Policy Advisor

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 in a government department that is at the forefront of current policy making decisions that will impact 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 securing the UK’s long term energy supply, bringing down energy bills and halving inflation. We are seizing the opportunities of Net Zero to lead the world in new green industries 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 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 work benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The role is in the Energy Performance and Supplier Obligations team (EPSO). We are responsible for designing and delivering the largest domestic energy efficiency policy in Great Britain. ECO places a requirement on larger energy suppliers to install energy efficiency measures in low-income and vulnerable households to reduce fuel poverty. The current version, ECO4, will be in place until 2026 and is worth £4 billion. The team also delivers the Great British Insulation Scheme. Worth £1 billion, it delivers energy efficiency measures to a wider group of households, not just those in fuel poverty. You will have a vital role to play, implementing policy and delivering intended outcomes for both schemes. The EPSO team sits within the Net Zero Buildings Portfolio and Affordability Directorate (NZB PAD).
The Directorate aims to decarbonise the buildings by improving energy efficiency and moving to low-carbon sources of heat whilst making sure we meet our fuel poverty targets. NZB PAD is a project-based environment where each member of the team is responsible for delivering one or more objectives, often working closely with colleagues across the Directorate and more widely across DESNZ. NZB PAD operates a flexible resourcing model across the Directorate. This means that individual roles and responsibilities can be varied over time if the Directorate priorities change. The Directorate is supported by a number of specialists, so you will have the opportunity to work in a cross-functional team involving economists, scientists, lawyers, industry experts, and statisticians.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Most importantly, you should be interested in helping vulnerable individuals whilst working towards a zero-carbon energy system through the delivery of energy efficiency technologies. You will also have the ability and desire to work in a team and support others while taking responsibility for your work independently. You will be an effective communicator and able to build and maintain relationships with challenging stakeholders, both internal and external. You will have the ability to grasp complex and technical ideas quickly, using your initiative to expand your knowledge and draw on relevant expertise as required. You will be able to write clearly. This will include drafting external correspondence and advice to ministers. Knowledge of domestic energy efficiency would be an advantage.

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)

The exact responsibilities of the role will be determined by delivery priorities but are likely to include:

• Drafting a government response to a consultation, including determining the best policy positions on cross-cutting issues.
• Developing secondary legislation, including working with lawyers to create robust regulations.
• Monitoring the EPSO mailbox and responding to queries from internal and external stakeholders.
• Working closely with the administrator for the schemes, Ofgem, and the supply chain to make improvements and manage issues