Senior Policy Adviser - Energy Policy - NESO

About the role

National Energy System Operator’s (NESO) strength lies in our people. Together, we’re shaping the future where clean, affordable energy is accessible for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a real difference, accelerating the progress of sustainable GB energy, keeping people connected and society thriving as we create a brighter tomorrow.

By working closely with government, the regulator and industry, NESO plays a vital and central role in advising on energy policy and strategy to ensure that it is not only optimal and deliverable but that it drives effective action and delivery plans across all industry vectors. NESO also utilises its experience and expertise across the whole energy system to provide independent energy insights, supporting industry with optimal decision making and strategic direction.

This role is part of NESO's Energy Policy team which plays a strategically important role critical to the organisation's evolving Strategy and Policy capability. The Energy Policy team is spearheading engagement with government and the regulator whilst efficiently overseeing and managing the portfolio of energy insights and statutory requests for advice from government. The Energy Policy Analyst will play a key role in shaping energy policy and strategy that aligns with decarbonisation and net zero ambitions.

This role can be based from Wokingham, Warwick, Glasgow or London, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to full time and part time applicants, as well as flexible working arrangements.

Key Accountabilities

• Work with local colleagues and cross-NESO teams in project-based work to develop strategic insights and provide advice to Government/Ofgem at their request. This will include developing timely policy recommendations and solutions, encouraging policy that is fit for purpose and drives progress towards net zero.
• Conduct research and monitor strategy, policy, regulatory developments impacting the energy sector (across energy vectors), sharing widely with colleagues. This includes developing clear policy recommendations and briefing notes.
• Work with energy modellers and data scientists to understand their findings and translate these into clear evidence-based insights, ensuring the information is grounded in sound research and data, and can be used to inform policy.
• Support the Whole Energy Insight Team by providing policy expertise and challenge, drawing on the knowledge of your network.
• Forge strong and credible relationships with internal stakeholders across relevant business areas, encouraging collaboration and a holistic approach to policy development whilst avoiding the creation of silos.
• Build relationships with a wide range of government and regulatory stakeholders.
• Work closely with the Public Affairs and Regulatory teams to develop policy and consultation responses and provide input to senior leadership updates in the policy space.

About you

We’re forging the path, and we know we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need visionary minds like yours to join us on this transformative journey. In this case, we’re looking for someone who:

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the machinery of Government and awareness of the UK political environment.
• Understanding of the energy sector and/or relevant interconnected industries (e.g. water) - knowledge of the structure, regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the industry.

Experience

• Experience in energy focussed roles, ideally including working closely with, or within, Government.
• Demonstrable experience of building relationships with a range of stakeholder including in Government, regulatory bodies and industry. You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries to deliver common goals.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

• Curious and forward thinking: You have an interest in energy and always seeking to understand the bigger picture. You stay informed about government and industry developments, ensuring you can provide valuable insights with consideration of wider whole energy developments.
• Structured problem solver: You excel in structured problem solving and are motivated to create order out of chaos and simplify complex issues. You are skilled at driving progress and operationalising solutions.
• Effective communication: You are a great communicator, both in writing and articulation, capable of conveying complex ideas in a simple way. You can “speak the language” of energy and communicate and influence effectively at any level, making sure your insights resonate with a broad audience.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty: You thrive in ambiguity, are comfortable with uncertainty, and remain motivated in the face of adversity. Your ability to create well-founded opinions on topics is highly valued.
• Stakeholder management: Your strong engagement skills enable you to see the bigger picture and approach a problem from several different perspectives. You can extract information from busy individuals and build relationships that facilitate the production of Advisory materials.

About what you’ll get

A competitive salary between £46,400 – 69,000 – dependent on experience and capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on company performance, 26 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.

About us

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030.

So, join the energy transformation and help shape the future.
Your energy, our future, together.

About the National Energy System Operator (NESO)
In Autumn of 2024, the ESO transitioned to National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator is the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system.

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, are now at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them.

The organisation is set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As was the ESO, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all.

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

More information

This role closes on 26/01/2025 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.
#LI-SP1 #hybrid