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

You will be joining a friendly team that supports equal opportunities and we encourage applications from all parts of the community. Colleagues with an interest in nuclear, policy, sponsorship, governance, finance, or policing, are welcome to apply. A background in these areas is not needed, you will be supported by our induction process upon joining the team. Those looking for a part-time position are also very welcome to apply.
The Civil Nuclear Security Team plays a critical role in ensuring the security of the UK’s nuclear materials and the security of both existing and planned nuclear sites.
As a unit we deal with policy responses to security threats in our sector. We determine whether we have the right levers in place to manage risks as they arise, and are able to create new policies or legislation in response to emerging risks. Our work is vital so the UK public and international community have confidence in the safety and security of nuclear power, tapping into the heart of both national security and Net Zero agendas.
We are recruiting a high-performing SEO to lead on important areas of work within the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Sponsorship Team. The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is a key capability for managing our security posture in the UK. The team acts as the interface between this armed police force and government, making sure they have the right legislation, funding and governance in place to be effective and efficient.
The role provides a great opportunity to work closely with stakeholders both within DESNZ, across multiple Government departments, with an arm’s length body, and with industry. It also provides a great opportunity to work on Spending Reviews, legislation, financial tracking, and engagement. Your work will drive decision-making and the strategic direction of travel, being visible to the Secretary of State and the Executive Teams within DESNZ and the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
This is a fast-paced and exciting role at the heart of delivering UK nuclear security outcomes.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

We are looking for an excellent communicator, who is able to produce clear and concise advice at pace. The role will suit someone with attention to detail who is able to link that detail to the strategic context and provide clear advice on the implications of decisions.
The ability to work with a senior audience is also key, ensuring quality and timely handling of requests.
You will need to balance a range of varied requests at pace and be comfortable asking the right questions to get the information you need to support your seniors’ decision-making, challenging when needed, and championing the CNC.
You will need to be highly organised to keep track of budgets and approvals, to ensure we are compliant in our processes.

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)
• 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

TYPE OF ROLE

Administration / Corporate Support
Finance
Policy
Security
Sponsorship

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

We are looking for a highly capable SEO who wants to independently lead and own their areas of work. You will own the maintenance of our existing governance structures and arrangements, which includes oversight of finance, assurance, governance meetings, risk reporting, and very senior briefings. You will lead engagement with key stakeholders and be expected to play a constructive role in delivering priorities.
You will prepare submissions for the Secretary of State on a range of policy matters where their decision is needed, such as the appointments of new Board members, decisions on service provisions, assurance round tables, policy changes and funding requirements.
As part of maintaining our governance structures you will be preparing quality briefings for our director, writing supporting papers for our stakeholder meetings, and keeping track of our assurance work which gives the Executive Team confidence that risks are being suitably managed.
You will keep track of financial expenditure, making sure that all expenditure is compliant and has the required approvals from Treasury and DESNZ at the right level of seniority depending on the level of spend. You will scrutinise business cases, ensuring all the right checks and balances are in place to guarantee value for money and delivery of our strategic priorities.
The role offers exposure to senior leaders across the industry as it supports the Secretary of State in carrying out their duties under legislation to appoint and maintain the Civil Nuclear Police Authority Board. Not only will you need to lead recruitment campaigns ensuring compliance with all the requirements set out for public appointments, but you will need to update the Framework Agreement which sets out the expected relationship between the Authority and the Department. Professionalism, relationship building across organisations, the ability to challenge and bring consensus, and excellent written communication will all be key to delivering those two functions.
As we sit within the broader security policy unit there will be the opportunity to be on-call and involved in incident response exercising as we seek to build and maintain our preparedness in the event of a civil nuclear incident. There will also be the opportunity to support high priority case-work. Security clearance will be required for this, so if this is an area you are interested, please discuss at interview.
There is also the opportunity to lead on taking forward legislation or contributing to new legislation for the right candidate.