Senior Officer - NRF Policy, Delivery and Implementation

Overview

Join us in shaping a future where nature and people thrive. Whether you're drawn to hands‑on conservation or playing a vital part behind the scenes, your work at Natural England will support lasting benefits for the environment and society.

• Drive nature recovery at a greater scale and faster pace by supporting large‑scale projects and making it easier for landowners to get permissions for nature‑positive change.
• Tackle the root causes of nature's decline by working with Defra partners to ensure cleaner air, cleaner water, healthier soils and rich, productive seas.
• Partner with planners and developers on "high nature; low carbon" houses, energy and transport infrastructure and introduce strategic solutions so development can also protect and restore nature.
• Support food security and sustainable farming, forestry and fishing through targeted advice and the right mix of public and private finance.
• Shape better places for people to work and live by providing clear evidence and advice to our partners, using spatial plans for nature as a framework for investment and joined up action.
• Connect communities with nature and create nature close to people's homes, ensuring everyone gains from the health benefits nature can bring.

• Provide evidence‑based advice to Defra and other government departments on the development of new legislation, policies or strategies relevant to the organisation's remit.
• Provide a key technical leadership role for a specific area or topic.
• Identify, develop and maintain positive and influential relationships with stakeholders – internally and externally – to help Natural England develop, implement and deliver key areas of strategy and policy.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Natural England, Defra and other arm's length bodies.
• Help translate policy into delivery and contribute to the development and delivery of new programmes and pilots to support implementation of major strategies.
• Undertake horizon scanning for emerging policy‑related issues and opportunities to guide future organisational priorities for delivery.
• Raise awareness and provide advice, training, guidance and support to build capability across the organisation.
• Potential line management.

• Good analytical skills and a strong understanding of key environmental legislation and the role of policy and the policy‑making process.
• Very good technical skills appropriate to the relevant work area; possibly a national expert in the field supported by other staff in national external meetings.
• Good knowledge of the breadth of Natural England's role and delivery responsibilities and of the key issues in environmental policy.
• Experience of collaborating with a range of stakeholders to achieve pragmatic outcomes.
• Good working knowledge of the key stakeholders relevant to the specific strategy/policy area.
• Ability to use clear and appropriate language, communication styles and techniques to disseminate complex technical advice.
• Knowledge of how to handle data responsibly, understand your role in good governance, and comply with delegations, policies and procedures.
• Experience of delivering work against agreed targets and deadlines in line with relevant project/programme management structures.
• Higher education degree or equivalent experience (essential).
• Excellent working knowledge of environmental requirements within the planning system – Habitats Regulations, Planning and Infrastructure Bill, Nutrient Neutrality, Biodiversity Net Gain, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, Environment Act requirements, and their application to development projects (essential).
• Strong understanding of ecological principles and practical application in habitat creation, enhancement and long‑term management (essential).
• Strong data analysis skills (essential).

• Technical Skills and Knowledge – meet at least four of the specified criteria.
• Work Delivery – manage and deliver work to meet agreed targets and deadlines.
• Personal Effectiveness – demonstrate effective communication, teamwork and problem‑solving skills.

• Generous leave allowance of 33 days per year (pro‑rated).
• Access to the Civil Service Pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution.
• Choice of flexible working arrangements and hybrid work model.
• Learning and development tailored to the role, including annual training days.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme and shopping/cycle discounts.