Job Description

Engagement Specialist - 31359

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Engagement Specialist - 31359

Number of jobs available
1
Region
South East
City/Town
Chichester , Southampton , Worthing
Building/Site
DEFRA GRP EA CHICHESTER OFFICE, PO20 2AG, DEFRA GRP EA ROMSEY OFFICE, SO51 8DU, DEFRA GRP WORTHING TEVILLE GATE HOUSE, BN11 1UR
Grade
Staff Grade 5
Post Type
Fixed Term
Role Type
Communications / Marketing, Customer Insight, Programme and Project Management, Strategy
Working Pattern
Full Time, Part Time, Compressed Hours
Salary Minimum
41,617 Pro-rata
Closing Date:
20/07/2025, 23:55 hours


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Candidate pack
Candidate Pack - 31359.docx - 2041KB Opens in a new window


Converted File Candidate Pack - 31359.docx.pdf - 718KB Opens in a new window
Security checks level
Basic Check
Job description
We are looking for an Engagement Specialist who will have the opportunity to work on high profile projects and issues of high public interest. You will be working on two of SSD's most exciting and large flood and coastal improvement related projects in West Sussex and Hampshire: Farlington Marshes and Thorney Island Habitat Creation project.


You will develop strong relationships with the project teams, partners and stakeholders and will be responsible for project engagement and communication plans, in collaboration with members of the project team. Engagement will be consistently driven and evaluated by you, with your progress reports being regularly provided to the team.

Using the Working with Others approach you will be co-designing strategic engagement objectives that will enable the creation and updating of engagement plans and project programmes for public, environmental and other engagement work. You will lead the projects in gaining external stakeholder support and help minimise programme delays. This work will be done in conjunction with the project team, and the process will be designed and consistently driven and evaluated by you, with your progress reports being regularly provided to the team.


Responding to incidents is a central part of what we do. You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents, or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

The Environment Agency are fully committed to inclusivity and equal opportunities, offering flexible work arrangements for all our vacancies. Join us in a diverse environment where every voice is heard and valued.
The team
The role is line manged in the Customer and Engagement team within the Solent and South Downs area. You will work exclusively on the Thorney Island and Farlington Marshes projects alongside 3 engagement specialists who work on other major FCRM projects. You will be required to travel to sites not easily accessible by public transport, so proximity to Hampshire/Sussex is preferable but not mandatory.
Experience/skills required
We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual who has proven experience in engagement and communications. You don't need to have previous experience in flooding or coastal risk management or the environmental sector.



You should be able to demonstrate you:

have experience in successfully creating, organising, and delivering community engagement events, materials (such as newsletters), and exhibitions within a project setting. understand and can implement the Environment Agency "Working With Others" guidance. are organised and can quickly upskill to efficiently record manage engagement related documents for the project team, providing training where needed on new systems. can influence others to make considered engagement decisions together with regular discussions with the project team. have demonstrable leadership skills, are self-motivated and can pick up the pace for engagement planning. have strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills. Contact and additional information
Overview of benefits and development:


Extensive employee benefits (refer to candidate pack) Flexible working & hybrid working Mentoring for further career development at the Environment Agency

Applicants can be based in any EA office, although one from Romsey, Chichester or Worthing is preferable. The role is able to be completed hybrid, with many meetings occurring remotely but some requirement to attend the project sites or nearby offices in Hampshire and Sussex.

Contact for further information: nathan.bayley@environment-agency.gov.uk
Length of contract
Up to 1 Year
Competence 1
Engages others
Description
Question: Please tell us about a time you have given stakeholders an opportunity to influence a decision/project. What was important to consider when planning and evaluating your engagement?




Please note:


We do not assess CVs. Your answer to this question will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action and Result) can help when formulating your answers.


