Policy Advisor – International Climate Change

Position description

Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work in a government department that is at the forefront of current policy making decisions that will impact the UK and beyond? If yes then a career at the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.

Here at DESNZ we are securing the UK’s long-term energy supply, bringing down energy bills and halving inflation. We are seizing the opportunities of Net Zero to lead the world in new green industries 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 its 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. 

We offer great working benefits including a world-class pension, flexible working options and a career where your learning and development is taken seriously. We are fortunate to have a range of excellent staff networks and are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We will support talented people from all backgrounds to build a career and thrive.

Find Out More

We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/departmentforenergysecurityandnetzero?

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/

Job description

Would you like to work with international and domestic partners to tackle climate change and keep the world on track for net zero?

DESNZ’s international net zero directorate helps to deliver the high priority UK strategy for net zero, designed to decarbonise all sectors of the UK economy to meet our net zero target by 2050, and contribute to the global effort in addressing climate change.  

This is a joint role shared between the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) team and multilateral engagement team leading on international climate change policy and negotiations within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. You will join colleagues with extensive international engagement experience on the critical issue of climate change, driving ambition and representing the UK’s interests on the global stage.

The UNFCCC team is responsible for leading the UK’s contribution and driving progress in the UNFCCC negotiations. This includes at the major international meeting the Conference of Parties (COP) each year, driving climate ambition and commitments across the globe. You will support this team through leading the analysis of UK budget within UNFCCC negotiations, supporting key Ministerial engagements, assisting with preparations for COP and other negotiations, engaging with relevant non-State stakeholders, and managing communication across the team through the development of internal tools.

The multilateral engagement team lead on advancing the UK’s climate strategy through multilateral forums beyond the UNFCCC, with a focus on the Group of 7 (G7) and Group of 20 (G20) as well as influencing the climate work of the OECD and other multilateral forums like the Commonwealth. You will work to prepare for key multilateral engagements and negotiations throughout the year, supporting the team and Ministers to engage with other countries in the G7, G20 and beyond as well as international organisations to advance UK climate interests. You will support delivery of the UK’s climate objectives through leading on and contributing to briefing requests, advice to Ministers, correspondence and PQs, project planning, and meeting logistics. As part of this, you will build strong working relationships with key contacts in the department and across His Majesty’s Government, including the Cabinet Office, DEFRA, FCDO, as well as with diplomatic Posts abroad.

You will be fully supported to develop and maintain a strong understanding of how multilateral forums operate, the UK’s role and influence in these, and the strategy and tactics for advancing our priorities through negotiations with other international parties. To be able to do this effectively, you will also be expected to build your knowledge of domestic and international climate policy, and understand the policy positions and interests of the G7 and G20 member countries and what is driving these. 

This is a permanent role and available on promotion. We strongly encourage flexible working, and will actively consider requests by applicants for flexible working. We also strongly support personal learning and development, and are committed to creating a workplace culture where all staff feel valued, supported and can develop their potential – regardless of their background and personal circumstances.

There will likely be opportunities for international travel to support negotiations and engagement, depending on business need and interest (to be discussed with line manager when in post).

Please do not hesitate to contact the vacancy contact if you have any questions about this role or the teams.

Person specification

This is a joint role supporting both the UNFCCC team and multilateral engagement team, which lead on related but distinct elements of international climate policy, engagement and negotiations.

You will support each team through the key responsibilities below:

UNFCCC team

• Build and maintain a good working relationship with the UNFCCC Secretariat and key partners to inform UK planning and advice, budgeting ahead of the next round of budget negotiations. Prepare timely financial information and variance analysis to assist Ministerial decision making.
• Actively collaborate with wider teams across INZ to enhance Ministerial engagement, keeping internal reporting tools up to date to monitor progress during key events in the international climate calendar.
• Proactively manage and support day-to-day operational activities of the UK negotiations team throughout the year in preparation for international negotiations, alongside providing logistical support during negotiations. This includes but is not limited to accreditations, accommodation and in situ support
• Planning and delivering monthly Virtual Negotiations meetings, ensuring that internal processes and procedures are established, understood, updated and maintained to facilitate regular and streamlined communications across the team.
• Keep core documents updated; providing input into Parliamentary correspondence and/or requests from FCDO/Post when necessary to ensure it clearly and accurately responds to issues raised. Support appropriate follow up if needed.
• Support wider engagement with civil society organisations and relevant stakeholders with an interest on the UNFCCC process, in close coordination with INZ domestic team.

Multilateral engagement team

• Build and maintain good working relationships with wide-ranging policy teams in DESNZ and across government to support UK planning and engagement on climate change in multilateral forums, ensuring delivery of UK climate interests through collaboration across government. In 2024 this will include the Italian G7 Presidency, Brazilian G20 Presidency, OECD Ministerial in Paris, New York Climate Week, and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa.
• Support the team to develop and deliver the G7 and G20 negotiations strategy, tracking member policy positions and progress, suggesting alternatives/fall backs as necessary within UK redlines.
• Prepare timely and evidence-based advice to seniors and Ministers on multilateral events and UK negotiation strategies.
• Support the team to clearly communicate negotiating positions and engagement updates to a range of internal and external audiences, through regular meetings, SITREPs, and briefings as appropriate.
• Provide policy and logistical (including accreditation, travel, accommodation, notetaking) support to UK teams during virtual and in-person engagement such as G7 and G20 negotiating sessions or New York Climate Week events.

Maintain core documents as needed such as core briefs, provide input into Parliamentary correspondence and other requests in a clear, accurate and timely manner.

Skills and experience

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

• Able and willing to develop a strong understanding of climate policy, international relations and the strategic processes that underpin climate negotiations.
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships across government and with international partners. Keen to contribute to a positive team environment where all colleagues feel valued and respect one another, regardless of background or identity.
• Strong self-motivation and the ability to take initiative when approaching complex issues and check understanding/seek support as appropriate. Able to identify and use a range of evidence sources to develop solutions to problems.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team, taking a proactive approach and responsibility for delivering tasks, including to tight deadlines as necessary.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including communicating complex messages to influence a range of audiences (for example: briefs, submissions, papers, speeches, presentations). Ability to listen and respond to different views and remain open-minded in discussions.

It is not essential that candidates have experience in international climate policy or engagement, however we would be interested to hear of any relevant experience.

The successful candidate will be fully supported to develop their knowledge of international climate policy and negotiations – all that is required is a willingness to learn and engage.

Behaviours

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

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

 

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net