About the job

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 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. 

Find Out More 

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/

Job description

The Energy Infrastructure and Markets Analysis Team is expanding and looking to recruit additional SEO analysts to support our various workstreams. Analysis is a vital input for Government decisions and our work helps to provide the insights needed to tackle the challenges of meeting our Net Zero ambitions in our electricity sector. Power drives the economy (literally). Keeping the lights on at reasonable cost for every citizen while reducing emissions is our goal.

Capacity Market and Security of Supply
This role provides operational analysis to support the Capacity Market, the government’s main mechanism to ensure the security of electricity supply. Your responsibilities will range from conducting operational analysis in support market auctions, analysing how current/future trends could affect auction demand, supply and clearing prices as well as exploring and implementing improvements to the market. You will consider wider topics concerning security of supply, lead and commission research to improve our evidence base and help shape government policy to ensure we have sufficient energy supply to meet a range of future demand scenarios.

This is a cross cutting role touching on almost every aspect of electricity system and technology types. You'll develop working relationships with colleagues across the department as well as other departments and industry stakeholders as we seek to ensure a reliable supply of energy for the country in the years to come.

Nuclear and Energy Transition
This role is in the analysis team for Nuclear and Energy Transition, a multi-disciplinary team involved in wide-ranging analysis, from business cases and impact assessments, to modelling and research, working closely in partnership with policy teams and analysts across Government.

The role involves working closely with the Offshore Energy Transition and Coal Liabilities policy team, leading analysis in a high-priority area with frequent ministerial interest. Engaging with analysts across the Department and Government, the role will manage the delivery and presentation of analysis to a range of audiences on key topics, such as the decarbonisation of the offshore fossil fuel industry through the electrification of offshore platforms.

The post holder will lead on a substantial analytical document, conducting the analysis and gaining buy-in from seniors on the approach, with the potential for the work to be published. The work will involve strategic thinking and evidence gathering for the policy area and its future as we work towards Net Zero.

Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (2 roles)
REMA is the department’s flagship electricity market policy. GB’s power sector will look fundamentally different to meet our target of a fully decarbonised system by 2035. Low-cost renewables will make the majority of our generation, supported by nuclear and low carbon flexibility, while the remaining fossil fuelled plants are phased off the system.

A key part of enabling this transition is ensuring our electricity markets are fit for purpose. In March 2024, REMA reached a key milestone by publishing its second publication, and significantly narrowing the range of reform options on the table. In this role, you will undertake analysis that will inform the design and appraisal of GB’s electricity markets to inform final recommendations of market designs to Ministers.

The post holders will undertake analysis that will inform the design and appraisal of GB’s electricity markets to inform final recommendations of market designs to Ministers. Both roles will be involve working closely with policy colleagues and involve communicating technical concepts to non-analysts as well as undertaking analysis to inform the REMA cost-benefit analysis.

Electricity Networks Analysis
The electricity network – the wires that bring increasingly low carbon power to homes and businesses – is fundamental to net zero and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. The network enables the electrification of key sectors such as heat, transport, and industry, however, to meet the increase in demand on the network from decarbonisation it needs to be transformed at an unprecedented scale and pace. This change needs to happen whilst ensuring value for money to consumers, who ultimately pay for the network through their bills.

In this role, you will help develop analysis that will inform the creation, implementation, and appraisal of policies shaping the future of the UK’s electricity network.

Renewable Electricity Analysis
This team works closely with the Renewable Electricity Directorate, whose mission is to create a policy environment to accelerate renewable deployment whilst delivering value for consumers and creating sustainable UK industries. The team also leads the analysis on international renewables projects.

The post holder will be leading a number of workstreams focusing on renewables support schemes and their potential reform under the Review of Electricity Market Arrangements. The area is fast paced, and priorities are constantly evolving given very dynamic energy markets.

This role represents an exciting challenge, with ample scope for the successful candidate to develop their career and deliver meaningful impact in what continues to be one the highest profile areas in the UK policymaking. This role is policy-facing, so the post holder will have many opportunities to influence decision making by developing and communicating complex analysis.

Person specification

Key responsibilities:

With posts across different teams within the Energy Infrastructure and Markets Analysis team on offer, roles and responsibilities will vary depending on which team you work in, your own skills and any stated preferences.

The area is fast paced, and priorities are constantly evolving given very dynamic energy markets. We work closely with the policy officials to help inform decisions about the power sector, which will involve:

Collaborating with policy teams to understand the systems that are at work in the area you are working on

Gathering, analysing and interpreting information to inform policy making. This could involve:

• developing the economic analysis for a new business case,
• modelling to develop insights into the energy system,
• designing and commissioning insightful research to provide new insights and grow understanding,
• developing statistics and performance measures, and
• evaluating the impact of government policies.

Communicating your work to share your insights with your colleagues, senior officials and stakeholders.

Supervising and leading the work of junior colleagues.

