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- Tasks: Lead the strategic review of water quality charging schemes and influence environmental funding.
- Company: Join Natural Resources Wales, a key player in environmental management.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Wales' water environment and shape future policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in environmental legislation and strong collaboration skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for extension and excellent career growth.
Specialist Regulatory Approaches Advisor
Role ID: 203971
Location: Flexible
Grade/Salary range: 7: £45,367 – £50,877
Working pattern: Full time
Contract type: Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA)
Closing date: 26/10/2025
The role
Are you ready to shape the future of how we manage and fund water quality in Wales?
We re looking for an experienced and strategic thinker to take the lead on our water quality charging schemes at Natural Resources Wales. This is a rare opportunity to influence environmental funding at a national level ensuring our approach to charging supports both strong environmental outcomes and high-quality services.
In this role, you ll lead the strategic review of our annual charges for water quality, helping to create a charging system that s fair, future-focused, and financially sound. You ll be the go-to expert in this field, advising across the organisation and working closely with Welsh Government and key partners to translate national policy into practical delivery on the ground.
You ll also play a vital role in developing guidance, programmes, and strategies that align with environmental goals and government policy, ensuring our schemes are compliant, transparent, and effective.
We re looking for someone who can combine technical expertise with big-picture thinking someone who thrives on collaboration and can build strong working relationships across teams and sectors.
If you re passionate about making a lasting impact on how we protect and improve Wales water environment, we d love to hear from you.
This is a fixed term role until 30 October 2026 with the possibility of extension.
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.
Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams
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.
About us
Based within our Water Quality Regulatory Approaches Team in Evidence, Permitting and Planning, you\’ll be part of a team that makes policy ambition a reality developing the tools, guidance, and training needed to support effective, proportionate regulation across Wales.
In this newly created role, you ll play a vital part in shaping how we fund our work through the development of fair and future-ready fees and charges. Your expertise will help ensure our charging schemes support a sustainable approach to water quality regulation, while reflecting the services we provide and the ambitions we re working to achieve.
What you will do
- Be the principal point of contact with environmental regulators, both UK and European, to share information and work together on the regulatory approach, technical advice and guidance for all relevant Sectors.
- To share information and work together on the development of operational policy and new legislation, interpretation of relevant legislation, advice and guidance for the specific sector(s) and areas of responsibility.
- Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the assigned sector(s) identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
- Support the development and training of staff across NRW by applying technical, legislative and regulatory knowledge and experience.
- Lead and project manage specific and complex issues inc. commissions by RBB) to enable consistent and appropriate understanding and application by staff that enables effective regulatory service provision.
- Contribute to the delivery of the team s business plan, the directorate delivery plan and NRWs corporate plan.
- Support the mentoring and coaching of Advisors within the team to ensure that the team has sufficient technical and legislative resilience for your assigned area of work.
- Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence & project manage evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
- Design monitoring and evaluation frameworks of regulation interventions to inform assessment of the need for improvements in regulation and permitting processes by NRW.
- 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 your specific sector(s); Welsh, UK government Policy drivers in your specific sector(s).
- Experience in informing and influencing government departments/regulators, preferably on environmental issues.
- Extensive experience in forming and maintaining close links with internal and external partners/stakeholders to deliver the outcomes of both a specific function/project/team and the wider organisation.
- Experience of understanding and applying regulatory activities.
- Be able to work at pace and have a track record of delivery.
- Being innovative and demonstrating drive to achieve targets
- You will be expected to keep up to date with changing regulatory policy and proposed changes to legislation via membership of a relevant professional body or other equivalent means.
Welsh Language level requirements
Essential: Level A1 – Entry level
TO APPLY PLEASE CLICK THE \”APPLY NOW\” BUTTON AND YOU WILL BE REDIRECTED TO BEGIN THE APPLICATION PROCES
Specialist Regulatory Approaches Advisor employer: Natural Resources Wales
Contact Detail:
Natural Resources Wales Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Regulatory Approaches Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and the role thoroughly. Think about how your skills align with their needs and be ready to share examples of your past successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources. The more comfortable you are speaking about your experience, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to follow up! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Regulatory Approaches Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Specialist Regulatory Approaches Advisor role. Highlight your relevant experience and knowledge of Welsh, UK, and EU legislation in your application to show us you're the right fit.
Use the STAR Method: When detailing your experience, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This helps us see how you've tackled challenges in the past and what impact you've made.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with our needs. Show us why you’re passionate about water quality regulation and how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural Resources Wales
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on Welsh, UK, and EU legislation related to water quality. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact the role will show your expertise and preparedness.
✨Use the STAR Method
When answering questions, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. This will help you clearly demonstrate your experience and how it relates to the job requirements.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires strong collaboration with various stakeholders. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in the past, especially in influencing government departments or regulators.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions about regulatory approaches and environmental policies. Prepare by reviewing recent changes in legislation and think about how they could affect the role and the organisation's goals.
