Advisor

Description:

The Environment Agency is seeking a Water Special Measures Advisor (Overflows) to support the implementation of the Water (Special Measures) Act, focusing on storm overflows and Event Duration Monitoring (EDM) data. This role is central to shaping and enforcing new water regulation policies, ensuring transparency and accountability in how water companies manage storm and emergency overflow performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the implementation of new water legislation with a focus on storm overflows and EDM data.

• Analyse, interpret, and manage regulatory data to ensure transparency and effective oversight.

• Advise Defra and other key stakeholders on policy and legislative development.

• Collaborate with water companies to design and implement regulatory tools and programmes.

• Embed new processes into routine operations within the water industry and EA operational teams.

• Contribute to external reporting on storm and emergency overflow performance.

• Work across EA teams, Defra, Ofwat, and water companies to influence and shape water regulation.

• Undertake an Incident Management role (training provided).

Candidate Profile:
The successful candidate will be a dynamic and analytical professional, with strong skills in regulation, data interpretation, and strategic problem-solving. They should have experience working in complex regulatory environments and the ability to build collaborative relationships across government, regulators, and industry.

Competency Areas (as assessed in application):

1. Shapes Organisational Approach & Delivery – experience in influencing government policy, designing or supporting programmes that deliver operational outcomes.

2. Data & Information Management – ability to collect, analyse, interpret, and present complex data for decision-making.

3. Takes Decisions & Solves Problems – proven capability to deliver optimal solutions under pressure and within deadlines.

4. Focuses on Customers & Partners – effective in addressing stakeholder needs, including managing difficult or challenging interactions.

Development & Opportunities:

• Training and development tailored to the role.

• Opportunity to shape high-profile national regulatory programmes.

• Exposure to cross-government collaboration with Defra and Ofwat.

• Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and job share.

Additional Details:

• Interviews via MS Teams scheduled for 15th–24th October.

• Reserve list will be held for 6 months.

• CVs and cover letters will not be used for interview selection (capability questions form the basis of shortlisting).

Diversity & Inclusion:
The Environment Agency values diversity and actively encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds. It also operates a Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities who meet minimum criteria.