Senior Evaluation Advisor

Senior Evaluation Advisor – Water Industry Enforcement – 32371 Apply for the Senior Evaluation Advisor – Water Industry Enforcement – 32371 role at Environment Agency. Job Description The Environment Agency is fully committed to an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We seek and embrace diversity to benefit staff, communities, and the environment. The Agency is transforming its regulation of the water industry. In the last two years, investment has increased new resources and new powers such as those in the Water (Special Measures) Act. This role is essential in maximizing the impact and public value of these investments, a key part of our Corporate Strategy, EA2030. We are looking for a Senior Evidence Advisor to work in our Evaluation Team. You will: Focus on ‘what works’ in the sphere of the Environment Agency’s water industry enforcement actions, providing evaluation leadership on this topic area; Design and implement evaluation frameworks covering process, impact and value for money; Build an evidence base, increasing the rigor of our evidence as measured against the Nesta scale; Implement qualitative and quantitative research methods; Make recommendations for change to senior leaders aiming to improve operational performance, efficiency and effectiveness. The role will involve working with managers across the Environment Agency responsible for our water enforcement strategy at conceptual and operational levels. You will help them understand how effective and cost‑effective our interventions are, whether we are using the best mix of interventions, and whether our interventions generate deterrence that changes industry behaviour. You may need to influence stakeholders to present complex and occasionally unwelcome information. The role includes commissioning and managing work delivery through contractors and, in some cases, partnering with academia or colleagues across the Defra Group. Experience / Skills Required You should have an excellent knowledge of current approaches to evaluation, using HM Treasury’s Magenta Book as a foundation. You will be familiar with a broad range of evaluation methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and quasi‑experimental techniques to address complexity. Robust theory‑based impact evaluation is expected. Soft‑skill strengths include structured interviewing and workshop facilitation, ability to distil and present key evidence‑based messages. Specialist expertise in economics, statistics or broader social/operational research methods is desirable. Experience in regulatory enforcement evaluation or water regulation from an operational perspective is a bonus. Excellent project and contract management skills and, ideally, some line‑management experience are required. Competencies Scientific Knowledge Describe a time when you used evaluation to develop sound evidence, answering stakeholder questions or informing decisions. Influences and Persuades Others Describe a time you persuaded a key stakeholder to adopt your advice on a major project or piece of work. Environmental Awareness Describe how you appreciate the environmental impact of activities and identify ways to protect and preserve the environment. What are the main issues for England’s water environment at present, and how did you reach that view? Shapes organisational approach & delivery Tell us about a time you used evidence to challenge existing thinking in an organisation and the outcome. Benefits and Working Conditions We offer an inclusive incident management objective, appropriate training, an EA Office base location, and a flexible/hybrid national role. Travel and overnight stays may be required. We support flexible working patterns and a guaranteed interview policy for applicants with disabilities. Applicants will be assessed blind using competency questions and interviews will be in early January. If you consent to being on a reserve list, your details will be held for six months and you may be offered an alternative post. Legal Statements We celebrate a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome flexible working arrangements, including job share. The Environment Agency is a non‑departmental public body and is not part of HM Civil Service; the appointed individual will not be a Crown Servant. The Agency is committed to value for money, aligning with Central Government frameworks and contracts. The Agency cannot engage directly with the market; interested suppliers may reference Crown Commercial Service agreements. Artificial intelligence may support your application, but all examples must be truthful and original. Plagiarism may result in withdrawal and disciplinary action. #J-18808-Ljbffr