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 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.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/departmentforenergysecurityandnetzero?

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

Job description

We are hiring Grade 7 Senior Policy Advisors to join the DESNZ Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) team – a flagship reform programme, and top priority across Government including for No. 10 and HMT, where you will contribute to shaping Great Britain’s long-term electricity market arrangements.

Whilst we have made huge progress in decarbonising the electricity system, our electricity markets were not designed for the new challenges that Net Zero brings. The REMA team is central to delivering the changes needed. As the backbone of the future electricity system, it is critical that electricity markets are designed to rapidly deploy high volumes of renewables and other low carbon technologies, including electricity storage, hydrogen to power, and carbon capture, so that we can meet our climate change targets, maintain security of energy supply, and deliver value for money for consumers. 

The REMA team is responsible for assessing, designing, and delivering a package of electricity market reforms that can drive the investment needed to achieve our decarbonisation targets. Our work going forward will focus on using evidence gathered through the 2022 and 2024 consultations, alongside external research, analysis, and through close working with internal and external stakeholders to determine which options can best meet the Government’s objectives for the future electricity system. We will also need to ensure the impacts and pathways to implementation for preferred policy options are properly understood, and that we communicate the programme's progress and objectives effectively for stakeholders. 

The roles are policy-based, to continue to develop and assess options for electricity market reform, however, candidates should be confident in policy delivery and implementation as the scope of REMA narrows. The programme has GMPP (Government Major Project Portfolio) status, therefore experience of working in a delivery environment will be highly advantageous. Within REMA, there are a number of policy teams which are structured around three key challenges:

• Investing to create a renewables-based system at pace
• Transitioning away from an unabated gas-based system to a flexible,  resilient, and decarbonised system
• Operating and optimising a renewables-based system cost-effectively

We are recruiting to fill vacancies in the following areas:

Future Electricity Security

The focus of Future Electricity Security division in REMA (which brings together the Capacity Market Policy Team and Future Flexibility team). is to ensure that markets continue to provide a secure supply of electricity as the system decarbonises and consumer behaviour changes. This includes developing and implementing a range of possible reforms to the Capacity Market, ensuring that there are appropriately strong incentives for flexible sources of supply and demand to smooth peaks and troughs in solar and wind power, and setting strategy for the future generation mix we will need to meet demand. Successful candidates may have opportunities to work across these areas as the programme evolves.

Wholesale Electricity Markets

As the energy system decarbonises, we need to adapt wholesale markets to ensure security of supply and enable efficient system operation as Great Britain increasingly relies on intermittent renewable electricity sources. The Operability, Wholesale and Location (OWL) team is considering major changes to wholesale, balancing and operability market arrangements and the impact of these reforms on different market participants, consumers and overall system operation. The successful candidate will lead on one or multiple workstreams within OWL. Responsibilities could include developing policy options on national and zonal designs   for the GB wholesale market and how those interact with renewable investment mechanisms, working with the system operator and Ofgem to do so; commissioning expert advice and engaging with industry stakeholders to support our understanding of reform impacts; and working with analytical and legal teams to refine options and turn them into legislative proposals.

Future Renewables Investment

The Future Renewable Investment (FRI) team is designing policy options to future-proof the Contracts for Difference (CfD) subsidy scheme - the government’s flagship mechanism for supporting renewable electricity generation. The scheme has been very successful so far, supporting a rapid increase in renewable investment and saving consumers billions of pounds but as the market evolves, we need to make sure that the scheme adapts to the challenges of a future decarbonised system.  Successful candidates will have the opportunity to lead on one, or multiple workstreams across the team, which could include developing specific policy reform options, commissioning expert advice to aid our understanding of the impacts of different reforms, turning high-level policy designs into legislative proposals, coordinating engagement with industry and setting up cross-government advisory boards.  

We pride ourselves on having a friendly, inclusive, and supportive work environment. We support team members to develop themselves and their careers. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and to offering flexible working opportunities. We are keen to hear from those who work part-time, job-share or have other flexible working arrangements.

Person specification

As a successful applicant you will be at the forefront of a high-profile policy area. You will have the opportunity to contribute to developing, delivering, and communicating proposals for reforms that will be vital for the transition to Net Zero. 

Not only will you have the chance to shape radical and long-lasting reforms to improve the energy markets, you will also have the opportunity to develop yourself and use your skills and talents to build a rewarding career. 

The roles include:

• Leading the development of options for electricity market reforms across different aspects of the electricity market;
• Working closely with policy teams across the department, as well as analysts, lawyers, and external stakeholders to understand and assess the impact of these options;
• Supporting the development of the roadmap for implementing and delivering the options for reform;
• Preparing and presenting board-level policy papers;
• Representing the REMA team at internal, cross-Government, and external meetings with key stakeholders across the energy industry.

Skills and experience

We are looking for a confident and empowering leader who can get the best out of their team, as well as giving direction to a wider network.

Essential criteria:

• Be an inspiring, confident leader and be able to support individuals to develop to their full potential.
• Be committed to their own development and that of their team, and to ensuring personal and team resilience.
• Be able to think strategically across a complex and evolving policy landscape. They will translate strategic insights into practical policy action plans, drawing out opportunities, risks and priorities to meet Ministers’ objectives.
• Have excellent written and oral communication skills to communicate with confidence to Ministers, senior officials, and a wide range of audiences across the sector on important, highly technical and complex issues.
• Have excellent networking skills with the ability to persuade and influence others, establishing positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Have experience of leading a team to deliver successfully under time and political pressure.
• Be a resilient and confident decision maker and comfortable working in a changeable environment.
  

Desirable criteria:

• Prior experience working on energy policy.
• Prior knowledge of the electricity markets and policy or capital investment.
• Prior experience working in a major project or programme
  

We will quickly upskill you in the areas where you have less experience. We are proud of our commitment to learning and development (L&D) and successful applicants should discuss their L&D needs with their line managers on appointment. 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £50,305, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £13,582 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 and Experience.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, personal statement and one 250 word behaviour statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 500 words) to outline how you meet the skills and experience required for this role.

In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the personal statement.

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 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 - 

Sift dates: w/c 15/04/2024

Interview dates: 29/04/2024

Interview Location: MS Teams.

Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.

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.

Further Information

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.