Overview

Senior Advisor - Chemicals and Water - 31861. Are you a motivated strategic thinker with a passion for shaping environmental regulation? If you''re driven to reduce chemical risks in our water environment through smart, evidence-based policy, we want to hear from you.Join our Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks team as a Senior Advisor and play a leading role in how we tackle chemicals of concern. This is a unique opportunity to work within the wider Chemicals Programme, influencing national strategy and delivering smarter, more effective environmental protection. This role focuses on chemicals in water and offers the chance to shape the chemicals component of the Price Review programme, contribute to the Chemicals Investigation Programme, and ensure chemical risks are addressed through permit reviews and regulatory innovation.As a senior chemicals lead, you will:Lead development of our chemical’s strategy for 2030–2035 through the Price Review programme.Ensure effective delivery of AMP8 and AMP9.Review high risk permitted activities.Influence national plans through collaboration with Defra, the water industry, and other stakeholders.Provide technical leadership across teams, mentoring colleagues and promoting innovation.Translate evidence into action to deliver environmental outcomes.You may also have the opportunity to take online management responsibilities, supporting the growth and development of others in the team.We’re looking for a confident, experienced professional with an interest in policy development ready to lead on one of the most important environmental challenges of our time.The Environment Agency is fully committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity, we live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.Team and working arrangements

The Chemicals Surveillance and Emerging Risks Team within the Chemicals Programme, part of the Environment and Business Directorate, identifies emerging chemical risks, uses evidence to shape policy, and guides regulatory responses. As a dispersed team, you’ll work via MS Teams and travel for face-to-face meetings, usually in Birmingham or Bristol. We promote a positive, inclusive, supportive culture, leveraging evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance delivery, influence legislation, and secure resources.Experience / Skills Required

We are looking for a strategic, self-motivated individual with knowledge of the water industry, water quality planning and permitting processes including Price Review cycles and River Basin Management Planning. You’ll be confident working across policy, regulation, and stakeholder engagement to influence national programmes and deliver environmental outcomes.Essential experience

Degree or equivalent experience in environmental science/policy/related fieldsUnderstanding of water industry planning, regulation and/or permittingStrong stakeholder engagement/relationship building skills, including with government and industryStrategic thinking and data analysis skills in environmental planning or water qualityExcellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical and scientific information into clear, actionable policyLeadership in projects, programmes, or people, with a collaborative and inclusive approachStrong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing prioritiesDesirable

Awareness of environmental risks posed by chemicals and regulationsMembership of a relevant professional bodyContact 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. We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, however some travel and overnights will be required.Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact melanie.farmer@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions. Interviews will be held via MS Teams. 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.Competencies

Competence 1: Shapes organisational approach and delivery. Description: 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. Question: Can you describe a time when you have developed a direction or decision into an operational approach, delivered outside your immediate team (or organisation) that resulted in significant water quality benefits.Competence 2: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems. Description: Finds and delivers optimal solutions by effectively analysing all the information, probing to develop alternatives and taking sound and timely decisions. Question: Tell us about a time when you have had to co-ordinate information from a variety of sources in order to solve a difficult technical problem.Competence 3: Influences and Persuades Others. Description: 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. Question: Describe a situation where you faced pushback from a stakeholder but successfully persuaded them to shift direction and deliver an environmental outcome.Competence 4: Manages Self. Description: Has full awareness of own strengths, weaknesses, impact and approach. Effectively organises self and takes personal responsibility for own role in the Environment Agency. Question: What do you consider to be your main development areas for this new role and how would you make sure that your specialist knowledge is kept up to date?Note: 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. We are committed to diverse and inclusive workforce, welcoming flexible working patterns, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy for candidates with a disability. The Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra. For more information on supplier opportunities, see the Crown Commercial Service guidance referenced in the candidate pack.Artificial intelligence disclaimer:

AI can support your application, but all examples must be truthful and taken from your own experience. Plagiarism may lead to withdrawal of applications. We align with Civil Service guidance on AI usage.Other

Seniority level: Mid-Senior levelEmployment type: Full-timeJob function: OtherLocation: Hexham, England, United Kingdom (flexible working considered)

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