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Salary
Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
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Contract type
Loan
Secondment
Length of employment
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Type of role
Environment and Sustainability
Governance
Policy
Other
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About the job
Job summary
Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) is a non-ministerial government department. We regulate the water sector in England and Wales.
We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and theres a real adult culture fostered by trust, flexibility and respect.
In 2023 we were awarded ‘Smarter Working Maturity’ recognition for the way that Ofwat has embraced new and modern ways of working, reflecting the spaces we provide, technology we have deployed and the culture and leadership we have embedded to empower choice and flexibility for our people.
We are seeking a Policy Associate to join our RAPID Directorate.
Water is a precious resource. Our water resources are coming under increasing pressure due to population growth, economic development, and climate change. The public and the business expects that water will be available when needed, but also that the way we use water allows for improvements to the environment from which we take it. These factors all contribute to a growing sense of urgency that we need to act now to develop new efficient national supply options to avoid restrictions in the near future.
In response, RAPID (Regulators Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development) has been formed to help accelerate the development of new water infrastructure and design future regulatory frameworks. The joint team is made up of the three water regulators: Ofwat, the Environment Agency and the Drinking Water Inspectorate.
Job description
The successful candidate will support with drafting papers, researching policy areas, arranging, and contributing to internal and external meetings, and proactively sharing ideas and knowledge. They will work as part of one of the three teams highlighted below.
The Water Resources team – focuses on activities associated with the statutory water resource management plans and business plans processes, including data analysis, report and letter writing and working with other regulators to provide feedback to water companies.
The Regulatory and Commercial team – focuses on identifying regulatory barriers to the new infrastructure options (“strategic resource options”) in the RAPID programme and contributes to actions to develop policy approaches to resolve these barriers.
The Gated Process team – focuses on supporting the development of the strategic resource options in the RAPID programme through regulator and water company engagement, development of guidance and progress assessment.
The successful candidate will be proactive and comfortable with taking ownership of the work they are responsible for by engaging within Ofwat, environmental regulators and stakeholders as required. You will have excellent attention to detail. You will be required to apply your judgement and exercise responsibility in line with our strategy and ways of working. You will be instrumental in providing support to colleagues across RAPID. This is a unique career opportunity for suitable candidates to develop and consolidate their skill set as we will be supporting you and your development through coaching and mentoring.
Key deliverables
Some of your objectives within this role will include, but will not be limited to:
- Assisting with the identification of policies which may provide a barrier to a new strategic water resource solutions and developing options for modifying or developing new policies to address those barriers.
- Researching policies in other utilities to identify any parallels which can be drawn with the water sector.
- Contributing to the development of strategic resource solutions through regulator and company engagement, development of guidance and assessment of progress.
- Analysing data and draft documents, reports, and letters.
- Working with internal and external stakeholders, including the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales and Water Companies, and any other relevant bodies.
- Providing support with the delivery of relevant projects and programmes.
- Supporting with the coordination of external and team events.
- Supporting the directorate, the team, and the other Directorates with other actions arising from RAPIDs work.
Person specification
To be successful in this post you will require the following attributes, skills, experience and knowledge:
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
- LEAD CRITERION: Knowledge of and/or experience in one or more of the following: water resources supply and policy, the water environment or infrastructure development.
- Ability to work with internal and external stakeholders to gather and share information and to deliver an objective / project.
- Ability to work under pressure, effectively planning, prioritising, and managing a varied and changing workload to meet different, and often tight, deadlines.
- Ability to work independently, and as part of a team, using creativity and innovative approaches.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Attributes
- Delivers Outcomes.
- Creates Clarity.
- Adaptative Thinker.
- Promotes Collaboration.
You can read more about Attributes in Ofwats Framework for Success.
Benefits
£7,354 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
Why you should Join Ofwat
We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and we have a unique culture fostered by trust, flexibility and respect.
We strive to ensure our people feel connected and valued, where their voice matters. You will be provided with the space and support to shape your future while taking greater control of your own growth and development.
You will also benefit from:
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to max 30 with each year of service) in addition to 10.5 bank holiday and privilege leave days
- access to exclusive discounts on a range of goods and services such as retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance and gym membership;
- fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies;
- up to 3 volunteering days per year;
- recognition vouchers;
- enhanced shared parental leave and pay;
- enhanced sick pay;
- cycle-to-work scheme;
- season ticket loan for travel between home and office;
- health and well-being initiatives
Things you need to know
Selection process details
How to apply
Applicants should apply through the Civil Service Jobs website. You will be asked to create an account and complete an application form. If you are unable to make an electronic application, you may submit your application on paper. Please contact us to find out how at recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Selection timetable
- Closing date: 23:55 on 26 November 2023
- Sifting: w/c 27 November 2023
- Interview date(s): w/c 4 December 2023 and w/c 11 December 2023
Assessment process
Sift Stage
At sift stage we will assess your application against some of the essential skills, experience, and knowledge, listed in the professional requirements table above (please ensure you address the essential criteria in your application).
As part of your application, you will be required to write a personal statement addressing the Lead Criterion as highlighted below.
Knowledge of and/or experience in one or more of the following: water resources supply and policy, the water environment or infrastructure development.
In the event of receiving a large number of applications, a pre-sift may take place on just the lead criterion.
Interview Stage
We will test against attributes, as well as skills, experience, and knowledge (set out in the professional requirements section) during the interview process. You can read more on Ofwats attributes described here in our Framework for Success.
Please note that the interviews will be conducted via video conferencing software (Microsoft Teams).
If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, selection process, or you require any reasonable adjustments please email recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Please read the attached “Candidate Information Pack” for details on terms and conditions.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
- Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk