Senior Smart Energy Data 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 its 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 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

We are recruiting for a Senior Policy Advisor to support the Department’s work in delivering smart data schemes to give energy consumers and businesses more control and use of their data and contribute to the transition to a decarbonised, digitalised energy system, competition, and economic growth. You will be based in the Smart Systems Team, which is driving our electricity systems to become smarter and more flexible in the transition to net zero. Following government’s announcement at Autumn Statement 2023 that we would seek to maximise the benefits from the incoming Data Protection and Data Information Bill Smart Data powers, at Budget 2024 funding was provided to accelerate schemes in energy and transport sectors. Smart data schemes enable consumers and businesses to transfer and combine data to provide enhanced services, such as Open Banking in the finance sector has assisted with switching bank accounts.
We are currently advertising for one role, but a second role may become available depending on the volume of smart data schemes to be delivered.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

We would love to hear from you if you:

• Have proven experience of supporting the design or implementation of complex policy at pace, ideally in collaboration with other teams/organisations.
• Are comfortable operating in a complex and fast-paced environment, adapting as the situation changes and finding ways to make progress despite uncertainty.
• Have strong written and oral communication skills, and are able explain complex, technical matters in simple terms to different audiences, and show strong interpersonal skills.
• Have the experience and behaviours to work collaboratively with internal and external partners to achieve progress on shared objectives, respecting differences, and external experience.
• Are committed to ensuring decision making happens at the right level, informed by evidence from a range of sources, and encouraging innovative suggestions and challenge from others.
• Can work at pace across multiple challenging projects or workstreams, both collaboratively and autonomously
• Have an eye for detail, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to grapple with complex issues.
• Have a real passion for the work you do and the impact it has.

Prior knowledge of or experience with the energy or digital sectors is desirable, but not essential – we will support you quickly upskilling you in the areas where you have less experience.

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)

Your responsibilities will include:

• Supporting the publication and analysis of a call for evidence and government response to establish the best opportunities for smart data schemes in the energy sector
• Making evidence-based recommendations to senior officials and Ministers
• Working with legal colleagues and colleagues in the Department for Business and Trade to understand the potential levers to deliver data scheme/s (including the Data Protection and Digital Information Bill)
• Becoming an expert in energy data policies and how they can contribute to the Department’s objectives
• Building relationships across the government and Ofgem, to establish the responsibilities for new smart data schemes
• Integrating data privacy and security as a key pillar of the policy
• Managing relationships with a range of expert industry stakeholders
• Monitoring the international digital and energy policy landscape for opportunities to further the Government’s objectives
• Managing relationships with a range of expert industry and departmental stakeholders, including those working on smart metering, smart appliances, energy retail, flexibility and consumer protection