Economist or Policy Manager

Ofgem is committed to making a positive difference for energy consumers through effective regulation of the market and close working with suppliers to ensure sustainable energy for consumers and businesses in the UK.

The role is part of the team that oversees the functioning of the GB energy retail markets to make sure they are effectively delivering consumers’ interests.  We have recently concluded a review of the retail energy market, known as the Retail Market Review (RMR) and as a result of this work, made the decision to implement wide ranging reforms in both the domestic and non-domestic sectors. 

As a result, in this role within our Retail Market Review programme you could work on:

• Implementation: We are working with a wide range of stakeholders to track how the measures have been implemented, and where appropriate, working directly with industry to ensure they are implemented to reflect the policy intent.
•  Evaluation: We will be working with experts in evaluation to analysis and interpret the impact our measures have had on the retail market. 

Policy Development: There are a number of areas where we have committed to undertake further policy development.  For example, developing Time of Use TCRs, or understanding what role white label suppliers play in the retail market.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing analysis to reinforce and improve the team’s understanding of the impact of our policy on the retail energy markets
• Applying analysis to inform regulatory interventions, where possible identifying and evaluating alternative options and bringing strategic considerations to the teams’ attention
• Ensuring that the results of any analysis are effectively communicated internally within the team, to other teams within Ofgem and externally where appropriate
• Applying written communication skills to contribute to the production of internal and external documents
• Contributing to the delivery of wider projects in the Markets division and Ofgem

You will need the following skills and experience:

• Expertise applying  policy development in a commercial, consulting or public sector environment
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues clearly to non-specialists
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, to support robust policy making and the evaluation of current policy.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, for both internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, think creatively and work independently

Desirable (but not essential)

• Expertise in regulatory, energy or competition economics
• Expertise and/or good knowledge of the operation of energy markets

Expertise in managing small/medium sized projects

To apply, please go to: www.ofgem.gov.uk/careers

Closing date: 27^th January 2014.

What we offer you: • 30 days annual leave • excellent training and development opportunities • the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension arrangements, which include a valuable range of benefits  • flexible working hours and family friendly policies • subsidised gym and restaurant (London only) • interest free season ticket loan, and • an excellent working environment.

CVs will not be accepted or read. Please be aware that candidates may be required to undertake testing as part of the selection process. You will be required to complete a baseline security check. No agencies please.

In general, only nationals from the following countries (and associations of countries) are eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service: the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Commonwealth, the EEA, Switzerland and Turkey. Certain family members of EEA, Swiss and Turkish nationals are also eligible regardless of their nationality. Candidates from the Commonwealth must be free from any restrictions to take up employment in the UK. For full details, go to http://www.civilservice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/nationality-rules.pdf

Ofgem is an equal opportunities employer. Protecting consumers and powering the future of the energy debate.