Growth and Strategic Planning Specialist - 25376

1
North West
Penrith , Preston
Lutra House, Ghyll Mount
Staff Grade 5
Permanent
Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share
Economics, Environment & Sustainability
£37,462
We are looking for a self-motivated person to lead on green growth in Cumbria and Lancashire. You will do this by influencing and engaging with internal colleagues and key external organisations.

You will have a key role in making sure that the Environment Agency is a partner of choice in the development and delivery of projects that achieve environmental, social and economic benefits and support communities across Cumbria and Lancashire to adapt to and become more resilient to climate change.

You will:
Be responsible for up-skilling internal colleagues and raising awareness of green growth mechanisms that can support us with the objectives set out in EA2025 and the Cumbria and Lancashire Local Outcome Plan

Develop evidence that showcases how the Environment Agency’s priorities and projects support environmental, economic and social objectives of businesses and organisations.

Develop and sustain relationships with external organisations (e.g. local authorities and local enterprise partnerships) and use these to influence investment decisions benefitting the environment and supporting communities to adapt and become more resilient.

Maintain an oversight of the political environment, including local and national policies that are being used to guide and influence local public and private sector investment decisions (Greening Government Commitments, Levelling Up)

Support the investigation, trailing, and delivery of innovative funding mechanisms around green finance opportunities.

Co-ordinate our input to the Local Nature Recovery Strategies in Cumbria and Lancashire and other key strategic documents which will set the agenda for fight to tackle the Climate and Biodiversity Crisis.
We use the organisation’s knowledge and expertise to inform and influence housing, planning and local government issues. We promote environmental sustainability, resilience and adaptability, encouraging organisations and communities to use resources more efficiently, enabling them to cope with threats such as pollution and flooding.

You will work within the Sustainable Places team but work closely with area colleagues, Defra Group partners and local stakeholders.
You will have:
An understanding of and preferably experience of working within the rapidly developing area of green growth.

Ability to think strategically and focus on medium to long term priorities.

Ability to develop and sustain relationships with the key stakeholders, using evidence to identify shared priorities and understand an issue or opportunity from different perspectives.

Excellent influencing skills, able to build rapport with colleagues from different backgrounds and experiences and shape their thinking

Strong communication skills, and an ability to adapt communication style and approach to resonate with internal teams and colleagues and with external partners.

Ability to demonstrate understanding of linkages between a healthy environment, resilient community and a prosperous economy.

Desirable:
Experience of influencing high level strategic plan/strategies such as local plans

Experience of obtaining funding from the private sector, though NGO/third sector, or local/central government
Please contact Dolores Owen on 07768 278345 or dolores.owen@environment-agency.gov.uk

30/01/2023, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Engages others
A vital part of this role is building and nurturing relationships internally and externally, to effectively influence and collaborate with partners. Please provide a work example of how you have used these skills.
Shapes organisational approach & delivery
You will be expected to think strategically and focus on medium to long term priorities using an approach that considers social, economic and environmental factors. Please provide an example of when you have adopted this way of working.
Manages Self
You will be expected to work flexibly to manage ambiguity and uncertainty and able to ‘self-organise’ to manage workload, at times working at pace to capitalise on opportunities. Please describe how you have demonstrated this in your work
Achieving effective results
You will be able to form strong and influential relationships with key external stakeholders, promoting our position and delivering results with and through others where appropriate. Please provide an example of when you have adopted this way of working.
Driving licence
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.