View Vacancy - Policy Advisor, Energy & Environment (Temp - MATL cover) - San Francisco
Do you want to shape the UK’s approach to engaging with the US on energy and environmental issues?
The British Consulate in San Francisco is seeking an Energy and Environment Policy Advisor to cover a period of maternity leave on an eight month fixed term contract. This position is based in San Francisco and reports into the British Embassy Washington’s Global and Economic Policy Group (GEPG). The jobholder will work across a full range of energy and environmental issues with a particular focus on delivering subnational engagement in preparation for the UK-hosted COP26. S/he will provide advice to UK Government departments on US developments in energy and climate policy and promote UK-US cooperation around energy security and the transition to a low-carbon global economy. The Policy Advisor will also represent the UK Government in meetings and outward-facing events. The role will also be responsible for managing visits from UK stakeholders to the west coast.
The successful candidate will need to be a strategic thinker and utilise and build on their understanding of US energy and climate policy, both at the federal and subnational levels. S/he will be a credible interlocutor with contacts in the US, specifically state and local governments, business and investors, and non-governmental organisations. S/he will be a self-starter, proactively developing ideas and strategies to deliver the UK Government’s COP26 priorities in the Western US. S/he will also have a proven track-record in working collaboratively in a team-setting.
The jobholder will report to the Senior Policy Advisor, Energy & Environment, and be part of a five-member team with colleagues in Washington, DC. S/he will also work closely with a range of Embassy teams, including within the San Francisco consulate, and with other offices in the US Network, as well as other departments including the Department for International Trade Energy and Infrastructure team. The jobholder may need to travel a number of times a year to the western states and to DC during their tenure.
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
- Monitor and analyse US domestic energy, climate change, and low-carbon policies and initiatives, with a particular focus on subnational actors in the Western US and the Federal Government.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships within state and local governments, industry, and non-governmental stakeholders to support objectives, especially in relation to COP26.
- Act as the Team Lead on 2-3 priority energy sectors/themes.
- Provide regular high quality reporting (written and oral) on US developments to inform UK policy and contribute proactively to policy discussions.
- Design and deliver projects and events to support closer UK-US collaboration on energy and low-carbon developments, particularly in relation to COP26.
- Advocate British interests with a range of key US interlocutors to promote UK priorities and policy interests.
- Take responsibility for structuring and delivering visits to the US by UK ministers and senior officials.
- Work closely with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices in the Western US to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects.
Resources managed (staff 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. The role will be responsible for two to three projects where you will be responsible for project delivery including monitoring spend.
Essential on arrival:
You will be required to use your knowledge of the US system of government (at the federal and subnational levels) to think strategically and creatively about how to advance the UK’s energy and environment priorities. Effective communication including an ability to build a strong network of contacts is essential to the role. Flexibility and an ability to quickly action requests and respond to developments is also a must in this role. We therefore require:
- Minimum of 6 years relevant experience.
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree; advanced degree desirable, with economic, policy, or environmental focus preferred.
- Must be able to represent the UK at external meetings, and win the confidence of senior stakeholders, including US and UK officials.
- 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 organisational and interpersonal skills, and adapt to fast-paced and shifting demands.
- Knowledge of US energy and environmental stakeholders.
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally.
Desirable:
- A background in energy and/or environmental policy.
- Interest in or knowledge of UK policy strengths and priorities.
- An understanding of UK energy and environment policies and priorities.
- An understanding of how to work effectively with remote staff members.
- Demonstrated experience in project management and delivery.
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa.
All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Learning and development opportunities:
No specific training courses are required for this role. Making time for personal learning and development is core to the UK Government’s values and there are plenty of opportunities to undertake training courses or on the job learning.
Working patterns:
This role is full time but there is the opportunity to have a flexible work pattern.
You will be required to travel occasionally, including potentially to the UK.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
