ESNZ Committee seeking applications for Specialist Adviser

The Committee currently has several areas of inquiry scrutinising the work of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero including the Cost of energy, Revisiting the nuclear roadmap, Workforce planning in the energy sector and Unlocking community energy at scale. These inquiries often require an appreciation of how the economics of the sector work.

The Committee is hoping to appoint someone to feed into its work, inputting to briefing Members, helping to shape recommendations in Reports and to identify potential areas of future inquiry.  The appointment would be for a year in the first instance.

The Committee

The ESNZ Committee is a cross-party select committee of 11 MPs, chaired by Bill Esterson MP.

Its remit is to scrutinise the operation and policies of the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, and its public bodies, deliver against the programme of Government to deliver on its clean energy mission and on more affordable energy.

The role

The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:

• can demonstrate familiarity with current research into the economics of the energy sector, both in the UK and globally, and how that is applied in energy policy in the UK;
• 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 for the energy transition
• can provide insight into how communities and individuals are affected by energy policy and what alternative might be
• 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 Energy Security and Net Zero Committee.

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

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 a specific inquiry
• Contributing to briefing material for an 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.

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 CommonsESNZ@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 CommonsESNZ@parliament.uk so that we can help you.

Deadline for applications

The deadline to send your CV and covering letter is 12 midday on Friday 11 April 2025.

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (held virtually) during the week of 28 April.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Committee team on CommonsESNZ@parliament.uk.

Further information

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

Image: House of Commons