Environment Agency
Portfolio Finance and Systems Advisor - 35193
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Senior Data & Portfolio Reporting Specialist
The Environment Agency is committed to building an inclusive workforce that truly reflects the diverse communities we serve. We don’t just talk about diversity—we actively seek it, embrace it, and embed it into everything we do.
About the Role
Do you want to work at the heart of Innovation and Delivery (I&D) in the Environment & Business (E&B) directorate, helping us to create better places for people, wildlife, and the environment?
This critical role sits in the E&B Portfolio Management Office (PfMO), which drives change, transformation, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will work across E&B—as well as with other portfolios—with systems and financial experts to ensure:
- Outstanding financial information is consistently available
- Robust Project Portfolio & Management (P3M) system is effectively managed
We’re looking for someone who loves turning complex data into clarity. This is a role for a natural problem-solver who thrives in innovative and dynamic environments, driving continuous improvement. Using new project management systems, you’ll be key in shaping our way-of-working and trialling new tools, including:
- Data and reporting innovations
- Process optimisation
The role is critical to:
- Creating clear and consistent information for Director and Deputy Directors
- Ensuring the right data is available at the right time for key management decisions
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain core financial data and information for the E&B Portfolio
- Interpret portfolio performance and outcomes through data analysis
- Monitor forecasts, in-year spend, and financial risks, ensuring accuracy in portfolio reporting
- Champion high-quality reporting standards and portfolio data integrity
- Drive continuous improvement by:
- Streamlining processes
- Enhancing reporting
- Improving data flow efficiency
- Liaise with Finance teams and across the organisation
- Support end-of-year reporting and budget-setting activities
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About the Team
E&B fosters an inclusive, supportive culture, using evidence and innovation to influence policy and delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in change and transformation within the E&B directorate, working within the Innovation and Delivery team.
- A small yet welcome, distributed team that is supportive and collaborative
- Operate in an integrated way across the organisation and with Defra
- Focused on excellence in data-driven decision-making
Experience & Skills Required
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual who combines:
- Strong people skills
- Excellent data analysis and problem-solving abilities
Essential Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly:
- Microsoft Excel (advanced)
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Familiarity with digital P3M tools (Project Portfolio Management)
- Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining data accuracy
- Experience in financial reporting and analysis
- Ability to:
- Manage financial data effectively
- Analyse and manipulate large datasets
- Present clear dashboards/headline outputs to peers and senior leaders
- Make evidence-based recommendations to stakeholders
- Competency in decision-making and proactive problem-solving
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with Power App and Power BI
- Background in project, programme, or portfolio delivery environments
Additional Considerations
- All staff must be prepared to support incident responses as a Category-1 responder. Training will be provided.
- The role is national, hybrid-flexible with:
- EA Office base location (primary working location)
- Flexible/hybrid models
- Occasional travel/overnights where necessary
Benefits & Additional Guidance
Applicants will be “blind-coverage assessed” based on responses to competency-based questions.
- Interviews will be held in August via MS Teams
- If selected, an additional assessment may be announced closer to the date
- Guaranteed Interview Policy for applicants with disabilities
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Competency Questions to Anticipate
Competence 1: Data and Information Management
How do you address inaccuracies or inconsistencies in programme data and ensure data quality? Discuss a previous scenario.
Competence 2: Achieves Results
Describe a situation where you delivered under pressure. Detail your approach and results.
Competence 3: Communicates Effectively
Explain how you communicated financial or operational changes to large groups. Discuss engagement strategies and outcomes.
Competence 4: Takes Decisions and Solves Problems
Provide an example of identifying and resolving a delivery/data issue impacting reporting or decision-making.
Legal & Policy Notes
- The Environment Agency is not part of the UK Civil Service. Appointments will not qualify candidates under Crown Servant status (excluding possible service for redundancy calculations under specified lingering regulations).
- Applications must reflect genuine experience. Plagiarism or AI-generated content may result in withdrawal of applications, including potential disciplinary action for internal candidates.
- We welcome flexible working, including job-sharing; specify preferences in your application.
- The Environment Agency follows strict procurement processes and cannot engage directly on roles from external suppliers. To become a supplier on central frameworks, visit Crown Commercial Service Suppliers.
To Apply: Submit applications with detailed answers to the competency questions. Contact queries to: karen.gillibrand@environment-agency.gov.uk.
For further details, see the Candidate / Additional Information Pack. Applications are reviewed as competency-based.
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