Staff Officer, Energy Group

Energy is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas in which to work in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The energy portfolio is diverse, complex and spans all the energy we need for electrical power, heat and transport. Up until relatively recently every single unit of energy which we needed in our homes, in our businesses and for transport was imported and we are still a 'price taker' for all the energy we import and consume.

In December 2021 the Executive agreed the new Energy Strategy and in June 2022, the Assembly established the new Climate Change Act. The targets are challenging and far-reaching.

The Energy Strategy will deliver self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy for Northern Ireland. Self-sufficiency means that we will end the importing of all fossil fuels. Northern Ireland has access to renewable fuel sources for all of our energy needs - wind, solar, biomethane and geothermal. We also need to be able to be able to 'keep the lights on' when energy demand reaches its peak in mid-winter and the wind isn't blowing and this is where storage comes in - batteries and seasonal storage for decarbonised gas such as biomethane and green hydrogen.

The solutions which we need to deliver an integrated decarbonised energy system provide an economic opportunity for this region, the like of which we haven’t seen in 150 years. These solutions are already being created by local innovative companies across the utility and engineering sectors including the software solutions which are needed to dynamically balance the supply and demand of energy in our smart, flexible and resilient integrated energy system for power, heat and transport.

These new solutions play to the DNA of this place - it is 'back to the future' in energy, for example, in energy and advanced materials handling - leveraging the things which we are really good at to grow the prosperity of this region and provide new skilled jobs for our people.

Energy policy (with the exception of nuclear) is fully devolved to Northern Ireland, making this an exciting time to join us as we urgently take forward this substantial, high-profile and really important work. These roles present a unique opportunity for the postholder to make a real difference in delivering energy decarbonisation and to society more broadly.

We are seeking professional staff who are knowledgeable and have expertise in their respective field and who want to make an urgent and significant contribution to the future of energy in Northern Ireland. In return, we can offer an attractive benefits package, flexible working opportunities, excellent career prospects both within energy and the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service, as well as the opportunity to make a real difference to our people's lives.

Thank you for your interest in this post and look forward to your application.

• Staff Officers (SOs) support the Deputy Principal on informing, developing and delivering key areas of energy policy and delivery. They may work closely with a Deputy Principal to support them in the management of a significant area of energy work.
• The work of SOs will depend on where they are posted within Energy Group. While the precise duties and responsibilities of individual posts will vary, posts may involve varying degrees of the following activities:
• Demonstrate and maintain an up-to-date understanding of current energy issues, topics and technical expertise, including relevant legislation.
• Under the direction of a DP, take responsibility for delivering challenging energy objectives, managing staff and resources to do so within appropriate financial management arrangements.
• Assist the Deputy Principal in developing guidance on complex energy matters. Work with a high level of autonomy in conducting research,
• Analysing information, reviewing options, offering recommendations and drafting key documents on energy matters.
• Provide expert technical advice and guidance to Energy Group colleagues on complex energy issues, both in person and in writing. Develop and maintain key relationships with a wide range of energy stakeholders,
• communicating confidently in line with…