Technical 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 Technical Advisor, you’ll support the development and management of a function providing high quality independent objective advice to Government on a range of technical topics. This will involve maintaining high quality relationships with Government officials, including operating as lead point of contact for Government on specific projects, and leading the development of advice. You may be involved in a number of Government and Industry meetings with respect to specific nuclear topics and you may also represent and promote the UK, on behalf of Government, in key international fora.  You will also be involved in facilitating and monitoring delivery of / driving the work of the Nuclear Innovation and Research Advisory Board (NIRAB) which is charged with providing independent advice to Government.

The Ideal Candidate

A broad understanding of nuclear energy markets and technologies with expertise in some areas is essential.  As well as a comprehensive understanding of national and international nuclear energy policy issues, you should have experience of working constructively and effectively with Government and policy makers, and the ability to engage and work with customers and stakeholders at a senior level. Excellent communication skills are important, as is the ability to tailor messages to a variety of audiences. 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 a highly visible and influential 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.