Policy specialist - 35058

Policy specialist - 35058
1
National
Various
Staff Grade 6
Fixed Term
Programme and Project Management
Full Time, Other
£54,940 - £64,576 Pro-rata

24/05/2026, 23:55 hours

AS06 Job Family Role Profile Advise & Shape, Grade 6

Basic Check

We are looking for an experienced Policy Specialist to be part of a small, high-performing team working at the centre of the EA focused on supporting the delivery of the Government’s Water White Paper, including the creation of a new water regulator. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team working at the forefront of shaping the future of the EA and working on an issue of high political and public interest.  

You will:

  • Support work to provide EA input to support the government in delivering the ambition set out in the Water White Paper, including establishing a new integrated water regulator. This will involve developing and shaping EA policy and positioning including what that means for the future of the EA.
  • Support delivery of a programme of joint working with other regulators - NE, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate - aimed at improving coordination and regulatory outcomes during the transition to a new regulatory landscape.
  • Support engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA and with other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.
  • Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking whilst keeping pace in an often fast-moving working environment.
  • Take a flexible approach and have a willingness to assist other projects and workstreams withing the Programme as the need arises.
  • Be an active member of the Programme team, playing a role in creating the conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors.  You can expect a friendly welcome and an engaging and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported. 
  • Experience of working with 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

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 james.gingell@environment-agency.gov.uk, emma.harding2@environment-agency.gov.uk, or lucy.feibusch@environment-agency.gov.uk.
 
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the questions asked. 
 
Interviews will be held via MS Teams.

Up to 12 Months
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
Please describe your experience of analysing critical policies. How did you arrive at your recommendation? How did you deliver it?
Leads People
Describe your experience of good leadership during uncertainty. What does good management look like during these times? What about being a good player during these times?
Influences and Persuades Others
Describe a time when you persuaded a stubborn group or individual to change course. What techniques did you use?
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.

This Vacancy is closed to applications.