Water Resources Security of Supply – Senior Advisor

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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.

In the Water Resources Security of Supply team we ensure that there is enough water for society and the environment over at least the next 25 years. It’s an exciting time to be part of the team with upcoming water resources planning rounds and changes to how we regulate the water industry to secure our country’s water supplies for the next generation.

You’ll join our water resources security of supply team that sets the direction for water resources planning including our statutory duty to conserve water through water efficiency and demand management. We’re a dispersed team within the Environment and Business (E&B) Directorate. 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.

In this post you will bring your own technical water resources experience, with a key project management focus and good communication skills. Significant areas of work will include managing preparation for the next round of water resources management plans and the review of water company drought plans.

To achieve this, you will work closely with Defra, Ofwat, DWI, Natural England and Environment Agency colleagues to ensure good quality water company plans. The post holder will be responsible for liaison with the water industry on a technical level, co‑ordinating and hosting events to share knowledge and understanding. Finally, you will work closely with Defra colleagues to provide technical and policy input to the organisation and government where needed.

The role will manage two posts and will work closely with technical leads across the team. Team leader experience would therefore be useful, but not essential to the role.

• Manage preparation for the next round of water resources management plans.
• Review water company drought plans.
• Liaise with the water industry on a technical level.
• Co‑ordinate and host events to share knowledge and understanding.
• Provide technical and policy input to the organisation and government.
• Manage two posts and work closely with technical leads across the team.

To achieve the above, the post holder must demonstrate strong influencing, project management and communication skills. It would be beneficial to have technical experience of water resources planning, though support can be given if you don’t have this knowledge.

• Building, maintaining and maximising relationships with good communication skills.
• Ability to scope, lead and deliver specific projects depending on team and government priorities, demonstrating value for money.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A track record of achieving results.
• Technical experience of water resources planning is desirable; support can be given if you don’t have this knowledge.

In your capability‑based answers please demonstrate your ability to work 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.