Advance Nuclear Fund – Head of AMR

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. 

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/  

The directorate is already delivering some of the UK’s most exciting projects to develop clean technologies – including the UK’s first Carbon Capture & Use plant in Cheshire, global first of a kind fuel switching demos for industry, demonstration of a nuclear advanced High Temperature reactor and the ERM Dolphyn “Engineer Magazine Project of 2021” to eventually make hydrogen offshore.  There are ten theme areas within the NZIP; advanced carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS), bioenergy, direct air capture and greenhouse gas removal (GGR), disruptive technologies, energy storage and flexibility, future offshore wind, homes and buildings, hydrogen, industry and nuclear advanced modular reactors (AMRs).

We are an inclusive, friendly and supportive multi-disciplinary directorate of about 170 people, and we encourage applications with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints and experiences. We encourage applications from those who require flexible working patterns.

We are looking for and Innovation Programme Manager, with a science/engineering background, to help run our Advanced Modular Reactor programme, part of the wider Advanced Nuclear fund.  You will work alongside a (Grade 6) theme lead in the design and delivery of this high-value programme, which seeks to implement the Government’s commitment to a High Temperature Reactor Demonstration by the early 2030’s.  You will also work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the programme remains relevant to the dynamic policy environment and learning is transferred.

Candidates for a Science and Engineering Practitioner Allowance will be tested on their ability to ‘provide technical and commercial leadership’ at interview stage. Further details of this competence can be found in Competence C of the Incorporated Engineer Standard in the Engineering Council’s UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Benefits available include

• Training and development opportunities, ranging from policy skills via Civil Service Learning, to support for your Continuous Professional Development (CPD)

• Being at the heart of Whitehall, as we work together to tackle climate change and build a clean and resilient recovery

• A team which is committed to a fun, diverse and inclusive environment, which will give you time to develop your skills and enjoy your work.

Other roles in the wider team may also become available and applicants will be asked if they wish to be considered for those as well.

You will lead a programme of projects worth £10m-£50m+, and be responsible for the work of a team of staff and contractors.

Key responsibilities

You will be responsible for:

• Project and Programme management, including establishing and managing government procurement contracts and grant programmes;

• Using strong analytical skills to develop business cases to secure support for new innovation approaches and to provide briefing for Ministers and officials;

• Supervising the work of a up to three colleagues; and contributing to a happy, inclusive and collaborative team;

• Building relationships with key people both inside Government, and outside in industry and academia and expertly representing the Department’s approach to energy innovation at external events

•  Advising, influencing and supporting policy development within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero;

• Planning and building new programmes, learning lessons from the current Programme and ensuring benefits are delivered.

• Handling risk and reporting on progress through governance processes;

• Programme evaluation and closure.

Travel within the UK may be required to attend conferences or visit projects for up to four weeks per year.

Skills and experience

We would love to hear from you if you have:

Essential requirements: Qualifications: Science, engineering or mathematics degree or equivalent experience.

Proven track record in programme management, ideally with experience in developing and delivering large and complex energy programmes.

A good understanding of risk management, and its application to innovative projects with uncertain outcomes.

Experience in bringing together specialist knowledge to build a broad understanding of a specific technical area; skills in communicating technical detail with specialist and non-specialist audiences

An ability to engage, influence and work collaboratively with internal and external partners;

Relevant STEM degree

The post holder will also need to work flexibly and be prepared to tackle new responsibilities or support other areas of work within the team or across SICE.

Familiarity with nuclear, energy or net zero sectors is desirable, but not essential, although a STEM background and degree is required for eligibility for the Science and Engineering Practitioner Allowance which this role attracts (please clearly set out your qualification in the personal statement). However, you must be comfortable working with a range of technical and analytical colleagues.

Above all else we welcome people with an inquisitive mind, eager to pick up new skills and committed to self-development.

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Seeing the Big Picture

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

• UK-SPEC: Responsibility, management and leadership at Chartered Engineer Standard (Competence C; demonstrate technical and commercial leadership) OR from Science Council at Chartered Scientist standard demonstrate “Personal Responsibility”, “Interpersonal

Job contact :

• Name : Si Dilks
• Email : simon.dilks@energysecurity.gov.uk

Recruitment team

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