£29,261 - £34,424 PER ANNUM PLUS AN ALLOWANCE OF £4,045 PER ANNUM
BASED LONDON
REFERENCE IRC67228

We have a great opportunity for an enthusiastic person with strong scientific and analytical skills, and a keen interest in climate change, to support the management of the UK’s greenhouse gas inventory. This is used to monitor and report the UK’s progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions under the UK Climate Change Act, and international agreements under the Kyoto Protocol, UNFCCC and European Commission.

We are looking for a Higher Scientific Officer to work in DECC’s Science and Innovation Group. The post will involve getting to grips with the scientific basis for estimating emissions, as well the international framework for emissions reporting. You will help maintain the high quality of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions estimates, and to lead a programme of research for further improving these estimates.

You will need to work closely with scientific, analyst and policy colleagues within DECC, across Government, the Devolved Administrations and external experts. The work will be challenging, but this post offers a genuine opportunity to influence key decisions being made on UK climate change policy.

You will have experience of communicating with and maintaining the commitment and support of stakeholders, encouraging them to take on responsibilities. You will be able to 
explain complex information, be clear, concise and accurate both when requesting and delivering information to others. You will be well organised and capable of managing competing priorities, ensuring that short-term demands are met, whilst maintaining momentum on longer-term issues. You will also have understanding of project and programme management techniques to effectively plan and identify key milestones and risks. The successful candidate will be able to develop knowledge of underlying data sources, methodologies and assumptions used in compiling the GHG inventory. You will be able to work with scientific information, use excel-based data spreadsheets or models, and have good IT skills. A first degree (undergraduate level) in a relevant discipline will be essential. You will be competent working with finance and procurement systems, monitoring performance, and ensuring effective delivery.

Successful candidates will be expected to undergo security clearance.

Closing date is: 7th December 2012

Interviews: expected to be week beginning 17th December 2012

DECC values equality and diversity in employment and welcomes applications from all sectors of society.