Senior Advisor, Estuaries & Coasts - 31553

Overview

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.We have two exciting opportunities to help shape the future of England’s estuarine and coastal environment — both playing a vital role in delivering positive environmental outcomes for people and nature. If you have the talent and commitment to help us achieve this, we’d love to hear from you.One post will lead the monitoring elements of the Natural Capital and Ecosystem Assessment (NCEA) Programme — a flagship initiative designed to accelerate our ability to assess England’s natural capital and transform environmental decision-making. You’ll lead projects that integrate natural capital thinking across the land-sea interface, enabling a catchment-to-coast approach. Your work will span from steering the design of monitoring programmes to applying case studies and influencing how evidence is used in decision-making.The second post will focus on leading our Restoring Meadows, Marsh and Reef (ReMeMaRe) initiative, which aims to restore 15% of priority estuarine and coastal habitats — including saltmarsh, seagrass, and oyster reefs — by 2043. You’ll provide programme management for a growing pipeline of restoration projects and support other key elements of the initiative, including stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning.Depending on your technical expertise, both roles may also contribute to other priority areas such as marine policy, planning and regulation. A key part of each role will be helping to identify and secure the evidence and information needed to support robust environmental decision-making.Collaboration is central to both roles. You’ll work closely with colleagues across the Environment Agency and external partners such as Defra, other government bodies, industry, and academia.Team

You’ll join our Estuaries and Coasts Team in our Environment and Business (EandB) Directorate. We provide leadership on the protection and restoration of our estuaries and coasts. We inform and deliver the government''s key environmental objectives; using evidence, expertise, engagement, and innovation to influence policy and legislation, and enhance integrated delivery. We promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We’re a dispersed team, working with others across the country.Experience/skills Required

technical knowledge of estuarine, coastal, and marine environmentsunderstanding of the ‘natural capital approach’ and its role in decision makingProgramme/project managementability to manage multiple priorities, and to deliver through others to time, budget and qualityability to deliver on technically challenging projects through coordination of technical expertsexcellent communication skills, and ability to clearly present technical informationstrong interpersonal skills in managing collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholdersability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, and actively encourage others to consider diversity issuesknowledge of marine policy, marine monitoring, environmental regulations, and the Environment Agency’s role and that of delivery partners and stakeholders (desirable, not essential)You need to be educated to degree level or have relevant professional experience. You’ll have a range of development opportunities and training will be provided as required.Contact and additional information

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.You’ll have an EA Office base location, 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.Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact eve.leegwater@environment-agency.gov.ukApplications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams around the second week of September. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.Length of contract: Up to 31 March 2026Competencies

Competence 1 – Takes Decisions and Solves ProblemsDescription: Makes Decisions and Solves Problems. Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack. If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview. Feedback is generally not available at sift stage.Competence 2 – Shapes organisational approach and deliveryDescription: Shapes Organisational Approach and Delivery. Informs Government Policy and / or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost-effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.Competence 3 – Influences and Persuades OthersDescription: 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.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.The Environment Agency 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, please visit gov.uk for more ..... full job details .....