Skills and experiences:

Candidates will have:

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. Able to present their analysis in a clear and compelling way to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Critical and creative thinking skills. Able to identify and apply innovative approaches and techniques for analysing evidence and addressing any gaps. Comfortable working with quantitative and qualitative evidence.
• Problem-solving skills. Able to identify efficient and effective solutions to exploit opportunities and address problems.
• Strong team working, management and interpersonal skills. Able to build trusting and credible relationships with peers, senior colleagues and stakeholders to collaborate on projects and decision-making.
• Experience working on or leading multiple priorities simultaneously, delivering at pace and maintaining a high standard of analysis.
• Enthusiasm for our work. Being willing to embrace new opportunities and have the drive to learn new skills.
• Good IT skills and numerate. Willing to learn new software and systems to gain new insights. Excel skills are needed for some roles, with coding skills desirable - where necessary, training can be provided.

The post holder will have plenty of L&D opportunities to build strong understanding of energy markets and a range of renewables technologies, technical skills and wider skills through in-house and external training.

You must be a full member of one of the analytical professions Government Economic Service (GES), Government Social Research Service (GSR), Government Statistical Group (GSG) and Government Operational Research Service (GORS) or, you must be able to demonstrate that you satisfy the eligibility criteria and have the competence at the required grade (SEO) for one of the professional bodies. Links are provided to the relevant professions below.

You MUST provide details within your application as to which analytical professional you are a member of or which one you would like to apply under.

Government Economic Service

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ges-technical-framework-2022

Government Operational Research Service

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/gors-professional-behaviours

Government Statistical Group

https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/

Government Social Research Service

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework

To join one of these professions, you’ll need as a minimum to meet one of the following qualification standards:

Economist
You need to have, or expect to have, a first or upper second-class (2:1) degree (or international equivalent), or a degree apprenticeship or higher or a post-graduate degree in economics. For joint degrees, at least 50% of the course modules should be in economics.

Operational Researcher
To apply, you’ll need High numeracy: You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification.
Highly numerate degrees include: Astrophysics, Data Science, Decision Science, Econometrics, Engineering, Mathematics, Operational Research, Physics and Statistics.
Other numerate degrees, such as Accounting, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Finance, Geography, IT, Management, Management Science, Psychology, Sociology, Social Sciences and Systems Science, may be accepted if 50% or more of the modules are considered highly numerate.

Statistician
Must meet entry qualification requirements. The full set of criteria are published

https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-statistical-service-and-statistician-group/gss-careers-and-learning/joining-us/, and state:

For statistical posts, the accepted qualifications are:
a first-class or second-class honours degree in a numerate subject (2:1 minimum for Assistant Statistician and 2:2 minimum for Statistical Officer) containing at least 25% taught statistical content (for example, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)
a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (for example. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography, or similar)

For statistical data scientist posts, the accepted qualifications are:

• a first- or second-class honours degree in a numerate discipline, computer science or IT equivalent which demonstrates core statistical skills.
• a higher degree, such as an MSc or PhD, in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics (this is not a definitive list)

Alternatively, you could apply if you have worked in a statistical or data science field for a minimum of two years and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (CPD) (via a logbook) in applying statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five), which demonstrates the expected skills as outlined in the GSG Competency framework.

You could also apply if you have achieved or are on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics or data analysis (via a CPD logbook signed off by a manager or mentor who are members of the statistical profession).

Please note candidates may apply in their final year of study while they are still awaiting their qualification result, however, formal contracts can only be offered upon confirmation of the achievement of the relevant qualification. In the case of an apprenticeship, this includes completing two years’ work experience in a statistical or data analysis field in government as part of attaining the qualification.

Social Researcher
Hold a minimum of 2:2 in a social science related degree (undergraduate or postgraduate), which must contain a minimum of 30% in social research methods, covering all the criteria outlined below (it is not sufficient to hold the majority in one area – coverage across all areas is required):

• Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnographic), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)
• Systematic/literature reviews
• Quantitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting), data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis)
• Interpretation of data (qual & quan), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
• Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
• Application of ethics to research

OR

Professional Experience route

Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team. To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.

We welcome applications from current Level 7 apprentices who meet the above criteria

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £40,950, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £11,056 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Applications will be sifted on behavioural statements and any technical skills required.

Please note - the CV incorporated into the application form is for information purposes only and will not be scored.  

In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the lead behaviour statement (Making Effective Decisions). 

Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

The interview will consist of behaviour and technical questions. 

Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation; further details will be provided nearer the time.

Sift and interview dates

Expected Timeline subject to change

Expected week of sift: 15/07/2024
Expected week of interview: 29/07/2024
Interview location: MS Teams

Further Information

Reasonable Adjustment

We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.

We fully support adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.

We do not have an exhaustive list of adjustments that we support but just some examples include additional time to complete your application form, behaviour questions up to 72 hours prior to interview and having extra time at interview. 

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.

Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.

Any move to the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero  from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

DESNZ does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home). 

DESNZ cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. DESNZ holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service /Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 

For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment. 

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

Feedback

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

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)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.