Downstream Oil Industry Government Secondee
- Two-year secondment, with opportunities for permanent private sector roles thereafter
- Full Time / Part Time considered
- Highly competitive salary and benefits
- London-based with working from home
UKPIA is the trade association that brings together and represents the companies involved in refining, renewable fuel production, terminal operations and filling stations. Our members contribute significantly to the UK’s extensive and resilient fuel supply chain today and they are preparing for the future by planning and investing in projects that reduce emissions for tomorrow’s Net-Zero economy.
Role overview
UKPIA is seeking an experienced, knowledgeable and confident person to represent the sector during a two-year secondment with the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), located in Whitehall.
You will be expected to act as a source of broad expertise on the downstream oil industry, providing evidence and analysis that policy and other members of the team, within BEIS and across Whitehall, can draw on.
The post provides a unique opportunity to learn how the British Government operates and would be an ideal developmental and broadening opportunity for people aspiring to more senior levels of management. It also gives exposure to senior executives at UKPIA and member companies, and previous secondees have gone on to secure permanent roles with either. It would also suit those who have worked at a senior level in the industry, seeking to use their experience and knowledge in a different environment for the greater good.
Main Responsibilities
You will inform policy development (for both the resilience and wider policy groups) and brief senior officials and Ministers on developments in the downstream oil industry. Although you will need to be flexible and respond to demands, which may vary with changes of Government interests and pressures, during this period we would expect you:
- To assist policy teams to pursue actions which facilitate the UK’s downstream oil sector to lead on the delivery of Net Zero domestically and internationally
- To support policy development to deliver the UK’s aim of increasing domestic Energy Resilience and reducing reliance on Russian Oil
- To support policy development to aid the UK’s recovery from the Covid pandemic.
- To assess the impact of potential fuel supply disruptions, based on a good and up-to-date understanding of the UK’s supply infrastructure, facilitating industry contingency plans to maintain supplies during possible disruption to downstream oil supplies.
- To evidence and analyse strategic issues relating to the refining industry and implications for the future security of UK supply, feeding the analysis into policy discussions.
- To assist policy teams to pursue actions which improve the overall competitiveness and sustainability of the UK’s downstream oil sector such that it is able to deliver its potential in the energy transition.
- To work with other government departments and industry to horizon scan for proposed UK and other regulations which may increase burden on the sector or create market distortions within the sector, building an evidence base to influence this assessment.
- To keep abreast of developments in the oil industry so as to keep Ministers and senior officials informed.
Knowledge, experience and qualities
We need someone with a broad knowledge of the downstream oil industry including a strong vision of how Net Zero challenges and opportunities has the potential to transform the sector. The secondee will have the knowledge and confidence to explain issues to others across the range of the industry’s work. This is not primarily a technical post, but detailed knowledge of both oil refining and the UK’s downstream oil infrastructure will be a major advantage.
- Good communication skills (both oral and written). The post holder will have to be able to explain a range of industry issues in non-technical language.
- Good analytical skills and the ability to identify issues affecting the industry. Ability to think strategically.
- A wide perspective, particularly on the opportunities of Net Zero, and the ability to set industry issues in the wider political context
- Commercial awareness and business acumen.
- High standards of integrity; ability to interact with others both within Government and in the industry in a non-partisan way.
- Team working and networking skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, particularly to produce clear written work quickly.
Salary and Benefits
- Salary range for this role is up to £80k, depending on experience
- 30 days annual leave (not including public holidays)
- Private healthcare cover for you and your partner
- Defined contribution pension scheme
- Ability to work flexibly
How to Apply
For all applications: please email your CV along with a one page supporting statement and confirmation of your right to work in the UK to Elizabeth de Jong (elizabeth.dejong@ukpia.com).
The deadline for applications is 1st June 2022.
