[Hiring] Technical Officer @National Energy System Operator

Role Description

The Wales RESP needs to reflect national characteristics and priorities, driving whole energy considerations across all energy vectors. Think renewables, heat decarbonisation, hydrogen, energy networks, transport and flexibility! And how Wales needs differ, yet come together with the other nation and regions to form the Great British energy plan.

To achieve this, we have national and regional based teams – to work alongside our other teams in forming the hub and spokes needed for energy planning to benefit from and reflect local inputs.

Developing the RESP will require us to work with organisations at a local level (‘local actors’) including local government and gas and electricity networks, to improve understanding of the infrastructure needed in different parts of the country and attract investment for projects. Stakeholder engagement will be key to unlocking the benefits of integrated regional energy planning.

The purpose of this job is to lead engagement with technical audiences and coordinating technical and data interfaces with the Hub and other national / regional teams in developing RESPs. Having an understanding and lived experience of Wales will be key.

Our focus in the immediate term is to build trust with our stakeholders, establish our process and methodology, and grow our capability in whole energy systems to best support local actors and industry stakeholders in developing credible plans to support net zero.

Climate change is the challenge of a generation, and the time to act is now. Join us and you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you will be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Qualifications

• Understanding and lived experience of Wales
• Technical experience within and knowledge of the energy sector, including of energy scenarios
• Understanding of the ‘whole energy system’ with experience in one of the energy vectors
• Experience working with or within energy distribution and/or transmission companies
• Understanding and experience of geospatial data modelling, ideally applied in energy planning
• Understanding and experience of applying comment methods and assumptions and validation of data
• Ability to translate complex and technical information into easily understandable messaging for non-technical audiences
• Experience of communicating with and influencing internal and external stakeholders
• Project management, coordination and planning skills
• An inquisitive mind with the ability to join the dots and a willingness to learn

Requirements

• Own and understand technical specific aspects of Wales’ energy system planning inputs into developing the RESP – e.g., understanding the data flows and design of the RESP products, as well as understanding the whole energy system (electricity networks, gas networks, other vectors)
• Develop, consult and implement parts of the RESP methodology within Wales
• Ownership of obtaining and validating national geospatial energy inputs
• Work in matrix style structure within the wider RESP team
• Represent NESO’s RESP function to local government and energy stakeholders
• Understand, engage and gain required and beneficial inputs from stakeholders
• Work with the Hub team in developing geospatial visualisations to support national insights
• Create new ways to analyse and present problems and potential solutions

Benefits

• A competitive salary of £56,000 - £66,000 dependent on experience and capability
• You will receive a bonus based on company performance
• 26 days annual leave as standard
• A competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%
• Annual Enrollment to NESO Savings Plan, when you save between £20- £500 a month from your take-home pay, we will pay a 50% matching contribution
• Flexible Bank Holidays & Holiday Trading
• Additional Birthday Day Off
• Cycle to Work Scheme, Retail & Gym Discounts
• Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance & Personal Accident Insurance

Company Description

At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain's energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon-free for a short period this year - provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources.

In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO - an independent, expert public corporation with a whole-system view across electricity, gas, and hydrogen. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users.

Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system-wide benefit, long term thinking and public value.

The time to deliver is now. Join the energy transformation and help shape the future.

Your energy. Our future. Together.