Evaluation Advisor - 34412

Evaluation Advisor - 34412
2
National
Various
Various
Staff Grade 5
Fixed Term
Digital
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
£43,198 Pro Rata

17/05/2026, 23:55 hours

TSS05 Technical & Scientific Services, Grade 5

Basic Check

The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect 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’ll be based in the Strategy, Transformation and Assurance Directorate, working on the Evaluation of the Digital Strategic Programmes (DSP). The DSP is a large-scale digital transformation programme that seeks to improve our regulatory effectiveness, and to consolidate and improve the utility of our environmental data. Understanding the impact and effectiveness of this work is essential.

You’ll help deliver evaluation activities across DSP by:

  • Joining and analysing complex, often imperfect datasets
  • Applying appropriate analytical methods to draw meaningful insights
  • Interpreting evidence and developing practical recommendations
  • Engaging with internal teams and external partners
  • Communicating findings clearly through reports and presentations

You’ll be working on applied evaluation, delivering insight against existing frameworks, rather than designing theory-heavy approaches from scratch.

We’re looking for someone who is:

  • Technically confident, with practical experience of data analysis and / or qualitative research methods.
  • Independent-minded, able to progress work with light-touch guidance
  • Collaborative, with a willingness to check in regularly and share thinking
  • Pragmatic, able to handle imperfect data, mixed methods, and real-world complexity
  • Curious and interested in how evidence can drive environmental outcomes
  • Has experience delivering or supporting the delivery of programme level Evaluations (preferably with knowledge of Magenta Book principles)

 

Some knowledge of Environmental Regulation, the use and impact of Environmental data, and / or experience with complex digital programmes would be useful but is not essential.

You’ll also be expected to undertake an incident management role alongside your day job. We’ll help you find something appropriate to your skills and circumstances.

#LI-DNI

This newly formed Evaluation team is embedded within the wider DSP delivery team. The team is closely connected with the EA central Evaluation team, a mixed-discipline team supporting evaluation across the Environment Agency. Our insights improve the effectiveness of digital programmes, regulation, incident response, climate resilience, and more.

We support each other, share knowledge openly, and take pride in producing analysis that has real-world impact.

You’ll need:

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience

  • An applied understanding of evaluation principles (see Magenta Book)

    • Experience applying analytical skills in a professional or postgraduate setting

    • Familiarity with one of the following, Excel, Power BI, R or SSPS, Nvivo.

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills – confident presenting analysis to non-analysts

    Desirable:

    • Experience working with Environment Agency, government or environmental datasets

    • Awareness of Environmental Regulation, Environmental data and / or Digital Transformation

    • Experience communicating evidence to non-specialist audiences

    Development

    You’ll be supported to develop in-role, with opportunities to grow your technical, strategic and engagement skills. This is a great opportunity to apply your skills in a high-impact, delivery-focused setting.

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid. As a dispersed team, we predominantly use virtual platforms to communicate.

We’re committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. Part-time and job share applications also welcome.

Your answers to the capability-based questions will be used for interview selection. We recommend reading the supporting information in the advert’s candidate pack before answering.

Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams. Further information will be provided in advance of interviews. We’ll hold a reserve list for 6 months - you may be offered an alternative post.

For any queries, please contact julian.watkins@environment-agency.gov.uk

Length of contract 12 months

Up to 12 months
Scientific Knowledge
If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift will be done against your level of experience, and then using this lead capability. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Evaluation seeks to answer stakeholder questions about “what works?”. Please tell us about a time when you have applied a science-based/analytical approach to develop sound evidence, in order to answer a stakeholder’s questions and/or inform their decision making.

- How did you approach the task?
- What did you take into consideration?
- What was the result?
Communicates Effectively
Understanding and communicating technical information is essential to building system knowledge and landing Evaluation evidence with stakeholders.

Please provide an example of your ability to understand and convey information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
- How did you approach the task?
- What did you take into consideration?
- What was the result?
Achieves Results
Timely delivery of products is essential to ensuring Evaluation evidence is useful to stakeholders.

Please tell us about a time when you have needed to set and deliver high work standards, meeting targets and ensuring timely achievement of results.
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.