Senior Advisor - PFAS - 31247

PFAS, or forever chemicals, are a serious concern for both the environment and human health worldwide. These chemicals will likely stay high on the political, public and regulatory agenda for several decades or more. The Environment Agency has been stepping up to this challenge and over recent years we have developed an ambitious programme of science, investigations and regulatory initiatives which we continue to build on.

We need someone to help lead the EA's overall work on PFAS. Working with a cross-cutting group of experts from our strategy, science and operational teams, this is a role for a technical leader. You will focus on translating science and evidence into actions that aim to reduce the impact of PFAS on the environment and human health.

You will work with scientists and monitoring experts to ensure the EA has the best available evidence. You will oversee a variety of projects working with project managers and industrial sector leads from across the EA to ensure quality outcomes are delivered. You will need to represent us with external partners, including Defra and other regulatory bodies, ensuring government policy is informed by our science and evidence. You will carry out engagement activities with our international partners and ensure we are linked into global PFAS developments in science and regulation.

You will be responsible for contributing to the development of relevant training materials for our own staff and raising the profile of our PFAS work. You will be responsible for advising on media and stakeholder engagement, including responding to formal information requests. This is a complex subject and a challenging role, which will raise your profile and stretch your skills.

We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies.

The team sits within the Chemicals Regulatory Development team within the EA's Chemicals Programme in the Environment & Business Directorate. The team has a diverse range of experience and skills covering multiple sectors (e.g. waste, water, product compliance). Each member of the team leads a specific area, but our strengths come from the way we collaborate and integrate our work. We deliver our PFAS work through collaboration with a variety of EA and external partners.

Experience/skills Required

• An excellent understanding of chemical pollutant impacts on the environment is essential, and you will need to demonstrate breadth and depth of knowledge on PFAS.
• You don’t need to be a chemist to do this job, but an understanding of chemistry or ecotoxicology is desirable.
• You’ll need the ability to learn quickly and bring others along with you, as our understanding of PFAS pollution and its effects is developing rapidly.
• You are a technical leader and have the ability to oversee multiple work areas but are comfortable delegating key activities and have confidence in the experts who lead them.
• You must be able to inspire and motivate others.
• You must be able to think strategically and flexibly, and demonstrate you can convert plans into high-quality outcomes.
• You will be a confident communicator with strong co-ordination and organisational skills.

You’ll have a range of development opportunities with appropriate training provided.

This 12-month assignment is to cover maternity leave. Our team is dispersed around the country and so you can be based at any EA office. Most of our team have adopted a hybrid approach to office/home working. Some travel and overnight stays will be required (typically monthly).

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.

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.