Strategy and Government Relations Advisor

Strategy and Government Relations Advisor - 32597

These high‑profile roles demand collaboration, influence, and the ability to deliver outcomes that matter.

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce that reflects 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 are looking for two enthusiastic individuals to join the Environment Agency’s Strategy Directorate. This is a fantastic opportunity to take on a key role at the heart of the organisation. In this role, you will help deliver the Environment Agency’s strategic thinking and strengthen its work with Government, Parliament, and key stakeholders. Successful candidates will either join the Government Relations team or the Strategy team within the Strategy Directorate.

Examples of critical work you could lead include coordinating inputs to key government processes, drafting high‑quality briefings for government ministers, supporting the Chair or Chief Executive with key information, producing strategic insights on future environmental challenges or supporting the delivery of the Environment Agency’s corporate strategy. Your work will span issues such as flood risk, climate change, environmental protection, circular economy, planning, and water resources.

The roles also include supporting the Environment Agency’s emergency response, particularly during major flood incidents.

These dynamic roles require strong organisational skills, political awareness, and the ability to influence, collaborate and communicate effectively. Your work will strengthen the Environment Agency’s strategy and its reputation across Whitehall, Westminster, and beyond.

• Political judgement, attention to detail, and the ability to present information clearly.
• Strong interpersonal skills are essential for working with colleagues and senior managers, building networks, and influencing outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including drafting high‑quality briefings for ministers and senior leaders.
• Project management or organisational skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to anticipate political or stakeholder activity.
• Flexibility under pressure and calm decision‑making are key, alongside knowing when to seek support.
• Knowledge of environmental issues or sustainable growth and experience in organisation‑wide strategies and stakeholder engagement are desirable.

You will have an EA Office base location; as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid, however some travel and overnight stays may be required.

For queries, contact eatalent@environment‑

Applications are “blind” assessed using competency question responses. Interviews will be held via MS Teams from mid‑January. This role includes incident response duties, please see the Candidate Information Pack for details.

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

In the role, you will manage relationships with colleagues across the Defra Group and manage the Environment Agency’s reputation through the briefings and responses we provide to ministers and Parliament. You will need to listen and question to understand and engage with issues and to convey information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

Question:
Please provide an example of a time when you managed stakeholders or protected an organisation’s reputation through effective communication. How did you listen and question to understand the issue, and how did you convey information clearly, accurately, and persuasively both in writing and verbally?

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

In this role, you will need to manage a range of customers in a timely and effective way, while balancing a number of competing priorities and pressures. This…