35058 - Policy specialist
| Posting date: | 11 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £54,940 to £64,576 per year, pro rata |
| Additional salary information: | Fixed Term Up to 12 Months |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 May 2026 |
| Location: | UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | Environment Agency |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 35058 |
Summary
We are looking for an experienced Policy Specialist to be part of a small, high-performing team working at the centre of the EA focused on supporting the delivery of the Government’s Water White Paper, including the creation of a new water regulator. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a team working at the forefront of shaping the future of the EA and working on an issue of high political and public interest.
You will:
Support work to provide EA input to support the government in delivering the ambition set out in the Water White Paper, including establishing a new integrated water regulator. This will involve developing and shaping EA policy and positioning including what that means for the future of the EA.
Support delivery of a programme of joint working with other regulators - NE, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate - aimed at improving coordination and regulatory outcomes during the transition to a new regulatory landscape.
Support engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA and with other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.
Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking whilst keeping pace in an often fast-moving working environment.
Take a flexible approach and have a willingness to assist other projects and workstreams withing the Programme as the need arises.
Be an active member of the Programme team, playing a role in creating the conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
The team
You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors. You can expect a friendly welcome and an engaging and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.
Experience/skills required
Experience of working with central government to develop policy, including working with specialists such as economists and scientists
Ability to think and act strategically.
Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issue and information into simple, targeted advice often at short notice.
Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels
You will:
Support work to provide EA input to support the government in delivering the ambition set out in the Water White Paper, including establishing a new integrated water regulator. This will involve developing and shaping EA policy and positioning including what that means for the future of the EA.
Support delivery of a programme of joint working with other regulators - NE, Ofwat and the Drinking Water Inspectorate - aimed at improving coordination and regulatory outcomes during the transition to a new regulatory landscape.
Support engagement with colleagues across Government, within the EA and with other regulators to ensure others are brought along as we develop our thinking.
Embrace constructive challenge and diverse thinking whilst keeping pace in an often fast-moving working environment.
Take a flexible approach and have a willingness to assist other projects and workstreams withing the Programme as the need arises.
Be an active member of the Programme team, playing a role in creating the conditions for a high performing and agile team to thrive and be resilient often in the face of high demand and ambiguity.
The team
You’ll be an essential part of a small, motivated team working directly with the Strategic Design and Transition Programme Director and Deputy Directors. You can expect a friendly welcome and an engaging and rewarding environment to work in, where your personal development will be supported.
Experience/skills required
Experience of working with central government to develop policy, including working with specialists such as economists and scientists
Ability to think and act strategically.
Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to translate complex or ambiguous issue and information into simple, targeted advice often at short notice.
Experience of working across boundaries and influencing at all levels