Portfolio Finance and Systems Officer - 35192
England, United Kingdom Full-time Posted 21 hours ago
Desirable skills: Experience working in a project, programme or portfolio delivery environment
Job Description
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.
Do you want to work at the heart of Innovation and Delivery (I&D) in the Environment & Business directorate (E&B) helping us to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment?
This role sits at the centre of the E&B Portfolio Management Office (PfMO), that drives change, transformation and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will work across E&B, with other portfolios ensuring E&B supporting effective oversight and reporting across portfolio data.
This is a great development opportunity and we are looking for someone who is organised, enthusiastic and willing to learn. The role is varied and will play a key role in ensuring high data quality while supporting the wider PfMO including the secretariat function for key directorate-wide governance.
You will support the day‑to‑day coordination of portfolio information, including maintaining core tracking tools, updating financial performance data, and supporting monthly and quarterly reporting cycles.
The role will focus on:
E&B fosters an inclusive, supportive culture and uses evidence and innovation to influence policy and delivery.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in change and transformation in the E&B directorate under the Innovation and Delivery team, we work in an integrated way across the organisation and with Defra.
We are a small and dispersed welcoming team who are supportive, collaborative and strive towards excellence.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a willingness to learn. Ideally, you will understand finance or data management and will be comfortable working both in the wider team and alone on individual tasks. We work as part of a dispersed team, you will show you can use your initiative to work independently and manage your time effectively.
Essential skills:
Contact and additional information
We are a Category-1 responder, and all staff are required to take on an incident role. You will be given appropriate training and support to find a role that suits your role and situation.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid, however some travel and overnights may be required.
Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for more information. Any queries, contact karen.gillibrand@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews are anticipated to be held in April via MS Teams. As part of the interview process there may be an additional assessment, if selected for interview these details will be sent closer to the time.
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
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.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
Tell us about a situation where you worked with data or information (e.g. spreadsheets, reports, or records). How did you ensure it was accurate, well-organised, and useful for others?
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Tell us about a situation where you had to meet a deadline or deliver results under pressure. What steps did you take to stay on track and what was the result?
Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Describe a time when you had to communicate an issue to multiple people? What was your approach and how did you ensure the message was understood?
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.
Job Description
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.
Do you want to work at the heart of Innovation and Delivery (I&D) in the Environment & Business directorate (E&B) helping us to create better places for people, wildlife and the environment?
This role sits at the centre of the E&B Portfolio Management Office (PfMO), that drives change, transformation and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will work across E&B, with other portfolios ensuring E&B supporting effective oversight and reporting across portfolio data.
This is a great development opportunity and we are looking for someone who is organised, enthusiastic and willing to learn. The role is varied and will play a key role in ensuring high data quality while supporting the wider PfMO including the secretariat function for key directorate-wide governance.
You will support the day‑to‑day coordination of portfolio information, including maintaining core tracking tools, updating financial performance data, and supporting monthly and quarterly reporting cycles.
The role will focus on:
- Maintaining and preparing reporting tools
- Data planning and control
- Portfolio analyst activities such as ensuring high data quality standards are adhered to
- Finance submissions
- Project, programme and portfolio delivery tool support
- Directorate-wide communication and engagement across the project, programme and portfolio community
- Supporting project set-up
- Pipeline initiative tracking
- Secretariat support for governance boards
- Wider PfMO support
- Shared inbox management
- Supporting funding processes
- Project delivery system support
- Preparing PowerPoint reports
E&B fosters an inclusive, supportive culture and uses evidence and innovation to influence policy and delivery.
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in change and transformation in the E&B directorate under the Innovation and Delivery team, we work in an integrated way across the organisation and with Defra.
We are a small and dispersed welcoming team who are supportive, collaborative and strive towards excellence.
Experience/skills Required
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with a willingness to learn. Ideally, you will understand finance or data management and will be comfortable working both in the wider team and alone on individual tasks. We work as part of a dispersed team, you will show you can use your initiative to work independently and manage your time effectively.
Essential skills:
- Microsoft Office package specifically Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Understanding of financial and or data management
- Attention to detail
- Organisation and coordination
- Communication and engagement
Contact and additional information
We are a Category-1 responder, and all staff are required to take on an incident role. You will be given appropriate training and support to find a role that suits your role and situation.
You’ll have an EA Office base location, as a national role the working location is flexible/hybrid, however some travel and overnights may be required.
Please see Candidate / Additional Information Pack for more information. Any queries, contact karen.gillibrand@environment-agency.gov.uk
Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.
Interviews are anticipated to be held in April via MS Teams. As part of the interview process there may be an additional assessment, if selected for interview these details will be sent closer to the time.
Competence 1
Data and Information Management
Description
Collects, analyses, interprets, records, manages, develops and shares data, material or information appropriately for a variety of purposes.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
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.
Feedback is generally not available at sift stage
Tell us about a situation where you worked with data or information (e.g. spreadsheets, reports, or records). How did you ensure it was accurate, well-organised, and useful for others?
Competence 2
Achieves Results
Description
Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Tell us about a situation where you had to meet a deadline or deliver results under pressure. What steps did you take to stay on track and what was the result?
Competence 3
Communicates Effectively
Description
Listens and questions to understand and engage. Conveys information and ideas clearly, accurately and persuasively through speech and writing.
More information on how to answer competency questions can be found in the candidate pack.
Describe a time when you had to communicate an issue to multiple people? What was your approach and how did you ensure the message was understood?
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.
