Specialist Advisor, Sustainable Water (Chemicals) in London

Do you have a passion for using data and evidence to understand and manage environmental risk? We are looking for a dedicated individual to join the Integrated Water Planning Team, leading NRW's work on chemicals and emerging threats to the water environment.

You will lead technical assessments and oversee key work programmes, including monitoring activities, helping to ensure NRW has the evidence and understanding needed to address current and future challenges. Working closely with colleagues across NRW, as well as external partners such as Welsh Government and academia, you will play a key role in expanding our knowledge of emerging threats and strengthening our preparedness for future risks.

This role is critical in ensuring NRW meets the requirements of the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EQSD) and offers opportunities to contribute to work across Wales, the UK and beyond.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face-to-face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

About us: Natural Resources Wales is the environmental regulator with a duty to further the sustainable management of natural resources. Based within the Strategy, Policy and Evidence Directorate, this post is part of the Integrated Water Planning Team.

The team covers Water Framework Directive Regulations, River Basin Management Planning, management of Welsh Government's Nature and Climate Emergencies Fund for water quality improvements, and the National Environment Programme, directing water company business planning and influencing Ofwat's Price Reviews.

This post forms part of the team's WFDR focus and is critical in ensuring that NRW achieves its legislative requirements, including those of the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EQSD).

What you will do:

• Prepare technical assessments for chemicals in water, drawing on a range of complex information and data sources;
• Manage the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, statutory advice and guidance documents for chemicals in water;
• Manage the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working.
• Liaise with external stakeholders such as Welsh Government, sector representatives and partners to ensure the timely and effective delivery of project, policy or strategy obligations.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme;
• Support engagement with sectors, partners, WG, Environment Agency, SEPA and NIEA, and other Environment bodies in the UK; and be the lead point of contact for customer queries.
• Maintain knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required;
• Collaborate with the Team Leader to develop and deliver an agreed Personal Development Plan.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills:

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

• Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to WFD and chemicals in water; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in WFD; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
• Experience of technical analysis and interpretation of a range of environmental information and data and analysing large data sets.
• Working with/in water companies, local authorities, eNGOs, National Parks;
• Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
• You will be a member of a relevant professional institution such as CIWEM and/or working towards membership.
• Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.

Welsh Language level requirements:

Essential: Level A1 - Entry level. Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Additional Information:

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. Natural Resources Wales is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position. Although we hold a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship licence, it applies only to specific roles that meet both the eligibility criteria and salary requirements set out by the UK Government under the Skilled Worker visa route.

Benefits:

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• Generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
• Commitment to professional development
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose

We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.

We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.

We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.