Senior Economics Analyst

Senior Economics Analyst

POSITION STATUS: Full Time & Permanent

REPORTS TO: Policy Manager - Economics and Networks Regulation

LOCATION: London/Home working

SALARY: £43874 - £50,522

Solar Energy UK is an established trade association working for and representing the entire solar and energy storage value chain. Our purpose is to catalyse the collective strengths of our members to build a clean energy system for everyone’s benefit.

A non-profit association, Solar Energy UK represents a thriving member-led community of around 400 businesses and has a proven track record of winning policy breakthroughs and creating supportive services and events for companies in the sector.

The industry is experiencing an exciting period of change and growth, with an ambitious target to triple capacity to at least 70GW of solar and storage by 2035. We are now seeking a Senior Economic Analyst to help drive forward our agenda.

Job Purpose:

The UK solar industry is experiencing an exciting period of change and growth – which is expected to continue well into the next decade. This new role will strengthen the association’s capacity to demonstrate the economic value of the solar and battery storage sector and to make the case for these technologies in the CfD and other market mechanisms. This role will cover the UK as a whole with an initial focus on Scotland and the English regions.

The postholder will report to the Policy Manager for Economics and Networks Regulation and will be part of Solar Energy’s UK Policy and Delivery Team. This role will be expected to undertake and review economic analysis, draft policy and advocacy documents, lead industry working groups, develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and to publicly promote the work of Solar Energy UK and Solar Energy Scotland.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The identification and quantification of policy and market barriers - as they relate to renewable energy support mechanisms, electricity market arrangements, taxes and incentives - and the identification of the most appropriate means of addressing these, following member engagement.
• The development of briefing materials for engagement with the full range of stakeholders (including civil servants, politicians, and key non-government stakeholders including financial institutions).
• The development and implementation of advocacy strategies to increase awareness and strengthen industry reputation with the full range of stakeholders (including civil servants, politicians, and key non-government stakeholders including financial institutions).
• Draft Solar Energy UK responses to government, regulator, and industry policy consultations
• Coordinate of industry working groups, 4 to 6 times a year.
• Coordinate activities with the wider Policy and Delivery Team to ensure a joined-up approach and share knowledge.
• Provide support to the wider Policy Team on broader policy-related matters as required.
• Coordinate relevant events, supported by the wider team as required.
• Disseminate the organisation’s work to members via email updates, webinars, presentations, and social media, as appropriate.
• Support the recruitment and retention of companies into Solar Energy UK membership.

This list of duties is not exhaustive and may be added to from time to time.

Personal Specification

CRITERIA REQUIRED FOR THE ROLE:

Experience:

• Experience working in energy finance, economic or industrial policy
• Experience developing technical analysis and / or advocacy documents for different audiences.
• Experience of developing and / or interpreting economic models

KNOWLEDGE (including qualifications)

• Excellent numeracy skills. Highly proficient in managing data and conducting analysis.
• Strong IT skills including spreadsheets and knowledge of databases.
• An undergraduate and / or masters degree in a relevant subject or equivalent or demonstrable experience or competency / capability at this level

SKILLS

• Ability to interpret and / or build economic models
• Ability to develop and maintain a wide range of stakeholder relationships.
• Strong time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple tasks and deliver on short timeframes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Adept at balancing what’s urgent and important, while delivering on the plan
• Ability to develop effective relationships at all levels, internally and externally
• Ability to establish credibility with experts within the industry
• Good written and oral communication skills:
• Ability to work on own initiative and make sound judgements
• Ability to juggle competing priorities, meet deadlines and targets
• Commercial awareness

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Highly motivated and independent self-starter with a passion for their work
• Work effectively as a member of a team
• Willingness to tackle a variety of work sometimes at short notice

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to travel – this role will require occasional travel across the UK

Please note a current, valid Visa or Right to work in UK is required and essential.