For transparency, the capability indicators that you will be assessed against are as follows:


Plans, delivers and evaluates effective stakeholder engagement for a project, issue, plan or site Ensures engagement with others is considered and planned at the outset Decides, or helps others to decide, how much and what type of engagement (provide to, receive from, or collaborate with) is needed, and who with Appreciates and adapts to the different needs of stakeholders, and identifies and fills gaps in information, to ensure joint understanding Develops relationships with stakeholders to build trust and achieve better outcomes Works with colleagues across the business to understand factors which may affect the way we engage, and ensures our work with stakeholders is joined up and appropriate Seeks, listens to and acts on feedback from stakeholders Plans, delivers and evaluates participative engagement activities Uses appropriate facilitation techniques to run participative events to build trust, manage conflict, create joint understanding of issues, and to seek views Understands and works within situations that are appropriate for collaboration (working together to achieve something, or some benefit, which we could not achieve working alone). Competence 2
Manages Self
Description
Question: Please tell us about a time you have been responsible for ensuring a project or activity is effectively planned and delivered. How did you ensure you and your colleagues were able to complete the project in time and to a high standard?



Please note:


We do not assess CVs. Your answer to this question will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action and Result) can help when formulating your answers.

For transparency, the capability indicators that you will be assessed against are as follows:


Recognises strengths, weaknesses and limits of own expertise. Seeks and acts on feedback from others, recognising when to seek support. Takes responsibility for addressing own performance and developmental needs to enhance skills, personal contribution and career prospects. Is flexible and able to adapt to changing situations and to a variety of individual styles. Manages own emotions and is resilient in a range of complex and demanding situations. Maintains and encourages a positive and enthusiastic outlook for what the Environment Agency is aiming to achieve, especially in times of difficulty. Prioritises and schedules activities to make effective use of time Plans work in advance by thinking through the action necessary to complete tasks to deadlines; adjusts plans as necessary. Competence 3
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Question: Using an example, please explain a time you have had to convince someone who disagreed with you. How did you plan and approach this task and what was most important to your success?




Please note:


We do not assess CVs. Your answer to this question will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action and Result) can help when formulating your answers.


For transparency, the capability indicators that you will be assessed against are as follows:


Gathers relevant data, marshals facts and prepares sound arguments Listens to other's opinions, understanding their viewpoints, needs and concerns; responds appropriately; lobbies others in advance Presents a credible case and explains the benefits to the audience/listener; anticipates the main objections/arguments Responds to the needs and style of the listener when influencing. Seeks to achieve a "win-win" outcome and develop the relationship with the person(s) being influenced. Prepares convincing written arguments on complex issues, presenting information logically, concisely and persuasively. Able to modify and reformulate case, read the listener's mood and adjust accordingly Plans and prepares influencing strategies for key players and opinion leaders. Competence 4
Delivers Results Through Others
Description
Question: Please tell us about a time you have set and monitored an objective but achieved it through collaborative work with others. Your example should demonstrate how you take accountability for outcomes but deliver through others.




Please note:


We do not assess CVs. Your answer to this question will be used for interview selection so ensure you draw out your skills and experience in your response. Using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action and Result) can help when formulating your answers.


For transparency, the capability indicators that you will be assessed against are as follows:


Translates key performance indicators and the local contribution into a team work plan and individual objectives. Communicates this effectively to team and colleagues Assigns workload and resources to achieve plans in line with both business priorities and an accurate profile of the team's capabilities Secures resources and orchestrates the activities of others to delivers results Successfully obtains others' commitment to undertake work by gaining their acceptance and involvement Monitors progress against key performance indicators, providing timely support to address shortfalls Ensures the team gets the required data right first time, identifying causes of poor data and fixing or escalated appropriately Improves what is delivered by welcoming challenge and through constant process improvement Is flexible and manages conflicting demands in light of changing circumstances Achieves tangible results by delegating (with support) suitable responsibilities and by encouraging the team to take personal responsibility for their actions Uses a risk-based approach when prioritising activities and allocating resources Develops and manages budget (relevant to level of responsibility required by role), ensuring all environment agency processes and procedures are correctly followed

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. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

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. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/become-a-crown-commercial-service-supplier/becoming-a-supplier-through-the-crown-commercial-service-what-you-need-to-know

for more information.