Photographer

at  Department for Energy Security Net Zero

JOB SUMMARY

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.
Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero.
Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.
Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it’s impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive
We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you a skilled photographer and photo editor, with a passion for capturing compelling stories?
We’re seeking someone with a sharp eye for composition and news sense to create images that grab headlines and stand out on social media.
You’ll join a busy and diverse communications team, collaborating with video experts and graphic designers. No two days are alike: one week, you might accompany a Minister to a hydrogen facility, take official portraits at an international event, and refresh our stock imagery with photos from the offshore wind sector.
This part-time flexitime role offers a reliable salary and benefits. Some weeks may be busy with long hours, while others allow for flexi-leave or shorter days. With a supportive team and development opportunities, this is your chance to work in one of the most dynamic departments in government.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Professional photography experience, ideally in the News or Reportage space (this is not an entry-level role).
• Experience with high-profile figures or journalism is desired, but not essential.
• Familiarity with professional equipment (e.g., Canon R5 or similar) – kit provided by department.
• Adaptability and the ability to manage last-minute changes to briefs and logistic.
  This fast-paced role offers the chance to work on exciting projects at the heart of government – perfect for a creative, enthusiastic self-starter with strong technical skills.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• GCS Competency: Ideas

Benefits
Alongside your salary of £38,295, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £11,094 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver high-quality photos for Ministerial and departmental use, suitable for media and social media.
• Travel across the UK at short notice (department-funded), occasionally joining Ministers on international visits
• Build and maintain an image library showcasing departmental policy areas.
• Collaborate with Communications and Ministerial teams to plan creative content, from brainstorming to executing detailed briefs.
• Handle both long-term campaigns and fast-paced projects with tight deadlines.
• Develop strong relationships within the department and the government photography network.