We are a representative body committed to supporting the delivery of a secure, low carbon energy system that provides excellent service, choice and value for money to all homes and businesses.
Utilising our unique position spanning the broad spectrum of the sector, we use our standing with government to directly influence policy change, which drives down energy costs to customers, including the fuel poor and vulnerable. We work with our members to drive up standards across the market, increasing competition and customer engagement in the energy sector.
Providing high quality support and development opportunities for our employees is a key priority and we are proud to be accredited with the Investors in People Standard as well as being a London Living Wage Employer. We know that the wellbeing of employees is key to our success and this is reflected in our organisational culture and policies around wellbeing, flexible working and mental health.
Energy UK plays a key role in promoting diversity and inclusion across the energy industry. We run a thriving LGBT+ network - “Pride in Energy” - and have recently launched a new “Equality and Diversity Forum” to share best practice and foster collaboration across the industry on all issues relating to equality and diversity. An example of our leadership is our commitment to ensuring that there are no all-male panels at any of our conferences.
Our membership encompasses the truly diverse nature of the energy industry from the UK’s largest energy firms right through to new, growing suppliers and generators, which now make up over half of our membership. We are the main trade association in the sector and we now have a membership of nearly 100 suppliers, generators and stakeholders with a business interest in the production and supply of electricity and gas.
Job Purpose
There has never been a more exciting time to work in the energy industry as the sector goes through an exciting transition. Whether it is the ever-increasing number of energy suppliers; looking to drive improvements for customers in vulnerable circumstances; ensuring the UK realises the electric vehicle revolution; leading drive to decarbonise our economy; contributing to the UK’s efforts to tackle climate change and increase the growth in clean energy, Energy UK is involved in every aspect of the industry.
As the Public Affairs Officer you will work on these issues at the top of the political and media agenda. This role requires someone who is enthusiastic for public affairs and able to develop relationships across political parties, Governments, regulators businesses, and non-governmental organisations in Westminster, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Brussels.
As the voice of the energy industry, public affairs and engagement is an essential part of our role as a trade association, and this post holder will help ensure that ours and our members views are represented and communicated effectively to important stakeholders.
The postholder will work within our Communications and Public Affairs team, supporting the Head of Public Affairs and Engagement, in delivering and shaping our public affairs strategy. They will also work closely with other Energy UK staff on a range of issues including Brexit, renewable energy generation, and the electric vehicles
This post holder will have a good working knowledge of UK political systems – from the workings of select committees and progress of legislation through the Houses of Parliament and an understanding and experience of working effectively with MPs and parliamentary and regulatory stakeholders.
Main Duties
- Securing and supporting meetings with key stakeholders including Parliamentarians;
- Building relationships with important stakeholders to establish a positive working relationship and communicate our positions including disseminating media statements;
- Production of internal briefing materials, facts sheets & ‘leave behinds’;
- Drafting and arranging correspondence with parliamentary stakeholders including open letters;
- Supporting Energy UK events including those in parliament, for example ‘drop ins’, roundtables and the Annual Parliamentary reception;
- Close collaboration with our members and policy colleagues to ensure a comprehensive understanding of our policy positions, organisational priorities and lobbying goals;
- Supporting the Energy UK Public Affairs Subcommittee including minute taking and setting the agenda in liaison with the Head of Public Affairs and Engagement;
- Monitoring of parliamentary and other political developments and providing members with timely and accurate updates;
- Providing public affairs advice to senior management and teams across Energy UK;
- Timely verbal and written communication to Energy UK members including regular updates and briefing.
Skills and Experience
The post holder should be able to work independently, manage multiple tasks to deadline and maintain the integrity and high standards of our external communications. They should also have the ability to adapt and respond quickly to political events and changes.
Essential experience:
- Proven public affairs or external affairs;
- Working knowledge of the Parliamentary procedure and how to engage with political stakeholders;
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills;
- Timely production of briefing for senior internal stakeholders and internal collaboration.
Desirable:
- Previous trade association experience or knowledge of the energy industry;
- Understanding of EU institutions and Brexit.
Benefits
- A competitive salary will be offered;
- 25 days annual holiday plus statutory holidays with the benefit of buying an extra 5 days a year or selling back up to 3 days;
- Annual season ticket loan;
- An employer’s pension contribution of 3%;
- Health and dental insurance;
- Leave for Charitable work;
- Access to an employee assistance programme;
- Training and Development.