Senior Researcher (climate change and water)

House of Commons

The House of Commons is a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK's thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Research and Information team delivers research, information and other services for Members, their staff, House staff and the public.

Research and information services aimed primarily at Members and their staff are provided under the House of Commons Library brand. Research services are provided by eight sections, each responsible for research services in broad subject groupings.

The Science and Environment Section provides research and briefings on the environment, agriculture, fisheries, animal welfare and wildlife, countryside, planning, medicine and public health, energy, water, telecoms, science, IT and technology.

The Role

The role will provide briefing for MPs and their staff on environment policy specifically focused on climate change and water management and water policy. This includes writing and updating briefings that cover topics such as climate science, climate change adaptation, water companies, water quality and flooding. Other related subject areas may be added to the portfolio. The postholder will be expected to work more widely with the Science and Environment team, supporting other subject areas where needed. They will work closely with colleagues in the Statistics team while building up relationships with relevant select committees and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, as well as relevant external stakeholders.

Some of the responsibilities include:

• Research and briefing work on climate change and water policy and regulation within the Commons Library
• Supporting the broader work of the Science and Environment Section which may include research work on any of the subjects covered by the team
• Providing advice and assistance to House of Commons and House of Lords staff, including committees, and to the staff of other Parliaments and institutions.
• Contributing to the achievement of broader objectives of the Research and Information Team and to those of the House of Commons as a whole.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

Research and Analytical skills

• Ability to quickly collate and analyse complex, technical material from a wide range of sources and to analyse and use the material to develop logical conclusions.
• Experience of using a wide range of information sources and research tools and ability to assess their value using sound judgement.

Knowledge and experience

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of UK policy and regulation in at least one of the areas of climate change, water management or flood management, and the ability to rapidly develop knowledge in the others.
• A good knowledge of current affairs and UK public policy, including understanding the work of Parliament and Government and the role of MPs.

Organisational skills

• Experience of prioritising your workload to ensure changing short, medium and long-term demands and deadlines are met.
• Experience of maintaining quality of work when working under pressure.
• Ability to deal with a changing portfolio of work or to cover for colleagues.

Next Steps and additional information

Application Form - If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 1 - 5 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

The interview process will include a written test to be completed between 15th - 19th May 2023 and an interview. Further details for the written test will be provided if your application is successfully shortlisted.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.