Wales Engagement Associate

Join Ofwat’s Government Engagement Directorate as a Wales Engagement Associate

Office Location: Cardiff (CF10 1EP) with hybrid working

This is a fixed-term appointment until 31st December 2027. We will also consider loans and secondments for this period of time. There is a possibility of the role being extended or converted to permanent as plans for new regulators for England and Wales develop.

About Us

We are Ofwat, the Water Services Regulation Authority, a non‑ministerial government department responsible for regulating the water sector in England and Wales.

The water sector is entering a new chapter. Following the Independent Water Commission’s Final Report and subsequent White Paper - 'New Vision for Water', the UK government has set out a bold new direction - one that brings together expertise from across the sector to deliver better outcomes for customers and the environment.

Ofwat is working in collaboration with the government and other regulators to help establish a new body for England, combining our strengths with those of the Drinking Water Inspectorate, the Environment Agency, and Natural England. We’re also continuing to engage with the Welsh Government to support future decisions for Wales.

While these changes take shape, our mission remains the same: to hold water companies to account, drive performance, and ensure the sector delivers real value for customers, communities, and the environment. If you’re passionate about making a difference, this is a unique moment to join us and help shape the future of water, and together we can continue to make a positive impact.

The Role

The Wales Engagement Associate role has an important and valuable contribution to enable us to deliver on our goals and regulatory commitments.

You will help ensure the smooth running of the Wales team during this busy time, by keeping track of the inbox and team calendar, taking notes and minutes, and developing slide packs. You will write agendas, support preparation for internal and external meetings, and ensure appropriate actions are taken.

Ideally, you will have a knowledge of the machinery and structure of the UK government and an understanding of the political, environmental and economic circumstances across England and Wales. But we are more interested in showing us that you know how to develop and maintain relationships with partners, inside and outside of Ofwat, and have a track record in learning new information and new skills.

About You

Below are some of the key essential experience, skills & knowledge required for this post:

• Lead criterion: Experience of Welsh Government and the Welsh political landscape through your work or a degree in a relevant subject.
• Administration skills, including ability to coordinate across a team and provide quality written materials - for example diary/calendar management, basic project management, inbox management, and taking meeting notes and minutes.
• Strong communication skills – verbal, written and presentation skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely for a range of different audiences.
• Ability to think creatively and approach to problem solving and delivery in different contexts.
• Strategic thinking skills and ability to plan ahead, particularly with regard to ensuring we deliver effective and professional meetings with partners inside and outside of Ofwat
• Welsh language proficiency is highly desirable for this role.

Why You Should Join Us

• People Centric: Our people are at the heart of Ofwat and everything we do - we ensure all voices are heard and treat each other with respect; you'll be given the autonomy and the support to do your role in the best way.
• Innovative Work Environment: We embrace agile and new ways of working and have a culture built on trust, flexibility, and collaboration.
• Development Opportunities: Gain valuable experience and develop your skills in a supportive and dynamic setting.
• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy the flexibility of working from home combined with the benefits of in person collaboration in our Birmingham and London offices.
• Good employer pension contributions.
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 with each year of service, plus bank holidays and an extra 2.5 days of privilege leave.
• Access to exclusive discounts on a variety of goods and services, including retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance, and a gym membership.
• Fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies.
• Up to 3 volunteering days per year.
• Generous shared parental leave and pay supporting your family life.