London (region)

Job Summary

This position is based in London

Job Description

Organisation Description

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is the independent expert statutory adviser to Parliament and the UK Government on climate change policy. It was created as a key part of the long-term legal framework set out in the Climate Change Act (2008). The Act sets a long-term target for 2050 (Net Zero, a 100% reduction in net emissions from 1990) and requires that carbon budgets (five-year caps on emissions) are set on a path towards the long-term target. These targets have been legislated in-line with the Committee’s advice. The Act also requires that the UK assesses and responds to the risks that it faces as the climate changes.

The CCC has established itself as a high-profile, high-impact expert body in the analysis of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Its reports can be accessed from the CCC’s website: www.theccc.org.uk. The CCC is comprised of two Boards, ‘the Committee’ (covering expertise in mitigation) and ‘the Adaptation Committee’ (covering expertise in adaptation); and an analytical secretariat. The Committees have a distinguished membership of leading experts from the fields of climate change, science, engineering and economics: https://www.theccc.org.uk/about/.

The Committees are supported by a secretariat of around 50, including economists, operational researchers, scientists and other analysts. The CCC was the first body of its kind in the world and brings together different strands of expertise from its members, from government, the research community and business. It draws on existing information and undertakes its own analysis to provide expert advice to Ministers and to Parliament. It is required to give advice to Ministers on climate change matters covered by the Climate Change Act and on an ad-hoc basis as and when requested.

Summary

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) is seeking a high-performing analyst to join the energy team. The energy team is responsible for all our work across the energy system including on electricity and fuel supply (which includes hydrogen, oil and gas, use of biomass, and alternative aviation and shipping fuels). It is expected that the analyst will lead our work on fuel supply and support the electricity lead when needed. The exact focus of the role may vary depending on priorities and external developments.

After publication of our Seventh Carbon Budget advice on 26 February 2025, the Committee will be providing carbon budget advice for each of Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland (published across April and May). Following that, our annual statutory report for Parliament on progress reducing emissions will be published in June. In 2026 we have to advise the government, under the Infrastructure Act, on compatibility of onshore petroleum (i.e. fracking) with UK carbon budgets.

This role will give the successful applicant the chance to work right at the heart of these topics, in a very high-profile subject area. On carbon budget advice, the focus of the role will be landing the messages and analysis with the UK government, devolved administrations, and key stakeholders. For the progress report, the role will involve working directly with Committee members and the wider team to develop the assessment of progress in the energy sector, including recommendations for government.

About The Role

This role sits in the energy supply team, which covers decarbonisation and climate resilience of the energy system. The team has one lead analyst for each of electricity, fuel supply, and climate resilience. This role is for the fuel supply lead analyst, with the expectation to work flexibly across the team to support work on electricity as required. The exact balance of the role is likely to change depending on priorities and external developments.

The Fuel Supply Post Covers Hydrogen And Fossil Fuel Supply, Best Of Use Biomass, And Production Of Alternative Aviation And Shipping Fuels:

Hydrogen supply. Production and storage of low-carbon hydrogen, including from fossil gas with carbon capture and storage, and electrolysis using renewable electricity.
Fossil fuel supply. Production of oil and gas, both onshore and offshore, and its refining and distribution.
Best use of biomass. Assessing the best uses of scarce biomass across its various applications, working closely with other teams in the CCC across both demand for, and supply of, biomass.
Alternative aviation and shipping fuels. Production of biofuels, synthetic fuels (made with hydrogen and a source of captured carbon), and other fuels such as ammonia.

The team, alongside the CCC’s other analytical teams, develops analysis, research and policy advice, and communicates the Committees’ conclusions through various outputs, including published reports. Our two main statutory reports are advice on carbon budgets (produced every five years), and progress reports for Parliament on both mitigation (every year) and adaptation (every other year). In addition, we produce a climate change risk assessment for government every five years (this is primarily covered by the adaptation team within the CCC; the next assessment will be published in 2026).

For carbon budgets, the role involves assessing the evidence around technical potential and costs of options to reduce emissions/produce new fuels, and undertaking modelling to determine cost-effective pathways for these towards the target for Net Zero emissions in 2050. It involves working closely with teams across the CCC where these fuels will be used, and developing clear and compelling narratives about how the sector can contribute to meeting the Net Zero target.
For progress reports, the role involves assessing progress in reducing emissions and developing new fuels, identifying the drivers for this, key gaps (including policy) across our indicator monitoring framework, and developing recommendations for government.
Other advice. The CCC provides other advice as and when required, across a wide range of climate policy areas from the UK’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the UN process, down to individual areas and policies (see https://www.theccc.org.uk/publications). In the energy space some examples of our recent publications include in 2023 on Delivering a reliable decarbonised electricity system, and in 2022 on the Climate compatibility of new oil and gas fields. In 2026 we have to advise the government, under the Infrastructure Act, on compatibility of onshore petroleum (i.e. fracking) with UK carbon budgets. We last advised on this in 2021.

The fuel supply sector is a very high-profile area, with a high degree of external interest. That includes in oil and gas (where the Government is developing its position on licenses for new fields) and in the use of biomass (where policy support for use in electricity generation has recently been extended). This role will involve developing the CCC’s position - working closely with the wider team, senior colleagues, and Committee members - on these topics, sometimes having to respond to a fast-changing and busy environment.

