Head of Engineering

This post feeds directly into DECC’s priority to deliver secure energy on the way to a low carbon future. The post holder is responsible for much of the management of the UK’s Emergency Oil Stocks. The UK holds over 10 million tonnes of fuel that can be used to respond to international shortages. These oil stocks are held by UK importers and refiners as a condition of supplying oil to the market.

We are currently looking for a statistical analyst to join the team. You would be responsible for the operation of the policy, liaising both with oil companies and with governments in other countries where stock is held abroad on behalf of the UK. You would be responsible for calculating the amount of oil companies are required to hold, monitoring and reporting it, and co-ordinating its release in response to emergencies. You will also be responsible for responding to Parliamentary Questions, requests for briefing, and producing National Statistics. This includes producing monthly, quarterly and annual publications on oil stocks and information on the amount of natural gas used in the UK.

To meet these responsibilities, you must be highly numerate and possess a 2.i. degree or higher, of which at least 25 per cent must relate to statistics. You will need to have excellent communication skills, and be able to work under pressure within a busy team. You need excellent organisational skills to manage the operation of the policy and understand how to check that the data that you communicate to industry and others are accurate. The post sits within DECC’s Energy Statistics team which works to National Statistics Standards in terms of quality and transparency and you will be expected to work to these standards. The team aims to ensure that good quality statistics are produced upon which DECC can base its policy design and decisions, monitor the progress of these policies and later evaluate them.

The post is a fixed term appointment for two years in the first instance, with the possibility of extension.

In return, you will gain a chance to run a complex operational system that contributes to the security of oil supply in the UK. You will be able to engage in policy development, to develop and prove yourself working in statistical role and to work and build networks in industry and government. Above all, you will gain the opportunity to make a real difference.

Full details of our requirements are contained in the attached Candidate Information brochure.