the media. We are a dispersed team working across the country, so the ability to work on your own initiative while maintaining strong communication is essential.

Fixed Term Role One - Waste Crime This high-profile role leads strategic engagement on Waste Crime, a hot topic across the organisation. You will work across internal teams and with external stakeholders to ensure the Agency's role is well understood, operating at pace with significant visibility at leadership level as a trusted adviser.

Fixed Term Role Two- Hydrogen Carbon Capture and Storage (HCCUS) This emerging area of national significance requires someone who can support technical teams with high-quality external affairs advice, helping to explain the Agency's role in delivering the government's decarbonisation agenda and ensuring we are in the right place at the right time. Across all three roles, you will need excellent influencing and relationship skills, the ability to manage competing demands, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Evaluation sits at the heart of effective external affairs, and all candidates must be able to set and evaluate engagement objectives in line with GCS best practice.

The E&B External Affairs team is responsible for advising and influencing our directorate on building

and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and organisations; strengthening our voice and

influence so that our work is better known, trusted, and has greater impact.

In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use

evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy,

legislation, and secure resources.

The ability to work under pressure, be highly organised, and handle competing demands, whilst delivering first-class communications will be essential.

In your capability-based answers please demonstrate the following:

· be a clear, passionate and proactive communicator with the ability to build

relationships/collaborate at all levels

· be able to troubleshoot tricky situations – by listening, reflecting and questioning the situation to

understand the facts and find resolutions

· have a strategic mindset and be able to demonstrate evidence of delivering against plans

· have innovative IT skills to improve productivity

· have outstanding organisation and multi-tasking skills

· be able to manage difficult situations and conversations to support your team leader

· working effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively

encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

Please read the Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact

tim.gornall@environment-agency.gov.uk or Hannah.millinship@environment-agency.gov.uk

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. Appropriate training will be given.

#LI-DNI You’ll have an EA Office base location, but as a national role the working location is flexible / hybrid.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams on (TBC) 21/22 May 2026 If we receive a high number of applications we may sift on the first competency question.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months.