Communications and Engagement Advisor - 10601

2
South East
Reading
Kings Meadow House
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Full Time
Communications / Marketing
£34,879 (pro-rata)
We are looking for two experienced, confident and enthusiastic people to fill the roles of Communications and Engagement Advisors in the Oxford Flood Alleviation Scheme Project Team. You will be instrumental members of the Communications and Engagement Team at a pivotal time for this major project in the preparation for and during the Compulsory Purchase Order Public Inquiry.

There are two positions available, one will focus more on engagement activity and the other on communications, however both will be expected to support across both of the briefs. You will advise on where engagement related risks and opportunities lie, build good working relationships with our partners and internal and external customers to manage our reputation through this critical time.

You will deliver high quality communications material and turn our engagement vision into a reality, by ensuring our work on the project is communicated and supported by a wide range of stakeholders in a timely and professional way.
The role will sit within the Communications and Engagement Team of the Oxford Flood Alleviation Project Team, consisting of a number of colleagues from different Environment Agency teams and external suppliers. The team sits within the Thames area of the Flood and Coastal Risk Management Department, and co-locates in Reading two days a week.
You will have strong influencing, verbal communication and customer service skills. You will have experience of engaging and communicating with a range of internal and external stakeholders and be able to use this experience to offer advice and support to project team colleagues.

You will have excellent written communication skills and have a track record of producing high quality communication material, such as briefings, newsletters, press releases, presentations and factsheets. You will be able to demonstrate that you are an organised and flexible person and can deliver quickly in a fast-paced environment. This includes turning complicated information into clear and attractive material, to encourage stakeholders to engage with the project. Experience in social and digital media would be beneficial.
If you have any questions about the role please email Helen Cukier at helen.cukier@environment-agency.gov.uk

09/06/2019, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
12 months
Builds and Sustains Relationships
• Respects different views, cultures, values, opinions and the contributions that all colleagues make
• Makes an active effort to fit in and respect company norms (the “way we do things” in the agency)
• Balances team and personal interests for a win-win outcome
• Displays tact and diplomacy and builds rapport quickly, establishing needs and adapting own approach.
• Communicates honestly, openly and effectively with colleagues and external partners alike
• Openly identifies and challenges inappropriate behaviour or performance constructively and speaks out even when the message is unpopular.
• Handles people situations effectively; defuses anger, tension, focuses on issues and successfully addresses problems.
Engages others
• Plans, delivers and evaluates effective stakeholder engagement for a project, issue, plan or site
• Ensures engagement with others is considered and planned at the outset
• Decides, or helps others to decide, how much and what type of engagement (provide to, receive from, or collaborate with) is needed, and who with
• Appreciates and adapts to the different needs of stakeholders, and identifies and fills gaps in information, to ensure joint understanding
• Develops relationships with stakeholders to build trust and achieve better outcomes
• Works with colleagues across the business to understand factors which may affect the way we engage, and ensures our work with stakeholders is joined up and appropriate
• Seeks, listens to and acts on feedback from stakeholders
• Plans, delivers and evaluates participative engagement activities
• Uses appropriate facilitation techniques to run participative events to build trust, manage conflict, create joint understanding of issues, and to seek views
• Understands and works within situations that are appropriate for collaboration (working together to achieve something, or some benefit, which we could not achieve working alone).
Focuses on Customers and Partners
• Recognises the concept of both internal and external customers and treats both equally well.
• Identifies and addresses the needs of customers, delivering what is promised and ensuring that they are satisfied with the outcomes.
• Takes personal responsibility to meet customer needs; is polite, courteous and professional
• Ensures customers receive consistent and clear messages supported by accurate and timely information.
• Regularly monitors and measures customer satisfaction and looks for ways to improve customer service
• Anticipates and balances the needs of a range of customers with conflicting priorities.
• Keeps customers informed and manages expectations
• Handles complaints effectively, defuses anger and tension and resolves problems
Influences and Persuades Others
• Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments
• Listens to other’s opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance
• Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments
• Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing.
• Seeks to achieve a “win-win” outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced.
• Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively.
• Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener’s mood and adjust accordingly
• Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders.
Manages Self
• Recognises strengths, weaknesses and limits of own expertise. Seeks and acts on feedback from others, recognising when to seek support.
• Takes responsibility for addressing own performance and developmental needs to enhance skills, personal contribution and career prospects.
• Is flexible and able to adapt to changing situations and to a variety of individual styles.
• Manages own emotions and is resilient in a range of complex and demanding situations.
• Maintains and encourages a positive and enthusiastic outlook for what the Environment Agency is aiming to achieve, especially in times of difficulty.
• Prioritises and schedules activities to make effective use of time
• Plans work in advance by thinking through the action necessary to complete tasks to deadlines; adjusts plans as necessary.
Communicates Effectively
• Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
• Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
• Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style.
• Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style.
• Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback
• When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience.
• Is clear and to the point when speaking.
• Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.
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.