Technical Research Officer – Domestic Energy Efficiency

ABOUT US 

We are National Energy Action (NEA), and our vision is to end fuel poverty; our work to improve
and promote energy efficiency brings social, environmental, housing and employment benefits. We
believe everyone should be able to afford to keep their homes warm and safe, however, low
incomes, high energy bills and poor energy efficiency currently deny this to millions of
households across the UK.

NEA’s team is friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about what we do. We are proud of our
expertise and proud of the service we deliver to our clients.

We offer colleagues a supportive, friendly, and rewarding workplace and the chance to build a
worthwhile career with a not-for-profit organisation that is proud to make a genuine difference
to people’s lives each and every day.

THE ROLE 

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to work in a committed and highly effective
Innovation and Technical team, delivering research that will make a real impact on the lives of
vulnerable energy consumers?

As the Energy Crisis tops the news agenda, our work has never been more needed. Our figures,
which have been widely reported in national, regional and local media show that since October
2022, 6.3 million UK households are now in fuel poverty – that’s one in four. National Energy
Action (NEA) is recruiting a Technical Research Officer – Domestic Energy Efficiency, to lead
research, field trials and demonstration projects on technologies for energy efficiency, health
and decarbonisation to identify ways to retrofit homes that will deliver the best outcomes for
those living in fuel poverty. 

NEA’s Innovation and Technical team are knowledgeable and empathic, and the successful
candidate will work collaboratively within the team on the design, development and delivery of
technical evaluation projects to provide evidence-based insights to influence retrofit policy
and practice. 

Our Technical Research Officers are responsible for liaising with householders who have agreed
to trial new technologies in their homes. The successful post holder will be an excellent
communicator with the ability to build trust and rapport with a range of communities and
individuals and deliver complex information about energy, heating systems and their controls in
an accessible way.

Your base location is negotiable, but you will be expected to travel across England and Wales
with overnight stays as required.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED 

Technical research experience and experience of using qualitative and quantitative research
methodologies including the design of questionnaires, data collection, validation and analysis,
including statistical analysis and interpretation of large volumes of technical data;
interpreting the results of research to appraise technical interventions on the energy
performance of buildings. You should also have experience in the technical or practical aspects
of energy efficiency, heating, ventilation or decarbonisation technologies for homes. 

Demonstrable project management and reporting experience with the ability to maintain and
process appropriate records, statistics, and performance data, ensuring the progress of work
towards project targets is monitored and that project outcomes may be fully demonstrated,
evidenced, and evaluated. You will produce robust and insightful written reports on the
research and demonstration projects undertaken that can support the Charity’s strategic aims
and inform policy and practice. 

Effective and compelling communication skills, with excellent presentation skills, and the
ability to confidently liaise with a variety of organisations to secure the effective delivery
of projects. You will be adept at building rapport with individuals from a variety of
backgrounds and be able to sensitively communicate with those participating in research trials
who are living in fuel poverty. 

We are passionate about what we do, and we want you to be too! We want to hear from those able
to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, NEA’s mission to eradicate fuel poverty.
The full job description and person specification is available below. 

WE ARE OFFERING: 

• Permanent Role 
• £32,641 – £37,304 per annum, Scale SO1 – SO2, Points 23-28 (plus £3,300 London Weighting if
  applicable)
• 11½% non-contributory pension 
• 25 days annual leave plus 3 additional days in between Christmas New Year Period when our
  offices close; plus all public holidays per annum 
• Flexible working arrangements including the opportunity for Hybrid working 
• Enhanced family friendly payments
• Employee Assistance Programme. 

This role can be a mixture of office/home working. Office locations will be discussed with
candidates at interview. Post holders must be resident within the UK and be able to provide
their Right to Work in the UK. Hybrid working is subject to necessary H&S and GDPR checks. 

The closing date for applications is 1 March 2024 at 12 noon. We anticipate interviewing in the
two weeks commencing 11 March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates selected for interview will be
notified of the confirmed time and location of interview.

If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume that your
application has been unsuccessful.

Please note CVs will not be accepted as part of the application process. No agency or
advertising enquiries please. 

Previous applicants for the role of ‘Innovation and Technical Evaluation Co-ordinator’ in the
last six months need not apply. 

NEA aims to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all people with
the necessary skills and experience for the post. Charity Registration No. 290511. Company
Registration No: 01853927