Specific Minimum Qualifications and Expertise
- Educated to degree level, or equivalent professional qualification.
- Excellent influencing skills and the ability represent Ofgem externally.
- Experience in briefing and advising senior staff.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven understanding of relevant UK and European legal frameworks (e.g. The Electricity Act and the “Third Energy Package”) and the European Legislative process.
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team and with a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Skilled in policy analysis and experience of developing an understanding of complex technical issues.
- Track record in project and people management, to deliver projects against challenging deadlines.
- Knowledge of GB and/or European network regulation, energy markets or energy policy would be advantageous.
Purpose
Following the adoption of the European “Third Energy Package”, European regulators and TSOs have been working on developing a series of binding Network Codes that seek to put in place measures to ensure delivery of the internal energy market by 2014.
The purpose of this role is to engage with the development of these codes and related legislation, to ensure the best outcome for GB consumers, as well as facilitating the development of the internal energy market.
You will generate understanding of the potential impact of proposed codes and legislation on GB consumers, and on key GB stakeholders. To brief senior staff in Ofgem on the expected impact, and to participate in development of proactive strategy to mitigate negative consequences, and develop positive benefits for consumers.
You will also be required to represent Ofgem’s position in Europe with key European Institutions, and with other European Regulators and ACER. To influence and negotiate at a high level to help direct development and outcomes of the code according to a developed strategy.
Key Outputs and Deliverables
The specific responsibilities will depend on the experience and expertise of the successful applicant. This is likely to include the following responsibilities:
- Lead engagement with European institutions and other European Regulators on the development of various Framework Guidelines and Network Codes related to electricity, and on other relevant European Legislation related to transmission infrastructure.
- Manage a portfolio of topics and work with senior management to develop a strategic view on the impact of new legislation on GB consumers, and a strategy for engagement with key stakeholders to realise the best outcome for GB consumers of any change.
- Represent Ofgem in ACER taskforces on the development of the European network codes, and implementation of other relevant EU legislation (such as the Energy infrastructure package).
- Support engagement with ACERs Electricity Working Group and other high level meetings, by providing briefings and recommendations for senior staff in Ofgem.
- Build good working relationships with colleagues within the European Electricity Transmission team and elsewhere in Ofgem. Develop a network of GB stakeholders, other European Regulators, ACER, ENTSOE and the European Commission.
- Lead a small policy team, and manage support and input from technical teams across Ofgem, and from other European Regulators and ACER.
- Support other teams in Ofgem dealing with the UK’s implementation of the European legislation, such as the technical network codes in electricity.
- Work closely with senior management in the European Electricity Transmission Team, to foster a culture of high performance and continuous personal and professional development.
In the first instance, responsibilities will be for delivery of outputs related to the technical “Framework Guidelines”/Network codes (i.e. the Grid Connection and System Operation Framework Guidelines). Your remit will also include oversight and co-ordination of Ofgem’s input into other topic areas linked to network policy.
Key Stakeholder Relationships
- Management and staff of the European Electricity Transmission team.
- Senior management of the Smarter Grid & Governance division and across Ofgem.
- Ofgem’s European Co-ordination Group and Steering Board.
- GB Energy Market/Network stakeholders.
- Other Government Departments.
- European Regulators Groups (ACER and CEER).
- Other European Regulators.
- European Commission and European Parliament.
- Consumer representatives.
Key Accountabilities
- Manage and lead Ofgem’s engagement with new technical European Codes and legislation relating to electricity.
- Line management of 1-2 individuals.
