Senior Advisor BAT

Job Description

Do you want to make a lasting positive change to the environment? As a Senior Advisor in the UK BAT team you can. We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

Large installations in the UK are required to use ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) to reduce emissions to air, water and land. We’ve established a process for the definition of BAT within the UK. The regime will use the BAT concept principles of a transparent, collaborative, data‑ and evidence‑led process that safeguards and builds on the current high levels of environmental protection.

Central to this process will be the UK BAT Senior Advisor.

• Support the drafting of BAT Conclusions, liaising with Technical Working Groups and presenting a final document suitable for publication as a new, UK‑wide, environmental standard for industry.
• Display a good understanding of process engineering and environmental issues.
• Maintain an eye for detail when reviewing technical documents.
• Have a sound understanding of environmental legislation and policy in the UK.
• Critically review arguments and data.
• Coordinate the work of technical authors.
• Exhibit great project‑management skills and a drive to complete.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel and overnight stays may be required. You’ll have an inclusive incident‑management objective in your development plan, so we’ll support and train you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances.

You’ll join our UK BAT Team. We lead on delivery of new environmental standards for UK industry, embedded within the Environment & Business (E&B) Directorate but reporting to DEFRA and the Standards Council for progress and delivery.

You will have at least five years’ working experience and a solid understanding of environmental regulation across a variety of industrial sectors.

• UK and EU industrial environmental legislation, particularly the IED and the Environmental Permitting Regulations.
• Coordinating and reviewing the publication of technical documents.

You will be skilled at:

• Understanding the implications of BAT Conclusions in permits, on industry and the environment.
• Verbal and written communication.
• Planning, prioritising and organising tasks and resources to ensure timely and effective results.
• Responding flexibly to challenges and building consensus.
• Collecting and technically analysing complex industrial data.
• Working effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures, and encouraging others to consider diversity issues in their work.

Question:
Can you give an example of where you have employed effective communication techniques and describe how these were pivotal for success? How have you dealt with difficult customers?

• Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
• Uses a full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
• Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method.
• Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable, accurate, grammatically correct manner.
• Ensures two‑way communication; responds and acts on feedback.
• When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention.
• Is clear and to the point when speaking.
• Anticipates main issues and prepares responses.

Question:
Can you tell me of a time when you presented a view in a convincing way that positively influenced or persuaded them?

• Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments.
• Listens to others’ opinions, understands their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance.
• Creates a credible case and explains benefits; anticipates objections.
• Responds to the listener’s style and needs when influencing.
• Seeks a win‑win outcome and develops relationships with…