AddressAbout the role
The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.
We are looking for a Senior Public Affairs Officer to join our growing GB Public Affairs team. The job will involve a varied workload from creating briefings for senior leaders across the business to attending meetings with Members of Parliament on energy related issues.
This role is based in Wokingham/London, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home.
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.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the Policy and Public Affairs Manager in building a political consensus on business-critical issues.
- Lead on the delivering of core products for the ESO’s senior leadership team, including a stakeholder engagement programme and written and oral briefings.
- Delivering ESO’s programme of events in Parliament and at Party Conferences.
- 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 & Policy Managers to pro-actively advise senior leaders on political intelligence, delivering executive briefings and inputting into board papers.
- Work across the business to develop and shape policy messages, advising the wider business on the style, tone and content of its messaging to maximise stakeholder impact.
- Regularly track progress against KPIs and report them to the Public Affairs and Policy Manager.
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 with the following key attributes.
- Track record of building and maintaining a network across Westminster and Whitehall, though evidence of ability to build relationships across different stakeholder bases is acceptable.
- Excellent written skills, able to produce clear and concise briefing notes for internal and external audiences with minimal supervision.
- Good knowledge of the UK political environment and machinery of Government. Experience of working in Parliament is desirable but not essential.
- Ability to demonstrate strong political insight.
- Proven experience of working on integrated campaigns, using different channels and tactics to achieve positive outcomes.
- Strong track record of successfully communicating complex topics in a clear and concise manner to different audiences.
- Experience of working successfully with stakeholders on challenging issues.
- Able to prioritise and manage competing issues in a high intensity environment, working independently as required.
- Appreciation of fundamental attributes of operating a business.
We’re committed to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace for everyone. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience or qualifications don’t match the job description exactly, we encourage you to apply anyway.
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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