E&B External Affairs Advisor - 34657

E&B External Affairs Advisor - 34657
1
National
All
Various
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Communications / Marketing, Environment & Sustainability, Strategy
Full Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours
£43,198

17/05/2026, 23:55 hours

PC05 Partnerships & Customers, Grade 5

Basic Check

The Environment Agency 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.

In Nature and Place you will help set the strategic direction for engagement across nature and place priorities, including Agriculture and Land. Working closely with senior leaders, you will ensure stakeholders are engaged at the right time on the most pressing issues. Strong digital skills are essential.



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.

Achieves Results
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Giving a specific example, please describe how you have delivered a successful piece of work in the face of considerable challenges or obstacles.
Communicates Effectively
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and
writing.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Please give an example of a time when you have had to tailor your communication style to a specific individual/situation.
Influences and Persuades Others
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Please give a real-life example of a time when you have had to bring others round to your way of thinking on a challenging matter.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

Please can you tell us who were the main stakeholders in your last/current role – how did you go about building and maintaining effective working relationships with them?
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.