Power Sector Decarbonisation Analysts

#DESNZ

The responsibilities for the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero for 2023 are as follows:

• Delivering security of energy supply
• Ensuring properly functioning energy markets
• Encouraging greater energy efficiency
• Seizing the opportunities of net zero to lead the world in new green industries 

For 2023, our priorities are:

• Ensure security of energy supply this winter, next winter and in the longer-term – bringing down energy bills and reducing inflation.
• Ensure the UK is on track to meet its legally binding Net Zero commitments and support economic growth by significantly speeding up delivery of network infrastructure and domestic energy production.
• Improve the energy efficiency of UK homes, businesses and public sector buildings to meet the 15% demand reduction ambition.
• Deliver current schemes to support energy consumers with their bills and develop options for long-term reform to improve how the electricity market works for families and businesses.
• Seize the economic benefits of Net Zero, including the jobs and growth created through investment in new green industries.
• Pass the Energy Bill to support the emerging CCUS and hydrogen sectors; to update the governance of the energy system; and to reduce the time taken to consent offshore wind.

Our Inclusive Environment

We are building an inclusive culture to make the Department a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, not only because we believe it is the right thing to do, but because it will help us be more innovative and make better decisions.

We offer first-class flexible working benefits, excellent employee well-being support and a great pension. 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.

We actively welcome applications from anyone who shares our commitment to inclusion. We will fully support candidates with a disability or long-term condition who require adjustments in our recruitment process.

Do you want to be part of the UK’s journey to tackle climate change and reach net zero emissions by 2050? If so, we have the role for you! We are looking for good team players who combine excellent quantitative analytical skills with an ability to think strategically, and strong communication skills.

The energy system lies at the heart of our efforts to reach net zero whilst enabling clean growth. Creating an energy system which is secure, low carbon and affordable at the same time as we electrify heat and transport is challenging, and analytically fascinating! Energy, Infrastructure, & Markets Analysis (EIMA) are responsible for providing quality analytical advice that drives decision-making related to power supply policy and delivery. Power drives the economy. Keeping the lights on at reasonable cost whilst reducing emissions is our mission. Energy is a hugely exciting area with a significant volume of policy being developed following the publication of Powering Up Britain and Britain’s Energy Security Strategy, to deliver the Government’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035.

We are recruiting 10 power sector decarbonisation analysts across the following teams –

Renewables x2

The Renewable Electricity Analysis Team is responsible for the analysis that underpins the departments flagship Contracts for Difference scheme & provides sectoral analytical support to the Renewable Electricity Policy directorate. The team conducts analysis of renewable technologies such as offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, tidal & geothermal. Within your role, you will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of specific renewable sectors and undertake analysis which will impact the direction of Government policy to support renewable deployment. Recent examples of work conducted by the team are deployment modelling to understand the likely deployment trajectory of offshore wind and the potential supply chain constraints renewable technologies may face as the UK significantly increases renewable deployment.

Review of Electricity Market Arrangements (REMA) x1

REMA is the department’s flagship electricity 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 autumn 2023, REMA will reach 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 enabling the power sector’s decarbonisation cost-effectively and whilst meeting security of supply.

Smart Electricity x2

Demand side response (DSR), where electricity consumers shift their electricity usage to periods of more abundant electricity supply, is a key component of a decarbonised electricity system. Smart devices and services offer consumers energy bill savings if they use electricity at times of low demand, such as by charging their electric vehicle overnight, and benefit the energy system by reducing the need for expensive new infrastructure. The use of smart systems and flexibility could create 10,000 jobs and increase GDP by up to £1.3bn by 2050. A further 14,000 jobs could also be created by the export potential of these technologies. Your work will help some of these economic benefits become a reality by unlocking the potential of domestic-scale consumers to contribute to a flexible electricity system.

Electricity Networks x1

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.

Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) x2

CCUS is a crucial technology in our strategy for clean growth alongside achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and meeting the UK Carbon Budget requirements. Integral to this is the determination to seize the opportunities that drive productivity, and to foster emerging sectors that have the potential to create new high-value jobs, industries, and companies.

The two roles available focus on two major barriers facing Gas CCUS in the UK – analysis to design, negotiate and implement an incentivised market agreement for the first Gas CCUS project in the UK and analysis to design a CO2 transport and storage network to support CCUS projects across the UK.

The first role has a short-term focus on commercial negotiation and ensuring the first Gas CCUS project delivered in the UK is Value for Money. The role has a longer-term focus on the future policy framework through which Gas CCUS will be allocated government support, including optimal deployment pathways for Gas CCUS.

The second role involves a pivotal component of supporting CCUS in the UK – the network to transport CO2 and the geological storage needed to safely store this CO2 over the long term. It involves bringing together CCUS projects across the department and bespoke analysis in a complex and uncertain policy area.

