Job Description
Do you want to make a lasting positive change to the environment? As a Senior Advisor in the UK BAT team you can.
We are fully committed to having an 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
Large installations in the UK are required to use ‘Best Available Techniques’ (BAT) to reduce emissions to air, water and land. We’ve established a process for the definition of BAT within the UK. The regime will use the BAT concept principles of; a transparent, collaborative, data and evidence led process that safeguards and builds on the current high levels of environmental protection. Central to this process will be the UK BAT Senior Advisor.
You’ll be responsible for supporting the drafting BAT Conclusions, liaising with Technical Working Groups and presenting a final document suitable for publication as a new, UK wide, environmental standard for industry. You’ll have:
- a good understanding of process engineering, environmental issues
- an eye for detail when reviewing technical documents
- a good understanding of environmental legislation and policy in the UK
- the capability of critically reviewing arguments and data
- the ability to coordinate the work of technical authors
- great project management skills and a drive to complete.
We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel, but some travel and overnight stays may be required.
You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan, so we’ll support and train you to find an incident role to suit your needs and circumstances.
The team
You’ll join our UK BAT Team. We lead on delivery of new environmental standards for UK Industry. We’re embedded within the Environment & Business (E&B) Directorate but report to DEFRA and the Standards Council for progress and delivery.
In E&B we promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive culture where everyone feels valued. We use evidence, expertise, and innovation to enhance and support delivery, influence policy, legislation and secure resources.
Experience/skills Required
You will have at least 5 years working experience, and a solid understanding of environmental regulation over a variety of industrial sectors.
In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your experience and expert understanding of:
- UK and EU industrial environmental legislation, in particular the IED and the Environmental Permitting Regulations
- Coordinating and reviewing the publication of technical documents
You will be skilled at:
- understanding the implications of BAT Conclusions in permits, on industry and the environment
- verbal and written communication
- planning, prioritising and organising tasks and resources to ensure timely and effective results
- responding flexibly to challenges and adept at building consensus
- collection and technical analysis of complex industrial data
- ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work
A range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.
Contact and additional information
We’re committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds.
Join our information call about this role on the 9th December at 16:00
For more information about working for us, who to contact regarding these roles and how to apply please read the Candidate Pack and Additional information document
If you have any queries, or want to discuss working patterns, base locations etc, please contact paul.stevens@environment-agency.gov.uk.
Applications will be “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews will be held using MS Teams with 4 capability based questions and a presentation
We’ll hold a reserve list for 6 months. Depending on your skills/experience you may be offered an alternative post
Competence 1
Communicates Effectively
Description
Please consider the situation, task, action, and result (STAR) when structuring your answers.
Description
UK-BAT will require effective communication with many differing stakeholders, sometimes involving large scale events.
Question
Can you give me an example of where you have employed effective communication techniques and describe how these were pivotal for success? How have you dealt with difficult customers?
Capability description:
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
- Is an active listener, has time for people; seeks their contribution.
- Uses full range of communication methods to ensure effective understanding.
- Considers needs of and impact on audience, anticipates reactions and uses appropriate communication method and style.
- Prepares written reports and data in clear, readable and accurate manner, using appropriate grammar, syntax and style.
- Ensures communication is two-way; responds and acts on feedback
- When presenting is easily understood and inspires attention from an audience.
- Is clear and to the point when speaking.
- Anticipates the main issues and prepares responses.
Competence 2
Influences and Persuades Others
Description
Description
UK BAT is built on evidence led approach to gain consensus on technical matters. It is important to be able prepare convincing arguments on complex issues and present the information logically, concisely, and persuasively.
Question
Can you tell me of a time when you presented a view in a convincing way that positively influenced or persuaded them?
Capability description:
Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to follow plans willingly; often succeeding where logic and reason alone would fail.
- 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 3
Achieves Results
Description
The UK-BAT project will have clear goals and targets that will need to be achieved.
Question
Tell me about a piece of work that you are proud of, how you achieved it, and what was the positive result?
Capability description:
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.
Maximises work output by setting goals and priorities tracking and measuring outcomes and taking swift remedial action when necessary.
- Can be relied upon to regularly exceed goals agreed
- Is tenacious and perseveres when others might give up and by doing so achieves the desired results
- Anticipates forth-coming issues and adjusts actions as necessary.
- Willing to put in extra effort to meet urgent deadlines when required; shows dedication and commitment “goes the extra mile”
- Is resilient and performs well under pressure; responds positively to setbacks and develops alternative action
Competence 4
Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality
Description
UK BAT is based on a process for delivering complex technical documents within an agreed timescale and budget. This process needs to be continually reviewed to establish more efficient approaches, embrace innovation and ensure continued ongoing quality.
Question
Can you tell me of a time when you have led a project that identified opportunities for improvement and how you succeeded in obtaining these?
Capability 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.
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 
