Senior External Relations Advisor - 33098

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Senior External Relations Advisor - 33098

Senior External Relations Advisor - 33098

Number of jobs available

18

Region

East Midlands, East of England, London, National, North East, North West, South East, South West, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber

City/Town

Blandford Forum , Bodmin , Bridgwater , Chippenham , Exeter , Farnham , Huntingdon , Ipswich , Kidderminster , Leeds , Lichfield , Lincoln , London, Newcastle-upon-Tyne , Norwich , Nottingham , Penrith , Pevensey, Preston , Rotherham , Shrewsbury , Southampton , Tewkesbury , Wallingford , Warrington , Welwyn Garden City , West Malling , Worthing

Grade

Staff Grade 6

Post Type

Permanent

Role Type

Administration / Corporate Support, Communications / Marketing, Senior Leadership, Strategy

Working Pattern

Full Time, Part Time, Part Time/Job Share, Compressed Hours

Salary Minimum

£54,940

Closing Date:

22/02/2026, 23:55 hours

Job description attachment 1

Job description attachment 2

Candidate pack

Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

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.

Contact and additional information

Successful candidates will need to be based in one of the main offices for their Area Leadership Team. We use smart tools to stay connected, but some travel and occasional overnights will be required.

Please read the Candidate Packs for additional information.

We will be holding an MS Teams meeting on Friday 13 February to provide interested candidates with more information and an opportunity to ask questions about this exciting new role. To enrol please contact

Applications will be assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we'll hold your details for a period of 6 months and may offer you an alternative post within that time.

Competence 1

Shapes organisational approach & delivery

Description

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift.

Description:
Informs Government Policy and / or designs, implements and supports an approach to translate it into cost effective operational activity delivering outcomes for people and the environment. Please provide evidence to demonstrate your competency by answering the following question:

Question:
Think about a time that you had to prepare a relationship management plan for a significant stakeholder on a politically sensitive issue or project. How did you approach the task?

Competence 2

Communicates Effectively

Description

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift.

Description:
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and
writing. Please provide evidence to demonstrate your competency by answering the following question:

Question:
Describe a situation where you have had to brief an individual or a group of people under pressure. What did you consider in your approach? And how do you know you were successful?

Competence 3

Influences and Persuades Others

Description

More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift.

Description:
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.

Question:
Describe a work situation where you succeeded in influencing another to change their position or approach. How did you do this?

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and 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.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit for more information.

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the . Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.