Climate change affects the entire planet and is probably the single biggest issue of the 21st century from both an economic and environmental perspective. The need for science to address this challenge has never been so important, and the UK leads the way, developing global solutions to create low carbon and resource efficient economies that produce clean and sustainable energy. The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is taking the lead on all issues, and the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation will play a vital role in aligning and influencing this agenda.
Climate Change and Energy policy are inextricably linked and it will be the role of the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation to drive the strategic and operational direction of a directorate of around 50 staff, comprising scientists, engineers and policy experts ; and to prioritise and maximise the use of science and engineering in DECC to inform policy. Your remit will be to ensure effective, efficient project and change management is in place to facilitate innovation and address emerging issues in an evidence based, coordinated way. This will be no easy task; the requirement is to drive a cross-disciplinary approach with coordinated budgets that deliver tangible results.
As a recognised professional within the field of science, technology or engineering, you will have a passion for these issues with a good knowledge of the energy sector. You will be analytical in approach, with strong project management experience and the ability to work in partnership whilst retaining a tight control on finance. You will have outstanding communication skills and the ability to rapidly build credibility and understanding across industry, academia and with senior management within government and the wider Civil Service.
