33098 - Senior External Relations Advisor
| Posting date: | 05 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £54,940 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 22 February 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 33098 |
Summary
The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse 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.
Public interest in environmental issues continues to grow, which we welcome and encourage. In response, we are enhancing how we manage our relationships with key stakeholders, including MPs, Mayors, and other influential partners.
We are looking for candidates with experience working in complex political environments, who can demonstrate a strong track record in managing strategic relationships and supporting effective external relations plans and engagement activities.
The successful candidate will be able to horizon scan and analyse emerging local issues, identifying challenges and opportunities early. They will build strong, effective relationships with key local stakeholders, and work closely with colleagues across both area and national teams to ensure consistent messaging across a range of subjects and issues.
You will also play a supporting role during incident response.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands political, social, and economic developments; is highly organised; and is keen to further develop their skills in strategic relationship management, high level stakeholder engagement, and strategy development.
The team
You will be a key member of the Area Leadership Team, supporting the Area Director, to shape, develop, and deliver a strategic, place‑based relationship management approach aligned with national priorities and local needs. You will work closely with national colleagues including the External Affairs and Government Relations Teams who will lead a national community of practice focused on driving consistency, best practice, and high‑quality stakeholder engagement.
Experience/skills required
Essential:
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
Demonstrable experience in high-level external stakeholder engagement, or managing complex, politically sensitive projects.
Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering external relations strategies with government, the private sector, and/or civil society organisations.
Ability to build relationships quickly with individuals and institutions representing different sectors.
Knowledgeable of the local political landscape.
Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially briefing under pressure.
Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
Desirable:
Experience working with MPs and local government.
Experience in developing clear, persuasive and accessible communications messaging and products.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Public interest in environmental issues continues to grow, which we welcome and encourage. In response, we are enhancing how we manage our relationships with key stakeholders, including MPs, Mayors, and other influential partners.
We are looking for candidates with experience working in complex political environments, who can demonstrate a strong track record in managing strategic relationships and supporting effective external relations plans and engagement activities.
The successful candidate will be able to horizon scan and analyse emerging local issues, identifying challenges and opportunities early. They will build strong, effective relationships with key local stakeholders, and work closely with colleagues across both area and national teams to ensure consistent messaging across a range of subjects and issues.
You will also play a supporting role during incident response.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who understands political, social, and economic developments; is highly organised; and is keen to further develop their skills in strategic relationship management, high level stakeholder engagement, and strategy development.
The team
You will be a key member of the Area Leadership Team, supporting the Area Director, to shape, develop, and deliver a strategic, place‑based relationship management approach aligned with national priorities and local needs. You will work closely with national colleagues including the External Affairs and Government Relations Teams who will lead a national community of practice focused on driving consistency, best practice, and high‑quality stakeholder engagement.
Experience/skills required
Essential:
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:
Demonstrable experience in high-level external stakeholder engagement, or managing complex, politically sensitive projects.
Demonstrable experience in developing and delivering external relations strategies with government, the private sector, and/or civil society organisations.
Ability to build relationships quickly with individuals and institutions representing different sectors.
Knowledgeable of the local political landscape.
Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially briefing under pressure.
Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
Desirable:
Experience working with MPs and local government.
Experience in developing clear, persuasive and accessible communications messaging and products.
You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.