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- Tasks: Lead evaluation studies on UK environmental policies and support team development.
- Company: ICF is a global leader in evaluation services, focused on impactful environmental solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, extensive wellbeing support, competitive recognition, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Shape UK environmental policy while collaborating with experts in a supportive, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in environmental policy evaluations and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Position may vary as Consulting Director or Lead Managing Consultant based on experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At ICF, your evaluation and research skills deliver a real-world impact. Over the past two decades, we’ve become the leading provider of evaluation services to the UK’s Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), as well as Natural England, the Environment Agency and other government agencies. We’re now looking for an experienced evaluation service leader to join our talented team of experts in environmental and resource policies. This is your opportunity to shape the future of UK environmental policy, to see it in action, and to evaluate the difference it makes in the real world.
The Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL) frameworks we have with Defra, and our established role on its Research and Development and Evidence framework, offer access to a range of secure, long-term opportunities that are unmatched in the sector.
ICF’s experts are thought leaders across a huge range of disciplines. Our approach is always collegiate and personal. You’ll join a team that’s focused only on delivering positive impact. Respect for new ideas and expertise means we’re always ready to embrace differences. We’re never afraid to ask if there is a better way to do something. This role offers you the chance to develop your career within a global business that takes a collaborative approach to working with our unrivalled network of experts here in the UK.
We are looking for an experienced evaluation leader with expertise of applying evaluation methods in one or more of the following policy areas, preferably in a UK context:
- Water resources
- Water quality
- Flood and coastal erosion risk management
- Land use and land access
- Transformation of transport and energy infrastructure for Net Zero
- Climate adaptation
- Waste and resources
- Pollution
In your new role you will:
- Design and direct a portfolio of evaluation studies on government policies relating to the topics listed above.
- Contribute to the development and delivery of our wider evaluation service offer for the Defra family, working with our senior leadership.
- Provide technical, management and development support to colleagues who are at an earlier stage of career progression.
You will come to us with:
- A strong track record in the design and delivery of environmental policy evaluations, research and analysis for the UK Government, working as a project director and service leader.
- An expert understanding of the theory and application of impact and/or process evaluation methods in accordance with Magenta Book guidance.
- Experience of leadership in a consulting or similar project-based environment.
- Strong project management and commercial skills and expertise in business or major programme leadership.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
This role will be positioned as a Consulting Director or Lead Managing Consultant level depending on experience.
Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are committed to creating a culture where we embrace our differences in ideas and identities. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals.
The benefits of joining ICF:
- Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well.
- We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role.
- To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support.
- We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high-quality items, as well as online or high-street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.
- ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:
- Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
- Dental insurance and an online GP service.
- 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
- Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution.
- Life assurance paying 4x annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long-term sick.
- Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.
Consulting Director - Environment, Water, Infrastructure Evaluation employer: ICF
Contact Detail:
ICF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Consulting Director - Environment, Water, Infrastructure Evaluation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest evaluation methods and frameworks, especially those outlined in the Magenta Book. This will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to best practices in environmental policy evaluation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the environmental consulting field, particularly those who have experience working with UK government agencies like Defra. Engaging in conversations with these experts can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on current environmental policies and challenges in the UK, particularly in areas such as water resources and climate adaptation. Being well-informed will allow you to speak confidently about relevant issues during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in project-based environments. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or projects, as this role requires strong leadership skills in a consulting context.
We think you need these skills to ace Consulting Director - Environment, Water, Infrastructure Evaluation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in environmental policy evaluations, particularly in the areas mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples that demonstrate your project management and leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for environmental issues and how your background aligns with ICF's mission. Mention your understanding of evaluation methods and how you can contribute to their ongoing projects.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you applied evaluation methods in a UK context. Highlight any leadership positions and the impact of your work on government policies or projects.
Demonstrate Communication Skills: Since excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role, ensure your application is well-structured and free of errors. Consider including examples of how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF
✨Showcase Your Evaluation Expertise
Make sure to highlight your experience in designing and delivering environmental policy evaluations. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on the methodologies you used and the impact of your work.
✨Understand the Magenta Book Guidance
Familiarise yourself with the Magenta Book guidance on evaluation methods. Demonstrating a solid understanding of these principles during your interview will show that you are well-versed in the standards expected by ICF.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading teams and supporting colleagues, be ready to share examples of your leadership style. Discuss how you've mentored others and contributed to their professional development in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Scenarios
ICF values collaboration and open communication. Think of examples where you've successfully worked in a team environment, especially in project-based settings, and be ready to discuss how you handle differing opinions and ideas.