Gas & Electricity Modelling x2

We carry out detailed modelling of both the power and gas sectors using a range of detailed simulation models. This work involves strategic and tactical analysis to understand how these sectors will evolve as we decarbonise the economy.  As an analyst in these teams, you work on a wide variety of projects, such as determining the value for money of large-scale energy projects, evaluating how changes in demand will impact on sector emissions and customer’s bills, and exploring how transportation and storage needs will change as we use less and less natural gas.

Analysts in EIMA play a fundamental role throughout the policy cycle, from policy development through to implementation and evaluation, and we work very closely with policy teams. We are friendly and encouraging team of around 90 multidisciplinary analysts with a strong commitment to professional development, equality, and diversity, and offering an accommodating working environment. Many people in the team have flexible working arrangements, including flexi and compressed hours. EIMA’s work is growing as part of DESNZ’ commitment to Net Zero, which means there may be opportunities to get involved in other emerging workstreams.

Key responsibilities include:

•   Project management and delivery, where you will lead on several discrete projects and deliver them with autonomy;

•   Identify evidence gaps and devise a workplan to fill the evidence needs (including designing and leading commissioned and/or primary research projects);

•   Drawing on evidence from a range of sources to utilise a variety of analytical techniques possibly including data science methodologies, appraisal, evaluation, modelling, and data analysis;

•   Communicating the findings, risks, and uncertainties of analysis to policy colleagues, analysts, and seniors to advise decision-making;

•   Collaborating with policy and analysis colleagues across government and external partners to ensure the evidence base is up to date and relevant to the department’s priorities;

•   Working with commercial, policy and technical assurance colleagues to shape an innovative deal that provides Value for Money to the taxpayer;

•   Contribute evidence for the development of calls for evidence, consultations, business cases, and impact assessments.

Skills and experience

We would love to hear from you if you:

1. Have a relevant degree, equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience at this level;

2. Have excellent analytical skills with experience in a range of analytical techniques and be willing to work with new methodologies to meet particular challenges;

3. Can communicate complex analysis succinctly and to a wide range of senior leaders and stakeholders;

4. Ability to plan, prioritise and lead analytical projects from design and data collection through to analysis and reporting;

5. Like to develop strong and effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support;

6. Ability to think strategically and make connections between different problems;

7. Knowledge of, or a desire to learn about, GB’s electricity sector and understanding the challenges it faces.

The role is open to substantive operational researchers, statisticians, and social researchers. We encourage applications from those who work part-time, job share and flexible workers.

The post is available on promotion and to substantive SEO level applicants.

•   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. (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/application-for-government-social-research-profession-membership)

Government Statistician Group: Requirements are one of:

•   Must hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2 in a numerate subject 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 worked in a statistical or data science field and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development (via a log book) in statistics or data science at the same level as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma (level five)

•   Have achieved or are on track to achieve a level four apprenticeship including at least two years in a statistical or data analysis field in government and are able to demonstrate Continuous Professional Development in statistics or data analysis (https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-statistical-service-and-statistician-group/gss-careers-and-learning/joining-us/)

Government Operational Research: High numeracy.

•   You must possess a 2:1 or higher numerate degree, or a 2:2 with relevant work experience or postgraduate qualification. (http://www.operational-research.gov.uk/recruitment/requirements/)

Information about each of the three professions that our new recruits will join can be found in the links below:

+ Operational Researchers are members of the Government Operational Research Service (GORS). Information about the GORS can be found at: http://www.operational-research.gov.uk/recruitment

+ Social Researchers are members of Government Social Research (GSR). Information about the GSR can be found at: https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-social-research/

+ Statisticians are members of the Government Statistician Group (GSG). Information about the GSG can be found at: https://analysisfunction.civilservice.gov.uk/government-statistical-service-and-statistician-group/

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• GORS – Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques; achieving impact with analysis; sustaining and developing operational research.
• GSR – Professional Expertise: Technical skills.
• GSG – Acquiring data/understanding customer needs; data analysis; disseminating and presenting data effectively.
• Technical skills – Applicants should provide one example demonstrating they have the skills required to work as social researchers, operational researchers or statisticians at SEO level.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Technical skills – Applicants should provide one example demonstrating they have the skills required to work as social researchers, operational researchers or statisticians at SEO level.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero offers a competitive mix of benefits including:

• A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
• Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
• A hybrid office/home based working model where staff will spend a norm of 40-60% of their time in the office (minimum of 40%) over a month with flex dependent on balancing business and individual need.

Job contact :

• Name : Joy Wildmann
• Email : joy.wildmann@energysecurity.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : desnzresourcing.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk