Policy Officer

Job DescriptionClimate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and the ability to capture, transport and store or utilise carbon dioxide will be crucial to ensure a sustainable, competitive and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.The CCSA is seeking a highly motivated Policy Officer to support the wider policy, regulation, and engagement activities of the Association at this very exciting time in the development of the carbon capture and storage and hydrogen industries. We are welcoming applications both from those looking to apply on a permanent basis, as well as from industry or public sector representatives interested in a shorter-term secondment position. Part-time applications will also be considered, please indicate your preference in your application. Remuneration will be based on experience.In the UK, CCUS enjoys broad political support from all the major parties and the new government has expressed its support to both achieving the UK’s net zero goals and enabling economic growth in its industrial heartlands. The launch of the new Mission Control for a net zero power system by 2030, GB Energy, National Wealth Fund and a forthcoming industrial strategy all drive support for the deployment of the UK CCUS sector. In Spring 2022, the UK government announced £20 billion for the UK cluster programme and has selected four CCUS clusters to deploy by 2030. Final Investment Decisions for the first two clusters are in the end stages of negotiations and due to be signed by September. The association is working closely with the government to ensure these first projects move forwards and there is a clear plan for deploying the whole CCUS industry and opening up an EU-wide CO2 market, towards achieving a self-sustaining industry in the 2030s. The CCUS industry is global and many of our members are actively developing projects in the power, industrial, hydrogen, fuels and carbon removals sectors all around the world, yet still see the UK as having one of the most conducive environments for successful CCUS projects and clusters. Who are we?The CCSA is the trade association representing over 100 organisations accelerating the commercial deployment Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (or CCUS) through advocacy and collaboration. Our ambition is to see Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) developed and deployed at the pace and scale necessary to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and deliver sustainable growth across regions and nations. We represent a wide variety of organisations with an interest in the development and deployment of CCUS across many applications to decarbonise heavy industries, power and hydrogen production, and remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The CCSA team works across two offices, with staff based in London and Brussels. The roleThe CCSA is seeking a highly motivated and ambitious Policy Officer to support the Policy team activities of the association at this very exciting time in the development of the carbon capture and storage industry.As a Policy Officer you will play a critical role in supporting the policy and advocacy work programme of the CCSA, engaging with members, Government officials, and major stakeholders.

This includes developing CCSA reports, briefing notes, consultation responses and coordinating member groups. The role requires building and maintaining a network of CCUS and hydrogen professionals and representing the interests of the Association at external events.The ideal candidate will have prior experience of regulation and policy activities within the energy or environmental sectors, a keen interest in addressing climate change, and a demonstrable understanding of CCUS. You will also support the CCSA’s communication and engagement activities by developing content for the CCSA event programme, including webinars and the CCSA annual conference.The Policy officer will need to be a self-starter, comfortable working to tight deadlines and able to work flexibly and effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Essential criteriaA relevant undergraduate degree in an area such as politics/environmental economics or engineering/geology, environmental sciences.An understanding of CCUS and hydrogen technologies and their importance in tackling climate change.Experience in developing policy, legislation, regulation, and influencing government decision-making with a proven ability to research and analyse scientific and political content.Strong influencing skills and a collaborative approach with an ability to work with a range of diverse stakeholders to build trust and good working relationships. Excellent written and oral communications skills with strong attention to detail and an ability to see action through to delivery.Exceptional organisational skills, including ability to manage own workload, deliver at pace and balancing both immediate term priorities and longer-term goals. Competent in the use of IT applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Pro-active, results driven and comfortable in a small team environment with autonomy.Desirable criteriaA post-graduate qualification, such as a Masters Degree in environmental or social science, political, climate change or other related discipline.Previous experience of working in energy and climate change, or a political environment.An understanding of UK and EU policy making processes.To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter to [email protected] by 11.59pm Sunday 15th September. Interviews are planned to take place in week commencing 16th September with appointment shortly thereafter.