The post-holder will report to the Energy Supply Team leader (Civil Service Grade 6), while working in close collaboration with the Electricity Supply Lead Analyst (Civil Service Grade 7). We are an enthusiastic, friendly, supportive, and inquisitive team. The role also offers the opportunity to work directly with the Climate Change Committees, comprising some of the foremost experts in climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The role is offered on a permanent basis.

Requirements

This is an analytical post so we are looking for candidates with very strong technical, analytical and writing skills (for example those working in scientific, economic or operational research disciplines) backed by an ability to engage a range of stakeholders and communicate results in an insightful, compelling way. Expertise and previous experience working in the energy system (including modelling, either directly and/or running modelling projects), and with government appraisal tools (for example the Green Book) are both highly desirable, though not essential. This post requires a self-motivated, enthusiastic person with excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.

Specific Responsibilities And Tasks Will Include:

Project management. Managing high priority analytical projects, developing and shaping the direction of the work.
Analysis. Undertaking desk-based analysis and research. Developing and continuously improving and quality assuring analysis, including modelling, and working to ensure our advice is based on the best available evidence and assumptions. One focus of the role in the year ahead is likely to be reviewing our internal modelling approaches across the fuel supply sector.
Communication. Drafting clear, well-evidenced and engaging inputs to CCC reports and other outputs. Presenting findings at monthly Committee meetings and to senior members of the CCC secretariat and Chief Executive, clearly articulating your analysis and its complexities to help the Committee understand the issues and reach its conclusions.
Stakeholder engagement. Engaging widely, including with relevant stakeholders in academia, business, NGOs and across Government and representing the CCC at high-profile engagements.

Working at the CCC

The CCC takes personal development seriously and is proud to maintain a highly effective and well-motivated workforce. There will be opportunities for the successful candidate to develop both technical and general skills via on-the-job learning, training and attendance at conferences and seminars. This post, in particular, offers opportunities for use of a range of internal analytical models across fuel supply and for developing skills in climate change mitigation, policy, communications, project management, and leadership. Successful applicants will agree a development plan with their manager. 

The CCC is committed to creating a workplace culture where all staff feel valued, supported, and can develop their potential. We work hard to ensure all staff can flourish and succeed, working with and respecting people’s different backgrounds and personal circumstances. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position. For more information on our EDI commitments, please read our strategy here https://www.theccc.org.uk/publication/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/.

Things you need to know

The CCC office is based in Canary Wharf, London. Staff are expected to attend the office for at least 40% of their working hours. The pay band for this role is £45,308 - £49,775 and the expectation is that the successful candidate will join on the minimum of the CCC SEO pay band. We support a wide variety of working patterns such as compressed hours, hybrid working, part-time hours, job sharing, and flexi time. National pay bands may be used where staff apply to work from home for more than 60% of their working hours and live outside London. Regular attendance at our London office, for example for meetings and training, will still be required. The national pay band for this grade is £41,557 - £45,561.

The CCC cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign. The CCC does not hold a Visa sponsorship licence. 

Security: Successful candidates must pass Government baseline personnel security checks.

Feedback: Feedback can be provided on request to those who have attended an interview.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme: The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Assessment criteria

Candidates are asked to submit a CV and Statement of Suitability. Please use your Statement of Suitability to outline: your motivation for applying; how your skills and experience make you uniquely well suited to this role; and what you hope to achieve in this role (750 words max).

The CV and Statement of Suitability will be assessed using two elements of the Civil Service Success Profile framework: technical skills and experience.

Specialist Analytical Skills

Apply appropriate quantitative analytical tools and techniques, and synthesise evidence from a range of sources, as appropriate. Assess the reliability and relevance of evidence and give objective evidence-based advice. Quality-assure models, challenge input data and assumptions and interpret output data for the purposes of providing supporting evidence.
A degree in a numerate discipline (e.g. economics, engineering, environmental science) is essential. Excellent numeracy, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear reports on complex subject areas ensuring these are appropriate for the given audience.

Experience

Minimum of one years’ relevant experience, ideally including knowledge of the energy system.
This is an analytical post so a degree or post-graduate degree in a numerate discipline (e.g. economics, engineering, environmental science) is essential. The CCC has affiliation with the Government’s analytical professions (GES, GORS, GSS, or GSR) and it is possible for analysts to maintain these memberships at the CCC. If you are a member of one of these professions, please indicate this in your application. We also welcome applications from outside these professions.

Minimum of one years’ relevant experience, ideally including knowledge of the energy system.
This is an analytical post so a degree or post-graduate degree in a numerate discipline (e.g. economics, engineering, environmental science) is essential. The CCC has affiliation with the Government’s analytical professions (GES, GORS, GSS, or GSR) and it is possible for analysts to maintain these memberships at the CCC. If you are a member of one of these professions, please indicate this in your application. We also welcome applications from outside these professions.

Interviews will be used to assess performance against behaviours and strengths in addition to analytical skills and experience. Further information will be provided about assessment at interview for candidates invited to interview.

Person specification

Please Refer To Job Description

Behaviours

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

Delivering at Pace
Making Effective Decisions
Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

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

Specialist Analytical Skills

Alongside your salary of £45,308, Climate Change Committee contributes £13,125 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Please Refer To Job Description

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact :

Name : Owen Bellamy
Email : owen.bellamy@theccc.org.uk

Recruitment team

Email : defra-recruitment-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Further information

https://networkrecruitment.tal.net/vx/appcentre-11/brand-12/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/1/pl/14/opp/6115-6115-SEO-Energy-Analyst-Climate-Change-Committee/en-GB

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