Price Review Delivery Advisor - 29323

Job content

Job Description

A number of opportunities have arisen to join the Environment Agency’s Price Review team.

The 5 yearly round of water company price reviews produces the largest environmental investment programme in the country and is the most significant contributor to the environmental improvements required of Defra’s 25 year Environment Plan.

You’ll carry out a range of roles from data management and analysis, programme assurance and process development. Your work will help ensure that water companies deliver the actions in their Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP).

You’ll be comfortable managing large amounts of data and information to assist the team develop, maintain and track the delivery of the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). By the end of the next price review in 2024 (PR24) this may comprise a dataset of 30,000 water company actions. You’ll help to maintain that record, analyse and interpret that information, communicating the results to a variety of internal and external audiences.

You’ll be someone who looks for improvements and efficiencies to existing processes to ensure we make the best use of resources.

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.

There will be opportunity to develop your project management skills to delivery projects.

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 team

The Price Review Delivery team comprises 8 professionals sitting within E&B Operations Catchment Services. We programme manage and co-ordinate the delivery of the water company price review programme, helping to provide assurance for the organisation.

We work closely with Environment and Business colleagues to receive strategic steer and policy direction and with internal area and operational teams to provide them with support and guidance.

Externally our customers include water companies Defra, Ofwat and Natural England.

Experience/skills Required

We are seeking individuals with good data management and analysis experience, and preferably water company planning experience, though not essential.

You will possess proven ability of:

• Effective working with external organisations, particularly water companies;
• Using strong communication and networking skills to influence or help deliver outcomes;
• Interpreting or evaluating evidence to provide assurance of effective programme delivery.
• providing technical guidance and support to water companies and Environment Agency operational teams
• Shaping and facilitating change or new ways of working to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Have excellent customer focus, acting on feedback
• Be comfortable training large groups to use systems developed by the team
• Actively grow networks and building communities of data users
  

You should be comfortable with working as part of a dispersed team. You will be expected to travel for national meetings with occasional overnight stays.

Contact and additional information

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, some travel and overnights may be required.

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews are due to be held via MS Teams week commencing 23/09/2024.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please contact Jeff Pacey, Price Review Delivery Programme Manager Price_Review@environment-agency.gov.uk

Competence 1

Data and Information Management

Description

Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.

• Ensures that activities are carried out and documentation completed according to the relevant data laws, policies, processes and standards.
• Accurately and safely collects, enters and maintains data in line with Environment Agency procedures and stores data, or material, for subsequent analysis safely.
• Anticipates requirements for data or information and/or identifies future reporting requirements and puts in place the means to meet these.
• Examines and tests out sources and validity of data/information before using; makes clear the status or reliability of material used. Undertakes more data gathering where necessary.
• Produces factually accurate reports, both verbal and written using data and statistics supported by tools, databases and specialised software.
• Prepares and presents findings in a logical and well-structured manner that can be readily accessed and understood by a wide audience.
• Is fully aware of all documentation applicable to roles & responsibilities. Knows how to find out if unsure.
  

Question: Please describe a time when you had responsibility for managing data.

Competence 2

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Description

Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods, processes and without, compromising quality or accuracy.

• Takes responsibility for the quality and timeliness of own work, admits errors when necessary and quickly takes action to rectify
• Demonstrates an ongoing concern to improve performance and increase efficiency.
• Checks and ensures the accuracy of information received and produces work that is right first time.
• Puts in place checks to ensure that plans and processes are being carried out to the required degree of accuracy.
• Actively seeks and implements opportunities to maximise efficiency and effectiveness of self and the team.
• Ensures that data and information are always delivered in an accurate, timely and legal manner.
• Proactively looks for better ways of doing things; learns from events and seeks to improve future performance
  

Question: How do you ensure the projects you are involved in are completed to the necessary standards? Give an example of when you have had to do this.

Competence 3

Focuses on Customers and Partners

Description

Addresses the needs of internal and external customers, provides rapid and effective responses

• Recognises the concept of both internal and external customers and treats both equally well.
• Identifies and addresses the needs of customers, delivering what is promised and ensuring that they are satisfied with the outcomes.
• Takes personal responsibility to meet customer needs; is polite, courteous and professional
• Ensures customers receive consistent and clear messages supported by accurate and timely information.
• Regularly monitors and measures customer satisfaction and looks for ways to improve customer service
• Anticipates and balances the needs of a range of customers with conflicting priorities.
• Keeps customers informed and manages expectations
• Handles complaints effectively, defuses anger and tension and resolves problems.
  

Question: Can you describe a time when you had to address the needs of a customer (or customers), how you went about it, who you communicated with and when?

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.