Senior Consultant - Water Governance, Strategy & Policy

We are looking for Senior Consultants to join the water team in our growing UK environmental policy team. The role will sit in ICF’s European Policy, Research, Evaluation and Strategy unit. ICF provides independent policy research, evaluation and analytical support to the Defra group and other UK public sector clients. We provide robust evidence and strategic support to policy‑makers and regulators, using the latest research and evaluation methodologies, advanced data science and behavioural insights. We work across the full spectrum of UK environmental and related policies, from nature restoration to food production, climate adaptation to resource management. We have a growing portfolio of work focused on diverse aspects of water policy. We are working on evaluations of flood risk management programmes, studies on new governance models for water resource management, mechanisms for mobilisation of finance for nature recovery, and appraisal of water‑focused innovation programmes.

Role Overview

When you join ICF we will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development support, structured career guidance systems, our mentoring programme, communities of practice and line management arrangements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Demonstrable interest and experience in environmental policy, especially in relation to water policy in the UK (e.g., water resources, floods, water quality)
• Strong qualitative, quantitative and analytical skills
• Skills in evaluation, economic analysis and appraisal, impact assessment, data science, and/or environmental economics
• Good understanding of UK policy‑making process (experience of working on assignments for the UK Government would be an advantage)
• Degree, Master’s degree or PhD in relevant discipline
• Relevant professional experience of at least 5 years
• Experience managing projects, including budgets and research teams
• Business development experience, including contributing to proposals / grant applications
• Exceptional ability to write and communicate in English
• Strong organisational and collaborative working skills
• Highly‑developed interpersonal skills and self‑motivation
• Prior experience in a consulting environment would be an advantage but we also welcome applicants with backgrounds in academia, government and non‑governmental employment.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to demonstrate their skills, experience and interests by submitting a one‑page cover letter and a two‑page CV.

About ICF

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.

Benefits

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 programme 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.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.