AddressAbout the role
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.
The purpose of the ESO Corporate Affairs is to build the reputation that National Grid ESO needs to succeed in the short and long term and the International Public Affairs team is responsible for influencing key stakeholders externally including parliamentarians, government, lobbying groups, think tanks, trade associations, academics and international stakeholders. The team is also responsible for horizon scanning, policy development and taking ownership for lines to take/key messages across strategic integrated campaigns and other priority issues.
The base location for the role is London, Warwick, or Wokingham.
About us
As Great Britain’s electricity system operator (ESO), we sit at the heart of the electricity system, using our outstanding engineering and commercial expertise to balance electricity supply and demand. Ultimately, we keep the electricity flowing directly to where it’s needed, second by second.
Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In 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.
About you
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 someone who:
Knowledge
- Understanding of geopolitics of energy and climate
- Knowledge of the EU political environment and EU institutions
- Awareness of relevant international energy institutions
- Knowledge of managing complex stakeholder environments
- Understanding of the energy sector is essential
Experience
- Experience advocating and influencing international stakeholders and governments, with emphasis on a European setting.
- Experience in delivering stakeholder engagement, networking and influencing externally.
- Strong track record of successfully communicating complex policy solutions in a clear and concise manner to multiple audiences.
- Experience working in European or EU institutions is desirable.
Skills
- Able to prioritise and manage competing issues, working with and through others – maintaining high and consistent standards and alignment, working at pace and with minimal guidance.
- Strategic thinker with ability to contribute to key communications and decisions by interpreting external and internal trends and changes.
- Strong stakeholder and negotiation skills – able to communicate policy positions and technical information clearly and concisely to external stakeholders.
- Ability to communicate to stakeholders and employees at all levels and develop strong relationships across business areas.
- Ability to learn quickly and translate complex ideas into engaging, insightful and effective material which delivers clear information and messaging. Excellent story telling ability and narrative creation.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the execution of the ESO’s European and International Strategy.
- Manage relationships with European policymakers and energy industry stakeholders.
- Lead the monitoring and analysis of strategic issues, external legislation, policies, and directives that could impact the NESO from an EU and member-state level.
- Support cross-business engagement with European stakeholders, providing strategic advice toward meeting the objectives in the European and International Strategy.
- Work with UK Government, think tanks, industry, NGOs, and other partners to organise ESO representation in European fora and events.
- Support the delivery of integrated campaigns on issues of strategic importance including messaging, collateral development, stakeholder mapping and forward planning.
- Work with the Public Affairs Manager to pro-actively provide political intelligence to the business, delivering briefings and presentations.
- Work across the business to develop and shape policy messages, advising the wider business on the style, tone and content of policy messaging to maximise stakeholder impact.
- Regularly track progress against KPIs and report them to the Public Affairs Manager.
- Support on horizon scanning to identify strategic issues and trends of commercial interest, working closely with the wider External Affairs team, to provide insight and intelligence to the wider business.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £45,000 – £55,000 – 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.
More information
This role closes on 18/07/2024 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.
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