Evaluation Advisor – 31801 At Environment Agency

Job Description

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.

You’ll be based in the Evaluation team’s regulation and enforcement arm, working on how the Environment Agency delivers regulatory and enforcement interventions to protect and improve the environment. You’ll help deliver evaluations by:

• Joining and analysing complex, often imperfect datasets
• Applying appropriate analytical methods to draw meaningful insights
• Interpreting evidence and developing practical recommendations
• Engaging with internal teams and external partners
• Communicating findings clearly through reports and presentations

You’ll be working on applied evaluation, delivering insight against existing frameworks, rather than designing theory-heavy approaches from scratch.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Technically confident, with practical experience of data analysis
• Independent-minded, able to progress work with light-touch guidance
• Collaborative, with a willingness to check in regularly and share thinking
• Pragmatic, able to handle imperfect data, mixed methods, and real-world complexity
• Curious and interested in how evidence can drive environmental outcomes

Some knowledge of the water environment or water industry would be helpful, but not essential.

The team

We’re a small, mixed-discipline team supporting evaluation across the Environment Agency. Our insights improve the effectiveness of regulation, incident response, climate resilience, and more.

We support each other, share knowledge openly, and take pride in producing analysis that has real-world impact.

You’ll also be expected to undertake an incident management role alongside your day job. We’ll help you find something appropriate to your skills and circumstances.

Experience/skills Required

You’ll need:

• A relevant degree or equivalent experience
• Experience applying analytical skills in a professional or postgraduate setting
• Familiarity with one of the following, Excel, Power BI, R or SSPS.
• A basic understanding of evaluation principles (see Magenta Book)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – confident presenting analysis to non-analysts

Desirable:

• Experience working with Environment Agency, government or environmental datasets
• Awareness of water industry or water policy context
• Experience communicating evidence to non-specialist audiences

Development

You’ll be supported to develop in-role, with opportunities to grow your technical, strategic and engagement skills. This is a great opportunity to apply your skills in a high-impact, delivery-focused setting.

Contact and additional information

You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid. As a dispersed team, we predominantly use virtual platforms to communicate.

We’re committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve, so welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds. Part-time and job share applications also welcome.

Your answers to the capability-based questions will be used for interview selection. We recommend reading the supporting information in the advert’s candidate pack before answering.

Interviews will be conducted via MS Teams in early October 2026. Further information will be provided in advance of interviews. We’ll hold a reserve list for 6 months – you may be offered an alternative post.

For any queries, please contact Matthew.hess@environment-agency.gov.uk or Jon.greaves@environment-agency.gov.uk

Length of contract

Up to 30/9/2026

Competence 1

Scientific Knowledge

Description

If a large number of applications are received, an initial sift using this lead capability may be conducted. Successful candidates will then proceed to a full sift or directly to assessment/interview.

Our team builds Evaluations to answer stakeholder questions about “what works?”. Please tell us about a time when you have applied a science-based/analytical approach to develop sound evidence, in order to answer a stakeholder’s questions and/or inform their decision making.

• How did you approach the task?
• What did you take into consideration?
• What was the result?

Competence 2

Communicates Effectively

Description

Understanding and communicating technical information is essential to building system knowledge and landing Evaluation evidence with stakeholders. Please provide an example of your ability to understand and convey information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.

• How did you approach the task?
• What did you take into consideration?
• What was the result?

Competence 3

Achieves Results

Description

Timely delivery of products is essential to ensuring Evaluation evidence is useful to stakeholders. Please tell us about a time when you have needed to set and deliver high work standards, meeting targets and ensuring timely achievement of results.

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.