E&B Advisor Biodiversity (Beaver Project Team) - 22664

1
National
All
All
Staff Grade 5
Secondment
Full Time
Policy, Strategy
£36,389 Pro-rata
We are looking for an experienced specialist to support the technical aspects of a high-profile beaver project within AFNE Biodiversity. In 2020 Defra commissioned Natural England and Environment Agency (EA) to explore the desirability of reintroducing beavers in England. We have developed a collaborative project-based approach with Natural England to shape and inform beaver policy, future reintroduction and to embed management of the species.

Shaping and implementing policy on the future of beavers in England is nationally significant and potentially contentious. Timescales are extremely tight given the scale and complexity of this task, which has multiple dependencies, and requires substantial input from staff across our organisation and Natural England.

As an Advisor, you will support the Technical Lead in developing and leading technical areas of work relating to Beavers across the Environment Agency, as well as with government and external partners. You will support the provision of expert and specialist advice and training on impacts, risk management and approaches to shape strategic direction. You will support the development of approaches to improve our business readiness, working with different parts of the EA business and external bodies.
The post will sit within a dedicated team in the national AFNE Biodiversity section (Environment & Business). Our section provides national strategic leadership and technical advice on biodiversity/nature themes across the organisation and externally. We work with others to improve delivery of integrated outcomes, including biodiversity, in everything we do. We deliver an important service to help staff understand and implement statutory and policy duties and understand ecological objectives and responses to environmental pressures.
As well as the expected skills and experience required of a national Advisor role (AS05), you should also have:
• Demonstrable relevant expertise and experience of working in the field of biodiversity, conservation and ecology (Essential);
• Experience of developing policy and/or practice in biodiversity, working with a range of internal and/or external stakeholders (Essential);
• An excellent working knowledge of national and/or local biodiversity matters and applied ecological knowledge and understanding across key functions (Essential);
• Evidence of on-going learning and development/CPD on policy and practice (Essential);
• Graduate and/or Post-Graduate Qualification in which ecology and/or environmental management was a major component of study (Desirable);
• Knowledge or awareness of beaver ecology and impacts (Desirable)
• Membership of an appropriate professional organisation (Desirable).

Please ensure you highlight how you meet these additional criteria in your application (employment history and education/training) as well as in any relevant capabilities answers.
This is a national role in a dispersed team. The location is flexible. We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all our staff regardless of their current grade, race, sex, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity or marital status. We are equally welcoming of applicants with flexible working patterns and will consider part time applications for this role.

For informal discussions, please contact: Andrea Shaftoe, National Biodiversity section (andrea.shaftoe@environment–agency.gov.uk or on 07909 883521) or Elly Andison (elly.andison@environment-agency.gov.uk or on 07909 894480).

06/06/2022, 23:55 hours

Basic Check
Until 31st March 2023
Influences and Persuades Others
Your answer will be used for interview selection. Please demonstrate your skills and experience with an example(s), using the definition and list below to help inform your answer.

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.

• 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.
Achieves Results
Your answer will be used for interview selection. Please demonstrate your skills and experience with an example(s), using the definition and list below to help inform your answer.

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

• Maximises work output by setting goals and priorities tracking and measuring outcomes and taking swift remedial action when necessary.
• Can be relied upon to regularly exceed goals agreed.
• Is tenacious and perseveres when others might give up and by doing so achieves the desired results.
• Anticipates forth-coming issues and adjusts actions as necessary.
• Willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines when required; shows dedication and commitment; “goes the extra mile.”
• Is resilient and performs well under pressure; responds positively to setbacks and develops alternative action.
Focuses on Customers and Partners
Your answer will be used for interview selection. Please demonstrate your skills and experience with an example(s), using the definition and list below to help inform your answer.

Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses.

• 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.
Communicates Effectively
Your answer will be used for interview selection. Please demonstrate your skills and experience with an example(s), using the definition and list below to help inform your answer.

Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

• 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.