Role 1: Senior Net Zero Evaluation Analyst Role 2: Senior Green Gas Evaluation Analyst
Department for Energy Security & Net Zero
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 31st October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work at the forefront of current policy making decisions? Do you want to have an impact on the UK and beyond? If yes, then a career at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) could be for you.
Here at DESNZ we are delivering our mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower, with clean electricity by 2030 and accelerating the UK’s journey to net zero. Our work is helping ensure clean energy for all, keep bills down and seize the opportunities to lead the world in new green industries, taking back control of our energy with Great British Energy 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 it's 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 enormously proud to be a Disability Confident Leader employer. We support candidates with adjustments throughout our recruitment process. Information about disability confidence and just some examples of the adjustments that you can request can be found in the reasonable adjustment section below.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service D&I Strategy.
Find Out More
We regularly run events where you can find out more about the department and tips for the application and interview process. You can sign up for upcoming events here: https://forms.office.com/e/pqUhdr3L72
You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/
Job description
Use research and analysis to combat climate change and tackle fuel poverty ¦ Up to £5,000 pay enhancement ¦ In year performance related award scheme ¦ Amazing learning & development opportunities ¦ Cycle to work scheme¦
Do you want to provide the insight required to inform the new government’s climate change policies and make a positive impact to the UK's net zero and fuel poverty ambitions? Then this opportunity is for you!
Our new policies all rely on the evaluation evidence you will produce, to understand our stakeholders, embed best practice and ensure we’re learning the right lessons.
We are recruiting for the following senior executive officer (SEO) - grade analyst roles:
Role 1: Net Zero Buildings: Home Upgrade Grant scheme Evaluation Lead
The Buildings Energy Evaluation Team is a friendly, inclusive and supportive team of 15 evaluation analysts that place a strong priority on individuals’ development. Our team prides itself on its high quality, innovative and impactful evaluations of DESNZ schemes delivering energy improvements to UK homes. Our Analytical team has 88% Team Satisfaction (People Survey 2023).
We are looking to recruit an SEO social researcher to lead our flagship evaluation of Phase 2 of the Home Upgrade Grant (HUG2). The scheme was launched in January 2023, allocating up to £630 million of grant funding to Local Authorities to help them upgrade energy inefficient homes of low income households in England that were not connected to the national gas grid. The scheme aims to deliver substantial improvements in fuel poverty and health for these more vulnerable groups, while advancing the mass decarbonisation of domestic heating necessary to meet the UK's Net Zero carbon target.
The post holder will be responsible for:
- DESNZ’s independent process and outcomes evaluation of the scheme.
- A smaller evaluation of the external delivery model for it and the parallel Social Housing Decarbonisation scheme.
- Managing the work of our evaluation contractors.
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders in the scheme's policy, delivery and commercial teams.
- Managing, quality assuring and communicating evaluation findings.
- Regularly communicating emerging findings to an engaged customer network within DESNZ, for use in delivery management and future policy development.
They will be given a high degree of flexibility and creativity in actively setting direction for our appointed contractors, developing and quality assuring research materials and outputs, as well as strong support from their line manager and our wider team of evaluation experts. They will use evidence to underpin the design of how future government Net Zero domestic retrofit policies are delivered.
There is scope for the role to also support or lead on new monitoring and evaluation work in response to emerging challenges in the Net Zero Domestic Buildings policy area, workload permitting.
There are also opportunities for optional travel within the UK to attend meetings, conferences, workshops or site visits.
Role 2: Senior Green Gas Evaluation Analyst
In Clean Heat Analysis (CHA) we produce high quality, multi-disciplinary evidence and analysis; working proactively to deliver the best policies that work for all consumers and the environment as well as promoting economic growth. We are a team of around 40 friendly and motivated analysts, who work collaboratively to help achieve the department’s priority of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, through the decarbonisation of heating.
The Biomethane Analysis branch of CHA is responsible for ensuring biomethane policy is developed with the best available evidence, working with multiple stakeholders to deliver a range of analytical projects that influence decision making.
We are looking for an SEO social researcher to lead our biomethane evaluation programme. This is a critical time to join the team as we reach important delivery milestones on the evaluation of the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) and Green Gas Levy (GGL), which will shape DESNZ’s view on the success of the scheme. These insights will be used to inform a future framework for biomethane over the next year, where the post holder will also be responsible for leading the development of a future M&E plan.
The post holder will be responsible for:
- Leading the successful delivery of an impactful GGSS and GGL Evaluation. This involves project management of external contractors as well as reviewing and re-scoping evaluation activities, to align with ongoing policy developments.
