Policy Official - C1

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are Scottish Government employees, and are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Overview

We have an opportunity for a C1 to join the Critical Energy Resilience Unit to lead the Scottish Government’s response to challenges associated with downstream oil resilience, and ad hoc business continuity issues in the oil and gas sector. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who has extensive experience in cross government engagement in the pursuit of securing alignment between UK Government and Scottish Government priorities for transitioning industries.

This role is also suited to someone who has a proven track record of working with external commercial advisers to devise and implement a response to businesses in distress, ideally in the energy sector. Lastly, this role is suited to someone who thrives when engaging with SCS and senior Ministerial level to secure outcomes that deliver on the priorities of the Scottish Government and represent value for the taxpayer.

The Critical Energy Resilience Unit is one of four units within the Energy Industries Division and leads the Scottish Government’s approach to securing Scotland’s energy security and resilience. Through often high pressure, high profile and time sensitive activities, the Unit develops policy and through partnership working seeks to meet the needs of Scotland in relation to energy security.

Scotland remains reliant on a range of energy sources to ensure functioning of society, public services and the economy. The Critical Energy Resilience Unit works across a range of external partners, extensively with the UK Government, other Scottish Government departments and external agencies to develop and implement plans in relation to energy security. The Unit also has responsibility for leading the Scottish Government’s approach to distressed energy intensive businesses across Scotland including spearheading engagement with business leaders, commercial advisers and enterprise agencies.

The work of the unit is high profile, with significant levels of political, stakeholder and media attention, and are cross-cutting in nature as they interact with wider energy strategy, climate change and economic objectives across Directorates. There is therefore an expectation of regular and extensive out of hours working including in response to crisis situations. There is likely to be some expectations of travel.

This role is central to providing Ministers with assurance and support on the full range of energy resilience issues with particular lead on gas, road fuels and leading inter-governmental and cross governmental planning and assurance activity.

Responsibilities

Lead Scotland’s approach to ensuring security of supply of road fuels and the development of contingency plans in the event of shortages and catastrophic events

Lead Scotland’s approach to ensuring security of supply of gas and the development of contingency plans in the event of shortages and catastrophic events

Provide leadership to supporting Ministers across all energy resilience issues including leading the unit’s work of briefing, product development and planning.

Lead cross government engagement on issues of energy resilience

Support the Scottish Government’s approach to identifying solutions for distressed energy intensive businesses, which may include securing funding, supporting the negotiation of commercial solutions, and supporting Ministers’ strategic approach to emerging situations.

Lead day-to-day engagement with SG’s external commercial and legal advisers on fast evolving matters associated with energy and business resilience.

Extensive engagement with UKG colleagues in DESNZ, Scotland Office, DfT, DBT, HMT and Cabinet Office

DECC is committed to balancing workload and resource. That means we may require staff to support in priority areas as they arise. This area has been confirmed as a current priority for DECC but the postholder may be required to work on other priorities within this Division or more widely across DG Net Zero in the future.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 employees.
• Please submit a CV and a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancy closes at 11:59pm

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.