London Surface Water Project Support Officer - 28854

We are looking for a Project Support Officer to support the delivery of a new strategy for London that will reduce the risk of flooding to communities and enhance the environment in the city of London.

Surface water flooding is one of the greatest risks facing London. This risk is increasing due to climate change, population growth and the loss of permeable landcover in the capital.

The London Surface Water Strategic Group was set up following serious surface water flooding affecting the capital in 2021. The Strategic Group is responsible for providing leadership on this risk and developing a strategy and plan of actions to address this. It comprises senior-level representatives from London’s Risk Management Authorities and other organisations with a flood risk management or strategic governance role.

This is an exciting role that will provide administrative and general project support for the group to ensure it runs smoothly. Overall duties will include:
• Providing secretariat support for all Strategic Group meetings and sub-groups.
• Supporting the Surface Water Project Officer, Programme Lead, Independent Chair and Working Group Leads with delivery of actions.
• Building relationships and engaging with Strategic Group members, Officers, and other stakeholders.
• Supporting recruitment of new members and their learning and development.

You’ll develop your interpersonal skills, building a network of relationships with a range of organisations focused on improving the environment in London. As you grow in confidence, we’ll support your ambitions too, helping you use the experience as a springboard for your career.

We are fully committed to having an 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.

The London Surface Water Group includes representatives from flood risk management authorities in London.

This consists of a Strategic Group of senior representatives, an Officer group, working groups and an advisory group. This role forms part of a team of 4 dedicated roles focused on delivery of the London Surface Water Strategy.

This role is employed by the Environment Agency, however supports all of the organisations who are part of the London Surface Water Group.

•Proven experience of managing senior-level groups or committees including scheduling and co-ordination of meetings, as well as dealing with confidential and high profile issues.
•Acting as an initial point of contact, communicating and filtering information for the group members so information and advice is delivered accurately, efficiently and in a timely manner.
•Providing a comprehensive administrative support service to the Independent Chair and Project Officer, managing calendar appointments, and ensuring efficient records management is in place.
•Excellent communication and influencing skills to build effective working relationships with different organisations quickly.
•Strong word processing and proficient excel skills with the ability to collate information.
•Highly organised with the ability to establish and develop efficient information storage and retrieval systems, that actively help to facilitate the efficiency of the Group.
•A proactive approach to identifying any stakeholder opportunities or working with others to co-ordinate communication materials for the Group.

The role holder will be based at the Greater London Authority Offices in Union Street London and there will be an expectation to work from this location once a week to collaborate with other team members. Flexible home working will be possible if daily priorities allow.

Line Management for the role will be with the Environment Agency located at 2 Marsham Street London and there will be an expectation to visit this office occasionally, as well as other London office locations that host meetings. Travel expenses to these non-base locations will be covered.

This role is eligible for an additional London Weighting of £4,064/per annum.

Contact WFPG_London@environment-agency.gov.uk for further information about the role.

Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses.

Definition for this competency - Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

QUESTION – Tell us about a piece of work that you have done that you are particularly proud of. Tell us about the challenges you faced and what you specifically did to achieve a successful outcome?

Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses.

Definition for this competency - Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach.
Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role.

QUESTION - Please describe how your skills and experience make you a good candidate for the role detailed. What do you see are your development areas?

Please note we do not assess CVs. Answers to these competency questions will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your responses.

Definition for this competency - Addresses the needs of customers and partners, provides rapid and effective responses.

QUESTION - Please describe an example of when you have needed to work with a range of organisations to deliver a collective goal or outcome.