- Communicating and engaging with stakeholders and senior officials throughout DESNZ, to embed valuable insights from the GGSS/GGL Evaluation in biomethane and wider policy development.
- Leading the design of monitoring and evaluation requirements for a future biomethane policy framework.
- Cross cutting support on monitoring the operations of the GGSS.
The post-holder will be expected to work closely with policy, with the analysis and policy teams working in a productive and collaborative fashion.
Both of these roles can be based in any DESNZ location (see the full list of location options at the side). DESNZ colleagues are spread throughout the country, so you will have the chance to create connections and progress your career, irrespective of where you are based. Our quarterly in-year award scheme encourages colleagues to nominate each other for cash and voucher rewards for exceptional work. We also offer a salary sacrifice loan scheme for the cost of a bicycle and accessories. Hybrid and flexible ways of working are encouraged, with a minimum of 40% of your time spent in the office.
As further roles may arise in the future, we are looking to maintain a reserve list of candidates. Therefore, if you demonstrate the required skills at interview but are not successful for this post, you will be kept on the reserve list for up to twelve months.
Person specification
Key responsibilities
Net Zero Buildings: Home Upgrade Grant scheme Evaluation Lead (Role 1):
1) Manage the large ongoing process and impact evaluation of the Home Upgrade Grant Phase 2 (HUG2) scheme. Also manage a smaller ongoing cross-cutting evaluation of the shared delivery model used by DESNZ for HUG2 and the Social Housing Decarbonisation Scheme.
2) Support the development of research instruments (such as surveys and interview guides) and quality assure outputs for these evaluation. Lead on the publication of outputs.
3) Work closely with policy colleagues, as well as other analysts, to build positive relationships and ensure research outputs are relevant, timely and impactful. Actively shape the evaluations in response to changing scheme delivery and ministerial priorities.
4) Lead on internal dissemination of outputs and assist policy colleagues in understanding the implication of evaluation findings to their areas.
5) In future, support on the design, commissioning and management of potential successor or alternative schemes.
Senior Green Gas Evaluation Analyst candidate (Role 2):
1) Lead the successful delivery of an impactful GGSS and GGL Evaluation. This involves project management of external contractors as well as reviewing and re-scoping evaluation activities, to align with ongoing policy developments.
2) Communicate and engage with stakeholders and senior officials throughout DESNZ, to embed valuable insights from the GGSS/GGL Evaluation in biomethane and wider policy development.
3) Lead the design of monitoring and evaluation requirements for a future biomethane policy framework.
4) Provide cross cutting support on monitoring the operations of the GGSS.
For both posts we can tailor the exact responsibilities to the post holder's strengths and development needs. They will also be offered regular training as part of the department's generous learning and development offer.
Skills and experience
We would love to hear from you if:
1) You can either demonstrate the requirements to enter the Government Social Research profession at the appropriate grade (see below), or are already a member of any Civil Service analytical profession.
2) You have the essential skills and experience below.
Essential:
- Experience of designing and leading policy research or evaluation projects translating policy requirements into robust specifications that will meet customer needs.
- Experience of direct responsibility for management of commissioned research or for undertaking social or other relevant research projects of a significant scale.
- Knowledge of a range of process and impact evaluation methods, and an appetite to work with new methodologies to meet challenges.
- Knowledge of a range of social research methodologies, including quantitative, qualitative and evaluation methods.
- Experience of presenting analytical outputs in a range of formats, tailored to different audiences.
- Experience of leading a diverse portfolio of work and managing their work flexibly to adapt as priorities change, often at short notice.
Desirable:
- Knowledge or experience of carrying out research or evaluation on fuel poverty, climate change or net zero.
Other information:
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENT
We wish to attract individuals from all backgrounds. If you are unsure about how the role might work with your needs or personal commitments do not hesitate to reach out. We support flexible working patterns and reasonable adjustments.
Some Civil Service behaviours will be assessed at interview. You can find more information and descriptions of the Civil Service Behaviours here –
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf
Advice about writing behaviour examples, sometimes called “competencies”, can be found here –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/a-brief-guide-to-competencies
If you are successful at the sift stage, we will ask you to prepare a short presentation for the interview. We will let you know the subject of the presentation when we invite you to interview.
If you are not already a member of one of the Government analytical professions above, you may also need to complete a multiple-choice knowledge test before we invite you to an interview. Further details will be provided after the sift.
A reserve list of candidates that meet the criteria will be held for a period of 12 months and may be used for subsequent Departmental recruitment. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.
