Vacancy: Specialist Adviser for Environmental Audit Committee inquiry into Climate change and security

• Inquiry: Climate change and security
• Environmental Audit Committee

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is inviting applications from individuals interested in being a Specialist Adviser for its inquiry into climate change and security.

The Committee’s inquiry is exploring the security risks posed by climate change to the UK and its citizens and, crucially, the most effective solutions.

The inquiry will cover a range of areas such as population change, access to food and water, impact on infrastructure, and extreme weather events. It will consider how UK Government preparedness compares to other countries, the potential of technology, and the best use of funding.    

The Committee

The EAC is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP.

Its remit is to scrutinise how far the operation and policies of government departments and their public bodies contribute to sustainable development.

It is supported by the National Audit Office in auditing the Government's performance against environmental protection targets.

Unlike most select committees, the EAC's work cuts across government rather than focusing on the work of a particular department.

The Role

The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:

• can demonstrate familiarity with current research into state-level and human security threats, both to the UK and globally, and both current and in the future, posed by climate change
• can demonstrate knowledge of relevant UK Government policy and strategy in this field, such as in relation to preparedness and adaptation, and can compare the UK’s approach to that of other countries
• can provide insight into feasible, workable solutions proposed to the security challenges posed by climate change
• can provide insight into how communities and individuals are affected by climate change and the risks to security that it presents
• can suggest which individuals and organisations the Committee should consult on the subject to provide a broad range of perspectives
• 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’s 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.

The appointment is made by the Environmental Audit Committee.

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

Work demands from the Committee are likely to be irregular and unpredictable.

Only in exceptional circumstances would you be asked to do more than two days' work in a particular week and it would normally be less than this.

You would be paid a daily honorarium on the basis of work done.

Examples of the types of work you may be asked to do include:

• Working with the Committee secretariat, in particular the inquiry manager, on the planning and conduct of scrutiny for the inquiry
• Contributing to briefing material for the inquiry
• Attending relevant Committee meetings and providing oral briefings when required.

The role may involve attendance at Committee meetings in Westminster, and you may be asked to accompany the Committee on any future visits it might undertake in connection with the subject.

The Committee will meet connected, necessary expenses.

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. Your CV should be no longer than 3 pages and your covering letter no longer than 2 pages.

In your covering letter you should indicate how your expertise is relevant to this subject, the amount of time you could realistically devote to Committee work, and 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, 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 successful applicants will be published.

The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds. If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process, please e-mail Committee staff at EACom@parliament.uk so that we can help you.

Deadline for applications

The deadline to send your CV and covering letter is 12 midday on Thursday 11 April 2024.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (held virtually) during the week of 22 April.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Committee team on 020 7219 8890.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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