Job description
We value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community wishing to join a workforce which embraces difference and welcomes everyone.
At the Environment Agency there’s so much more to our work than building flood risk management schemes or regulating industry. We strive to ensure that everything we do counts towards leaving a legacy to be proud of – for people, communities and the environment – for all of us to enjoy and for future generations.
As a Contract Support Officer, you will work as part of a Commercial Assurance service to colleagues in Project and Contract Management Integrated Delivery Hubs across England, as they help create a better place through excellence in project and programme management.
As a Contract Support Officer, you will use agreed tools and processes to undertake contract support activities, including uploading contracts, raising of purchase orders, processing payment requests, and investigating anomalies to ensure we pay our suppliers within agreed timeframes.
The Contract Support Officer will work closely with Project Managers and Commercial Service Managers. An interest in developing greater contractual awareness is useful.
Everyone that joins us is required to undertake training and participate in incident response duties when the need to respond arises Having an incident role is an essential part of working for the Environment Agency and an active way to support communities and prevent harm to the environment. Further information on incident response can be found within your candidate pack.
We’re looking for someone with a passion for interpreting numerical or financial data, spotting issues, and confidently reaching solutions, whilst maintaining positive working relationships.
With so many contacts across the Environment Agency, it’s also important that you’re positive, enjoy helping colleagues and take pride in your work, within a high performing team.
Naturally, we want you to be the best in your field, so expect a formal and comprehensive training programme and development plan that helps you grow professionally.
Please note, this role does NOT qualify for sponsorship, so you should contact UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) or visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration, where you can seek professional advice based on your personal circumstances in regard to options for obtaining right to work in the UK.
Benefits include generous pension provision and leave entitlement. Our flexible working supports a healthy work/life balance. Excellent training and learning opportunities are available, including personal and professional development.
Your contractual base location can be flexible within England, to align with our operational hubs, with an expectation of some co-located working in Environment Agency Hub or delivery partner offices
For further information please contact: [email protected]
Anticipated Interview Start Date: 1st June 2026
Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Please describe a time where you have met routine deadlines.
What was the situation?
How did you ensure you met the deadline and what was the outcome?
What would happen if the deadline was not met?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
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.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection.
Question:
Give an example of how you have developed positive relationships, considering the differences between colleagues and stakeholders you have worked with.
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
When providing evidence for competencies within your application, please give examples of how you clearly demonstrate these either within the context of this role or as transferable skills.
CVs or other documents attached to your application will not be assessed for selection
Question:
Please describe a time where you have worked with numerical or financial data.
What was the situation, what considerations did you make, who were your customers and how did you manage the data and check for data quality?
PLEASE NOTE: Your answer will be used for interview selection - please draw out your skills and experience in your response. You may consider using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when formulating your answer to the question.
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.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Although the Environment Agency is a non-departmental public body sponsored by Defra, we subscribe to and align with the candidate guidance on the use of artificial intelligence found on the Civil Service Careers website. Please review for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
