Main purpose of job

The British Government’s Consulate in San Francisco is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Energy and Climate Directorate as an Energy and Climate Policy Advisor. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally. 
 
The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources.  
 
We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured working model that includes opportunities for flexible hours, where operational needs allow. 
 
In this role, you will be part of a diverse international environment, working side-by-side with UK diplomats and other country-based colleagues spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies. 

As an Energy and Climate Policy Advisor in the British Consulate San Francisco, you will contribute to strengthening UK-US collaboration in environmental, climate and energy policy at the national and regional level. Positioned within Energy and Climate Directorate, you will work closely with internal stakeholders from the British Embassy in DC, San Francisco Consulate, Government Office in Washington State, and other consulates in the US network. This includes officials from other UK government departments and networks including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Science and Innovation Network, Trade Policy, Politics and Public Affairs and Energy teams. This role supports the UK’s broader strategic objectives in energy and climate policy and offers valuable experience in international engagement and cross-government collaboration.

We are looking for a proactive self-starter, and strategic thinker who can develop ideas and strategies to foster UK-US collaboration on energy, environment and climate priorities. You will have professional experience in public policy, international relations, project and event delivery. You’ll bring strong knowledge and understanding of US energy, environmental, and climate policy, both at the federal and subnational levels as well as strong communication and stakeholder management skills. You will have a commitment to high quality work and continuous learning.

The jobholder reports to the Energy and Clean Technology Lead in the British Consulate General San Francisco and offices in the US Network to cover California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. They also work closely with the British Consulate General Los Angeles to cover Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. The job holder may need to travel a number of times a year across the region and potentially visit the UK approximately once per year.

Roles and responsibilities

1. Strategic Relationship Management (about 30%): Proactively develop and maintain effective and strategic relationships within leading energy corporations, state and local governments, and non-governmental stakeholders to support all of the listed roles and responsibilities. Advocate British interests with a range of key US interlocutors to promote UK priorities and policy interests. Work closely with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy, environment, and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects.
2. Reporting and Delivering UK-US Collaboration (about 30%): Monitor and analyse US domestic environmental, energy and climate policies and initiatives, with a particular focus on subnational actors and the federal government, acting as the Team Lead on 2-3 priority energy sectors and themes. Provide regular high-quality reporting (written and oral) on US developments to inform UK policy and contribute proactively to policy discussions, including advising on local sensitivities and priorities, and briefing for ministers and senior officials.
3. Programme Management (about 25%): Design and deliver projects and events to support closer UK-US collaboration on climate and energy priorities. Take responsibility for structuring and delivering visits to the US by UK ministers and senior officials.  Horizon scanning to identify longer term energy trends across the regional patch, working closely with energy colleagues leading on business and academia engagement to advise Whitehall on longer term trends.
4. Communications (about 15%): Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy, environment, and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects.

*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organizational needs.
 

Resources managed (personnel and expenditure)

This role does not involve direct line management but does require the ability to develop and lead virtual teams in order to deliver your policy priorities. Depending on the local priorities, this role could be responsible for implementing climate and energy projects where you will be responsible for delivery including monitoring spend, people management and budgetary responsibilities.

• Demonstrated, substantial relevant experience is required. A previous role focused on international and/or US climate/energy/environmental/ policy is preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team spread across different posts.
• Must be able to represent the UK at external meetings, and win the confidence of senior stakeholders, including US and UK officials. This requires excellent stakeholder management/engagement and networking skills.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Must be a proven self-starter with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, possess excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, and adapt to fast-paced and shifting demands.
• Knowledge of US environmental, climate and energy stakeholders including knowledge of West Coast States and state government policy landscapes.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to conduct in-depth policy research and deliver reporting and briefings.
• Ability to use expertise to drive strategy and decisions.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of Application. Please note this role is ineligible for visa sponsorship.