Qualifications
Qualification route
Hold a minimum of 2:2 in a social science related degree (undergraduate or postgraduate), which must contain a minimum of 30% in social research methods, covering all the criteria outlined below (it is not sufficient to hold the majority in one area – coverage across all areas is required):
• Qualitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. interviewing, focus groups, ethnographic), data analysis (e.g. thematic analysis)
• Systematic/literature reviews
• Quantitative methods, including research design, data collection (i.e. questionnaire design, sampling, weighting), data analysis (e.g. statistical analysis)
• Interpretation of data (qual & quant), presentation of results, provision of recommendations/ conclusions
• Study design, hypothesis formation, testing and evaluation
• Application of ethics to research
It is the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate these criteria clearly on application.
OR
Professional Experience route
Hold an undergraduate degree at a minimum of 2:2, in any subject, or a degree equivalent (e.g. an advanced Certificate or Diploma from MRS), plus have at least 4 years’ social research practice experience. Social research practice experience consists of experience working in a research agency, market research agency or specialist research team.
To enter the GSR through this route you must make explicit the breadth and depth of your research experience and skills, which must include quantitative research methods and three of the following: systematic/literature reviews; qualitative methods; interpretation of data and presentation of results; study design, hypothesis testing and application of ethics to research.
Memberships
Or:
Meet the requirements for SEO level for GSR (‘Senior Research Officer’) and the qualification requirements listed. Please see the link above for the GSR Technical framework.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSR: Technical Skills; GES: Analysis of Data; GSG: Data Analysis; GORS: Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques.
- GSR: Using and promoting social research; GORS: Achieving impact with analysis; GSG: Presenting and disseminating data effectively; GES: Effective communication;
- GORS: Sustaining and developing OR professionals and professionalism; GSG: Acquiring data and understanding customer needs; GES: Application of knowledge
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- GSR: Technical Skills; GES: Analysis of Data; GSG: Data Analysis; GORS: Knowledge and application of OR skills and techniques.
Benefits
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero offers a competitive mix of benefits including:
- A culture of flexible working, such as job sharing, homeworking and compressed hours.
- Automatic enrolment into the Civil Service Pension Scheme, with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
- A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
- An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities, which all staff are actively encouraged to pursue.
- Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
- Appropriate specialist allowance (Statistics, Operational Research, Economics or Social Research) applies to these roles. £3,500 or £5,000 with a Masters if approved by the relevant HoP.
Office attendance
The Department operates a discretionary hybrid working policy, which provides for a combination of working hours from your place of work and from your home in the UK. The current expectation for staff is to attend the office or non-home based location for 40-60% of the time over the accounting period.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV, a personal statement, and technical skills statements.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Please use your personal statement (in no more than 750 words) to outline how you meet the essential skills and experience listed in the job description, and state your preferred role (if any).
Applications will be sifted on personal statements and any technical skills required.
Please note - the CV incorporated into the application form is for information purposes only and will not be scored.
In the event of a large number of applicants, applications will be sifted on the personal statement.
Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
The interview will consist of behaviour and technical questions.
Interviewees will be asked to deliver a presentation and a written exercise at interview, further details will be provided nearer the time.
Sift and interview dates
Expected Timeline subject to change
Sift dates: w/c 28/10/2024.
Interview dates: w/c 04/11/2024.
Interview Location: MS Teams.
Candidates are asked to note the above timetable, exercising flexibility through the recruitment and selection process.
Further Information
Reasonable Adjustment
We are proud to be a disability confident leader and we welcome applications from disabled candidates and candidates with long-term conditions.
Information about the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and some examples of adjustments that we offer to disabled candidates and candidates with long-term health conditions during our recruitment process can be found in our DESNZ Candidate Guidance. A DESNZ Plain Text Version of the guidance is also available.
We encourage candidates to discuss their adjustment needs by emailing the job contact which can be found under the contact point for applicants section.
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.
A location based reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position.
Please note terms and conditions are attached. Please take time to read the document to determine how these may affect you.
Any move to the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
DESNZ does not normally offer full home working (i.e. working at home); but we do offer a variety of flexible working options (including occasionally working from home).
DESNZ cannot offer Visa sponsorship to candidates through this campaign.
DESNZ holds a Visa sponsorship licence but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service / Disclosure Scotland on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
For further information on the Disclosure Scotland confidential checking service telephone: the Disclosure Scotland Helpline on 0870 609 6006 and ask to speak to the operations manager in confidence, or email Info@disclosurescotland.co.uk
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Adam Baxendine Fair
- Email : adam.fair@energysecurity.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : desnzresourcing.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
