Committees

Specialist Adviser vacancy for UK Export Finance inquiry

3 December 2018

The Environmental Audit Committee invites applications from individuals for the role of Specialist Adviser for its inquiry into UK Export Finance.

The Committee

The Environmental Audit Committee is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by Mary Creagh MP. Its remit is to scrutinise how far the operation and policies of government departments and non-departmental public bodies contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

It is supported by the National Audit Office (NAO) in auditing the Government's performance against environmental protection targets. Unlike most select committees, the Environmental Audit Committee's work cuts across government rather than focusing on the work of a particular department.

The Committee launched its inquiry on UK Export Finance on Monday 3 December 2018 and the Committee is expected to begin public evidence hearings in 2019. The role of specialist adviser is likely to run from mid-December until April/ May 2019.

The Role

The successful applicant may be asked to:

  • work with the Committee secretariat, and in particular, the inquiry manager, to analyse the issues raised in the inquiry on UK Export Finance;
  • comment on drafts of written material produced by the Committee secretariat;
  • advise on sources of information and evidence;
  • contributing to briefing material for the Committee;
  • attending Committee meetings and providing oral briefings when required.

The role will involve attendance at Committee meetings in Westminster, and you may be asked to accompany the Committee on any visit in connection with the subject.

The Committee will meet connected, necessary expenses.

Knowledge and skills

The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:

  • can demonstrate detailed knowledge of UK Export Finance
  • knowledge of UK international trading, including expertise in the work and contributions of the Department for International Development into World Bank policy and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
  • can demonstrate insight into fossil fuel investment, particularly overseas;
  • can demonstrate understanding of alternatives to fossil fuel investment, particularly overseas;
  • can suggest from experience which individuals and organisations the Committee should consult on these subjects;
  • are familiar with the advocacy positions or political affiliations that are held by these individuals and organisations, and with the policy debates relevant to the inquiry terms of reference;
  • can demonstrate a strong network of contacts on this subject;
  • the ability to provide clear, concise and impartial advice orally and in writing to politicians and/or senior decision-makers is essential.

Time commitment and honorarium

As a Specialist Adviser, you will be working with the Committee secretariat on an ad-hoc basis to provide authoritative advice.

The overall commitment is unlikely to be more than around 10 days, and only in exceptional circumstances would you be asked to do more than two days' work in a particular week. You would be paid a daily honorarium on the basis of work done.

Specialist Adviser appointments are in the public domain.

Application Process

To apply, please send a CV, covering letter and a declaration of relevant interests to EACom@parliament.uk.

In your covering letter you should indicate how your expertise is relevant to this inquiry, give an indication of the amount of time you could realistically devote to Committee work, and outline your ability to take on work at short notice if required.

Your declaration of interests should include anything that a reasonable person might consider could influence the advice you give the Committee. For example, this would include but is not limited to: a relevant financial interest; active membership of a relevant campaign group or political party; or the involvement of a close family member in the area of specialism. Declared interests from the successful applicant will be published.

The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Deadline for applications

Expressions of interest should be sent to EACom@parliament.uk no later than 12 midday on Thursday 13 December 2018. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview on Monday 17 December. If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Committee clerk Lloyd Owen on 020 7219 4345.

Further information

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