Policy Analyst - ESO

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

By working closely with government, the regulator and industry, NESO will play 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 energy vectors and sectors of the economy. NESO will also utilise its experience and expertise across the energy system to provide independent whole energy insights, supporting industry with optimal decision making and strategic direction.

The new Hydrogen team will be focused on ensuring that NESO is a valued strategic partner to Government, Ofgem and Industry in developing hydrogen as a strategic net zero energy vector for Great Britain, with significant scale up by 2030. The successful candidate will ensure that NESO's position on critical hydrogen questions can be translated into policy influence. Success will be dependent on collaboration with teams across NESO and the wider sector including Government and Ofgem. Demonstrable policy making skills will be critical in increasing influence and establishing NESO as an independent and credible voice in the ongoing debate around the role of hydrogen in a net zero energy system.

This role can be based from Warwick, Wokingham or Glasgow, 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.,

• Work with local colleagues and cross-NESO teams to translate strategic hydrogen insights into 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 hydrogen sector (across value chain), sharing widely with colleagues.


• Support Whole Energy insight and policy development by providing hydrogen 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 focused on hydrogen and its role in a net zero energy system.
  
  What we do isn't just important - it's essential. That's why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we're looking for:


Knowledge

• Subject matter expertise in hydrogen. Knowledge of multiple areas of the energy sector is desirable.


• Understanding of the energy sector and relevant interconnected industries (e.g. water) - knowledge of the structure, regulatory environment and the short- and long-term issues affecting the industry., Experience in hydrogen focussed roles working with, or within, government.


• 3+ years in the energy sector, focus on whole energy or net zero desirable.


• Demonstrable experience of building relationships with a range of stakeholders including in Government, regulatory bodies and industry. You will be comfortable working across organisational boundaries to deliver common goals.


• Experience working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.


Skills


• 
  Curious and forward thinking: You have an interest in hydrogen and the broader energy landscape 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 hydrogen 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.
  
  The ESO 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 operation by 2025. And by 2035, we want to run 100% clean, green energy, all the time., In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be 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, will be 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 will be 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 the ESO are today, 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.

A competitive salary between £45,000 - £60,000pa - 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%.

As we work towards creating a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future for all, we also work towards creating a place for our teammates to belong, with professional and personal growth and positive well-being.

• Full support and career-development resources to expand your skills, enhance your expertise, and maximise your potential along your career journey.


• A diverse and inclusive community of belonging, where teammates are empowered to bring ideas to the table.


• Generous Total Rewards Plan - comprising of health, finance and wealth, work/life balance, and career benefits.