View Vacancy - Policy Advisor, Energy & Environment - British Embassy Washington
Main purpose of job
Do you want to shape the UK’s approach to engaging with the US on energy and environmental issues?
The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking a Policy Advisor to join the Energy & Environment Team within the Embassy’s Global and Economic Policy Group (GEPG). The jobholder will work across the full range of energy and environmental issues that the team handles. S/he will provide advice to UK Government departments on US developments in energy and climate policy and promote UK-US engagement 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 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 congressional staff, business and investors, state and local government, and non-governmental organisations. S/he will be a self-starter, proactively developing ideas and strategies to foster UK-US collaboration on energy and environmental priorities. 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 and San Francisco. S/he will also work closely with a range of Embassy teams and with other offices in the US Network, as well as other departments including the Department for International Trade (DIT), Energy and Infrastructure team.
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 Eastern US and the Federal Government
- 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
- 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
- Develop and maintain contacts within Congress, the Federal Administration, industry, and non-governmental stakeholders to support all of the above duties and responsibilities
- Work closely with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices in the Eastern US to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects
Resources managed
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 covers 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.
- Minimum of 2 years relevant experience
- A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required; 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
- Ability and willingness to travel occasionally
Desirable:
- An understanding of UK energy and environment policies and priorities
- Experience managing projects
- An understanding of how to work effectively with remote staff members
- A background in energy and/or environmental policy
- Knowledge of US energy and environmental stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience in project management and delivery
- Interest in or knowledge of UK policy strengths and priorities
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: www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
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.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply for a different position.
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.
