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

Do you want to help the UK reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050? We are looking for someone to help us tackle climate change by developing the hydrogen economy and establish a competitive carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) market.

In Analysis and Funding Strategy (AFS) we produce high quality, multi-disciplinary evidence and analysis; working proactively to deliver the best policies that work for all consumers and the environment.

AFS has both policy and analytical branches. The analytical branches are made up of around 40 analysts collaboratively contributing towards the department's priority of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, through developing the hydrogen economy and establishing a competitive CCUS market. We are embedded in our policy directorate (Hydrogen and Industrial Carbon Capture (HICC) Directorate) but also work across other directorates (including the CCUS directorate). We work closely with policy colleagues, technical specialists, and other government departments to ensure that policies are based on the best available evidence base. We are a sociable and supportive team – with a range of regular virtual and in-person social activities - and people are encouraged to ask questions and put forward their ideas in a safe environment.

We prioritise learning and development: there is a well-established local L&D programme which receives very positive feedback as well as many wider opportunities. People in the team have flexible working arrangements, including regular working from home, flexi time and compressed hours.

Low carbon hydrogen and CCUS are essential in reaching net zero. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has said that CCUS is a ‘necessity, not an option’ for the transition to net zero. The International Energy Authority (IEA) has said that CCUS is an essential component of a global transition to net zero. There is also consensus from the CCC and others, that we will need significant amounts of low carbon hydrogen on the system by 2050 to meet Net Zero.

We are looking for an analyst to support the development and evaluation of our various policies in the hydrogen and CCUS space. Your evidence and analysis will play a crucial role in this exciting, challenging and high-profile work area.

Department for Energy Security & Net Zero is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity for all the benefits it brings, and we strive to create an inclusive environment where staff feel they can bring their whole
self to work.

Person specification

The successful postholder will have the following key responsibilities:
• Working collaboratively with policy colleagues and other analysts, providing M&E support and input when developing business cases or other policy.
• Planning & Designing evaluations across the hydrogen and CCUS policy space that meet policy needs and adhere to Magenta Book guidelines.
• Procuring and project managing external suppliers on evaluation activities and research. You will ensure that contractors deliver robust research and quality outputs on time.
• Supporting the G7 in developing the overarching monitoring and evaluation Framework for the Hydrogen and CCUS policy space, including the development of a monitoring infrastructure.
• Promoting M&E and upskilling colleagues across the HICC and CCUS directorates.

We can tailor the exact responsibilities to the holders' strengths and development needs. The postholder will also be offered regular training as part of the department's generous learning and development offer.

Skills and experience

The post holder must have a good grounding in the fundamentals of social research methods and procurement. They will have the opportunity to further develop their skills and pursue their methodological interests.

If you have the following, we would love to hear from you:
Essential:
• Experience of working on Monitoring and Evaluation, including knowledge of a range of research methodologies and managing external research projects.
• Experience in leading and prioritising your own work and understanding its setting within the wider policy landscape.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence decisions.
• Ability to build relationships and work across policy and analytical teams and with external suppliers.

Desirable:
• Previous experience of working in hydrogen or energy markets would be beneficial. 

Professional requirements:

You must meet the requirements at SEO grade for one of the following government analytical professions.

Government Social Research Service - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-government-social-research-competency-framework

Government Operational Research Service - http://www.operational-research.gov.uk/recruitment/competencies/

Government Statistical Group - https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/policy-store/competency-framework-for-the-government-statistician-group-gsg/

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

Social Researcher:
• For qualification route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in a social science subject. Qualifying social science subjects are those that contain substantial social research methods training (comprising around one-third of modules taken in the course).
• For professional experience route, must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:1, or 2:2 with a postgraduate degree, in any subject, or hold a degree equivalent, and 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.

Statistician: Any one of the following:
• A first 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 (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar).
• A higher degree, e.g. a MSc or PhD, in a subject containing formal statistical training (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Sciences, Business Studies, Psychology, Geography or similar).
• Have achieved or on track to achieve a level 4 apprenticeship including at least 2 years in a statistical/data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate continuous professional development in statistics/data analysis.
• Have worked in a statistical or data science field for a minimum of two years and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (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.
• Find out more at https://gss.civilservice.gov.uk/careers/joiningus/

Operational Researcher:
• A degree at 2.1 (or equivalent) or an MSc in a highly numerate subject, or equivalent experience, and be able to demonstrate relevant experience in your career in a relevant profession.

If you are not already a member of one of these analytical professions at SEO level, you will undergo a badging assessment exercise specific to the SEO grade of the profession you are applying under, in addition to an assessment of role specific technical skills and behaviours.

Regardless of whether you are already badged, PLEASE MAKE CLEAR IN YOUR PERSONAL STATEMENT WHICH ANALYTICAL PROFESSION YOU ARE APPLYING UNDER.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,470, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero contributes £10,116 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.

As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and Personal Statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Applications will be sifted on CV and Personal Statement.

Please use your personal statement (in no more than 1000 words) to outline how you meet the skills and experience in the job description, and clearly state the government analytical profession (GSR, GSG or GORS) you are applying under.

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 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

Sift dates: w/c 26/02/24

Interview dates: w/c 04/03/24

Interview Location: MS Teams.

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

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.