Policy Advisor, New Nuclear Finance

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 383764

**Salary**:

- £42,385 - £51,540
- National: £42,385 - £46,850; London: £46,280 - £51,540 (pro-rata for part-time hours)
- A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

**Job grade**:

- Senior Executive Officer

**Contract type**:

- Permanent

**Business area**:

- DESNZ - Net Zero, Nuclear and International - New Nuclear Strategy & Energy Fusion

**Type of role**:

- Policy

**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

**Number of jobs available**:

- 1

Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- Aberdeen, Birmingham, Cardiff, Darlington, Edinburgh, London, Salford

About the job

**Job summary**:
Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero. Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy and encouraging greater energy efficiency across the UK. The work of the department has never been more timely or relevant, and by joining us you will be part of making that difference.

Our work is varied, interesting and most importantly it's impactful. Our DESNZ Values are interwoven into everything we do; we are bold, we are collaborative, we are inclusive, and we learn. As a department we are committed to these values to build a culture where everyone can thrive.

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 and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.

**Find Out More**

**Job description**:

- This role is part of the Policy and Sponsorship Team for Great British Nuclear (GBN).

The team has two primary responsibilities: (i) to create government policy to support the next evolution of nuclear technology - Small Modular Reactors (SMRs); and (ii) to act as a sponsor for GBN to ensure that it delivers on its government commitments and that it provides value for money. GBN is a standalone Non-Departmental Public Body, equipped with the capability and capacity to deliver government's commitments for new nuclear capacity.

You will be joining the team at an exciting time. We have just entered into the negotiation phase of Great British Nuclear’s competition to select small modular reactor technologies for deployment in the UK; and government announced earlier this year that it bought two sites which are designated for nuclear development.

Role Description:
There is also scope for this role to contribute to the team’s preparation for the second phase of the Spending Review. This is a vital moment in the programme, as we secure funding for the next few years of development. You will work with other members of the team and GBN to build a robust forecast of costs, and develop arguments for why this represents value for money to the taxpayer.

This role will offer the opportunity for professional growth as part of a dynamic team and culture; where you will be playing a key role in developing the UK’s ambitious new nuclear program from the ground-up.

**Person specification**:
**Key responsibilities**:

- Developing government policy for strategic finance issues on the SMR programme - such as the design of financing mechanisms and incentive measures.
- Scrutinising and challenging analytical work that relates to the financing of the programme, building on this work and driving forward progress where necessary.
- Building and maintaining effective relationships with key external stakeholders such as Ofgem, HMT, Cabinet Office, IPA, and other government departments.
- Presenting to senior officials at board meetings and other forums, using appropriate slides or papers to reach decisions that advance the programme.
- Handling responses to enquiries regarding the SMR programme, such as: Parliamentary Questions, letters from industry bodies, and FOIs.
- Assisting with other tasks across the team, depending on surge requirements at the time.

**Skills and experience**

Essential:

- An experienced policy professional who is comfortable dealing with complex policy concepts, navigating ambiguity, and developing intelligent risk-based arguments as appropriate.
- An excellent communicator (both in writing and orally) with an ability to explain complex concepts clearly and credibly to non-expert audiences.
- Able to scrutinise and challenge analytical work and policy work conducted by others in the department or by our advisors.
- Able to maintain awareness of the tea