Senior policy officer (flood risk management)

Background

The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act introduced a new risk based and sustainable approach to flood risk management in Scotland. The Act gives SEPA significant new responsibilities for the production of flood risk and hazard information, and for coordinating the production of flood risk management plans. SEPA will be responsible for producing flood risk management strategies, setting out a long-term plan to tackle the main flooding issues in Scotland. These will be supported by local flood risk management plans, produced by local authorities and detailing the timing, funding and coordination of actions in each 6 year plan cycle.

To support this work a Senior Policy Officer is being recruited to lead on defining SEPA’s approach to key technical aspects of the new FRM planning system. Dependent on the successful candidate’s knowledge and experience, this may include work on flood risk and hazard maps, appraisal of flood risk management measures, management of surface water and assessment of the potential for natural flood management. The work will be undertaken within a structured project management framework, and involved close working with the Scottish Government. The post holder will also be expected to lead liaison with other key external stakeholders relevant to the area of policy development. The post holder will be expected to work across SEPA with relevant functions to ensure effective coordination and delivery of SEPA’s new responsibilities.

The tasks and responsibilities associated with this role will be subject to further refinement by the line manager to reflect legislative or organisational changes. The post holder will need to demonstrate flexibility with regard to their duties in order to adapt to evolving requirements.

The post holder will need a detailed level of knowledge of the Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act, the EU Floods Directive, and wider Flood Risk Management practice.

Knowledge

The post holder will need to demonstrate flexibility with regard to their duties in order to adapt to evolving requirements. In addition to the requirements of the generic job description, have good knowledge of The Flood Risk Management (Scotland) Act 2009 and its links with the delivery of River Basin Management Plans through the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 and its subordinate legislation. A good understanding of flood risk management appraisal processes will be required. A good understanding of surface water management issues is also desirable.

Experience

In addition to the requirements of the generic job description, have significant experience in flood risk management, including appraisal of flood risk management actions and preparation of surface water management plans. Experience of stakeholder engagement and management is also desirable.