Do you want a career where you can make a real difference? Do you want to work in a government department that is at the forefront of current policy making decisions that will impact 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 securing the UKs long-term energy supply, bringing down energy bills and halving inflation. We are seizing the opportunities of Net Zero to lead the world in new green industries 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://buytickets.at/departmentforenergysecurityandnetzero/1025475

You can also follow our LinkedIn Careers Page: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/desnz-careers/

The successful candidates will have a variety of exciting responsibilities to contribute to the UK reaching its net zero objectives.

You will be responsible for:

Leading on the development and delivery of work stream plans, acting as a critical friend with policy leads, including on timings, dependencies, RAG ratings and milestone levels, building effective and collaborative relationships.

Deputising for the G7 ETS PMO lead when required.

Identifying and monitoring project risks and issues. Developing mitigating actions and escalating as appropriate. Identify and work with related projects to manage interdependencies.

Supporting effective governance and decision making, including secretariat for UK ETS Joint Working Groups.

Showing commitment to personal development.

Planning & Scheduling

To work closely with the policy and analysis teams to maintain the programme plan and critical path to monitor progress across the UK ETS. Challenge and test project assumptions to ensure that plans are realistic and achievable, and that we understand what, when and how activities and milestones are organised.

To provide support to the G7 PMO lead on planning activity and work with the other members of the team to support delivery of the outline business case outcomes. Support capability building and the use of best practice in planning.

To provide support to the G7 PMO lead on planning and scheduling, reviewing, and keeping the following products accurate:

- Detailed project plan

- Plan on a Page

- ORB+ (online reporting system)

- Project highlight reports

Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies

Work with policy, analysis, technical delivery and operations teams to understand dependencies and assumptions for the work streams you support and ensure these are recorded and managed effectively.

Keep the Risks, Assumptions, Issues and Dependencies log up to date and organise sessions with the teams to identify and understand these.

Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the UK ETS and bigger picture to help with providing your own ideas, expertise, and challenge within the dependency management process.

Assurance

To monitor and analyse information provided via the highlight reports, reporting progress, slippage and highlighting areas of risk and opportunity.

To support the G7 PMO lead with monthly Joint Project Group and Joint ETS Board reporting, following up on actions with your work streams and ensuring monthly reporting is accurate and effective.

Skills and Experience 

Essential criteria

Any experience of working on a project/programme/portfolio, or prior experience of using project delivery skills and techniques in your role;

A desire to learn and develop as a project delivery professional;

Strong organisational skills - being able to plan time effectively and balancing multiple priorities will be essential;

Have excellent communication skills;

Proven track record of building effective relationships with different teams.

Desirable criteria

Experience in planning, scheduling & dependency management.

Experience in a Project Management Office/Programme Management Office/Portfolio Management Office environment

Experience using project management, data management and other visualisation tools such as Excel, MS Teams, Verto and Power BI (training can be provided)

Experience of project management within digital projects

The post holder will be strongly supported to develop their knowledge and skills and encouraged to undertake relevant training related to their role and wider development.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Planning & Scheduling

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 average employer contribution of 27%.
• 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.
• A hybrid office/home based working model where staff will spend a norm of 40-60% of their time in the office (minimum of 40%) over a month with flex dependent on balancing business and individual need.

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.

Job contact :

• Name : Claire Wilkinson
• Email : [email protected]

Recruitment team

• Email : [email protected]