The role
You will play a key part in shaping NRW’s strategic direction and regulatory framework for Nature-Based Solutions in a dynamic and fast-changing environment. Collaborating across teams, you will leverage your expertise in programme management and governance to support informed decision-making.
Your work will directly contribute to expanding access to Green Sustainable Finance initiatives, helping to accelerate progress in this critical area of environmental and economic development. This is an exciting opportunity to influence long-term outcomes for nature, people, and climate resilience in Wales.
As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.
To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Nadia De longhi nadia.delonghi@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk
Interviews will take place via Microsoft Teams
About us
We are a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to protecting and enhancing our environment for current and future generations. Operating within a diverse range of sectors including water quality and resources, forestry and land use, waste management, industry, marine conservation, and biodiversity we play a pivotal role in delivering statutory regulatory responsibilities that underpin the health of our natural world.
Our Regulatory and Permitting department, part of the Evidence, Policy and Permitting Directorate, is central to our mission. As one of five key management team members, you will contribute to shaping and steering regulatory duties that align with our corporate objectives: minimising pollution, promoting nature’s recovery, and ensuring communities are resilient to the impacts of climate change.
We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture where expertise meets innovation. Here, your work will have a meaningful impact supporting sustainable practices, influencing policy, and safeguarding the environment. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to driving positive change and delivering tangible results for society and the planet.
What you will do
- Lead the development of long-term policies, strategies, plans and programmes to support delivery of natural resources policy.
- Provide the technical leadership and expertise for the setting and implementing of NRW’s policy, strategy, guidance and operational plans.
- Build and maintain relations with key stakeholders, across sectors including at Wales, UK and international levels to ensure that NRW fulfils its roles and duties and successfully influence the policy, strategy and activities of other organisations.
- Lead and project manage specific complex issues such as the provision of expert planning, advice, guidance, evidence, corporate targets/plans, legislation change, and technical briefings to staff at all levels including undertaking horizon scanning to ensure that future risks/issues and opportunities are identified and where appropriate harnessed applying evidence at a highly technical level;
- Work with EPP policy leads and Operations to ensure that our functional responsibilities, strategic approaches and interventions are fit for purpose and implemented.
- Contribute to and lead wider management tasks e.g. Change Programmes and deputation as required on behalf of Leadership team.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Managers across EPP to develop and deliver an agreed workplan.
- Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
- Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
- Be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
- Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.
- Required to take part in incident response activities.
Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills
In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.
- Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to regulatory work and the environment; Welsh & UK Governments & EU policy drivers in regulation, the environment and Brexit.
- Expert knowledge of activities relating to a range of NRW’s regulatory functions.
- Knowledge and practical understanding of how to overcome the complex priorities, drivers and barriers faced by NRW, partners and stakeholders involved in delivering natural resources and the environment outcomes in Wales.
- Knowledge and understanding of the priorities of partners in the private, public, education and third sector and opportunities for collaboration.
- Experience of NRW’s range of regulation and the complex drivers and barriers to delivery of our regulatory duties within a context of Sustainable Management of Natural Resources (SMNR).
- Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.
- Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.
- Experience of how you have shared your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in EPP as required.
Welsh Language Level requirements:
- Essential: Level A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh)
Welsh language levels
Please note if you do not meet the level A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Benefits
This role will offer a range of benefits, including:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97% (successful internal staff will remain in their current pension scheme)
- 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
- generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
- commitment to professional development
- health and wellbeing benefits and support
- weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose
See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.
Please keep reading
We’re passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
We are committed to equal opportunities and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.
We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.
We are a bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.
You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally. Applications are welcome from individuals who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time.
