Strategic and Economic Advisor (2 year Secondment opportunity)

Job Introduction

The Nuclear Innovation and Research Office (NIRO) is operated by the National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL). Our role is to provide independent strategic advice and guidance to Government across a range of nuclear and energy-related activities. Our purpose is to enhance the economics of a safe, sustainable and reliable civil nuclear life cycle through maintaining the integrity and independence of the advice Government receives, and maximising its value. We do this through building strong relationships with Government, Industry and Academia and may represent the interests of Government nationally and internationally, as required. NIRO is made up of NNL, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Industry secondees who have the knowledge and experience to achieve this aim.

The nuclear industry faces important challenges, as we work to secure a close relationship with Euratom following the UK’s withdrawal, and begin implementation of the Nuclear Sector Deal (NSD).   The NSD sets out a shared vision of Government and the nuclear industry to deliver reliable low-carbon power with significant cost-reduction to ensure it remains competitive with other sources of low-carbon technology.  The NSD also signals a greater ambition for developing advanced nuclear technologies.   New ideas and innovation will be crucial to meeting these challenges.  NIRO plays a role in advising government on priorities for nuclear innovation necessary for delivering the NSD and ensuring uninterrupted cooperation and trade in the civil nuclear sector.

Main Responsibilities

As Strategic and Economic Advisor, you’ll support the development and management of a function providing high quality independent objective advice to Government on the implications and economic justification of policy change and the scope and content of potential Government interventions. You will maintain and develop strong and effective relationships with Government officials, and contribute to the development of business justification for any interventions relating to the development of UK nuclear capability. You will also be involved in facilitating and the work of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB) which is charged with providing independent advice to Government.

The Ideal Candidate

To succeed, you will need the gravitas and credibility to develop and nurture a trusting relationship with key Government officials and other senior stakeholders, supporting them and your colleagues in interpreting and prioritising Government Nuclear Energy Programme recommendations. You’ll provide high quality independent and objective support to Government in justifying the action necessary to support policy objectives (including, where appropriate supporting the preparation of business cases for investment). With an up-to-date understanding of the domestic and international nuclear landscape, you’ll provide insights – including deliverability and challenges – for Government to progress key initiatives. You should be able to think strategically and have experience of working constructively and effectively with Government and policy makers, and the ability to engage and work with customers at a senior level.  You will have proven experience of providing first rate economic analysis within either the commercial or government sector, including writing and analysing business cases.  Knowledge of State Aid and the Market Economy Investor Principle would be an asset.  Excellent communication skills are important, as is the ability to tailor messages to a variety business cases to justify investment.  Thought leadership will be a key ingredient in moving the nuclear sector forward. As such NIRO roles will be filled from individuals that have a broad range of backgrounds enabling a diversity of thought across the department.

This is an unrivalled opportunity to play an important role in an organisation that will shape the safe, efficient future of nuclear in the UK and as such we are seeking as diverse a range of candidates as possible.