Senior Evaluation Advisor

Senior Evaluation Advisor – Water Industry Enforcement The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment. The Agency is transforming its regulation of the water industry. The last two years have seen an investment in new resources, and new powers such as those in the Water (Special measures) Act. We need to make sure we maximise the impact and public value of these investments, which are a key part of our Corporate Strategy, EA2030. We are looking for a Senior Evidence Advisor to work in our Evaluation Team. The role will involve working with managers across the Environment Agency who are responsible for our water enforcement strategy at conceptual and operational levels. You will help them to understand how effective and cost‑effective our interventions are, whether we’re using the best mix of interventions, and whether our interventions are generating deterrence which changes the behaviours of the industry. Sometimes you will need to use your influencing skills to present information that is new, complex and occasionally unwelcome or counter‑intuitive. You will also commission and manage work delivery through contractors, and sometimes in partnership with academia, or colleagues across Defra Group. Responsibilities: Focus on ‘what works’ in the sphere of the Environment Agency’s water industry enforcement actions, providing evaluation leadership in this topic area; Design and implement evaluation frameworks covering process, impact and value for money; Build an evidence base, increasing the rigour of our evidence as measured against the Nesta scale; Implement qualitative and quantitative research methods; Make recommendations for change to senior leaders with the aim of improving our operational performance, efficiency and effectiveness. Qualifications and Experience: Excellent knowledge of current approaches to evaluation, with understanding of HM Treasury's Magenta Book and a broad range of evaluation methods including qualitative and quantitative techniques, and dealing with complexity; Robust, theory‑based impact evaluation and/or quasi‑experimental methods; People skills: structured interviewing, workshop facilitation, ability to distil and present key evidence‑based messages; Specialist skills such as economics, statistics, or broader understanding of social/operational research methods are an advantage; Background in enforcement evaluation or understanding of water regulation from an operational perspective is a bonus; Exemplary project and contract management skills and ideally some line management experience. Additional Information: Location: EA Office based – national role with flexible / hybrid arrangements. Some travel and overnight stays may be required. Contact and application: Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. For queries, contact jon.greaves@environment-agency.gov.uk. Applications are blind assessed using competency questions; interviews are planned for early January. If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post. Equality and Diversity Statement: We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all vacancies, including job share. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr