The Environmental Audit Committee is inviting applications from
individuals interested in being a Specialist Adviser to the
Committee for its inquiry into ‘Accelerating the transition from
fossil fuels and securing energy supplies’.
In response to the recent surge in fossil fuel prices and the
Government’s Energy Security Strategy, the Committee has launched
an inquiry which will consider how the UK can reduce its reliance
on oil and gas imports, secure sustainable energy supplies and
protect households from soaring fossil fuel prices.
The inquiry will be considering the transitional role of oil and
gas exploration and development on the UK continental shelf, and
how the UK can phase down fossil fuel use and subsidies in line
with the commitments made at the G7 and COP26 and in the Climate
Change Act 2008.
The Committee
The EAC is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by
Rt Hon MP. Its remit is to scrutinise
how far the operation and policies of government departments and
their associated public bodies contribute to sustainable
development. It is supported by the National Audit Office (NAO)
in auditing the Government’s performance against environmental
protection targets. Unlike most select committees, the EAC’s work
cuts across government rather than focusing on the work of a
particular department.
The Committee launched its
inquiry on 31 March 2022. It expects to hold evidence
sessions in June and July 2022.
The Role
The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:
- can demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience of the
regulatory frameworks governing the UK’s energy sector, and the
oil and gas sector in particular;
- can demonstrate knowledge of the domestic and international
climate change and sustainable development commitments that the
UK is legally obliged to adhere to in its energy policy;
- can demonstrate a detailed technical understanding of the
planning system and its requirements in relation to energy
installations or exploration;
- can provide insight into the impact on the environment of the
activities of oil and gas companies on the UK continental shelf,
and any actions being taken to lessen these impacts;
- can demonstrate a strong network of contacts on environmental
and energy issues and can suggest from experience which
individuals and organisations the Committee should consult on
these subjects; and
- are familiar with the advocacy positions or political
affiliations that are held by these individuals and
organisations, and with the policy debates relevant to the
inquiry terms of reference.
The ability to provide clear, concise and impartial advice orally
and in writing to politicians and/or senior decision-makers is
essential.
As a Specialist Adviser, you will be working with the Committee
secretariat on an ad hoc basis to provide authoritative advice in
relation to this subject. Work demands from the Committee are
likely to be irregular and unpredictable. Only in exceptional
circumstances would you be asked to do more than two days’ work
in a particular week and it would normally be less than this. You
would be paid a daily honorarium on the basis of work done.
Examples of the types of work you may be asked to do include:
- working with the Committee secretariat, in particular the
inquiry manager, on the planning and conduct of scrutiny for the
inquiry;
- contributing to briefing material for the Committee;
- attending Committee meetings and providing oral briefings
when required.
- The role may involve attendance at Committee meetings in
Westminster, and you may be asked to accompany the Committee on
any visit in connection with the subject.
The Committee will meet connected, necessary expenses.
Specialist Adviser appointments are in the public domain.
Application Process
To apply please send
a CV, covering
letter and a declaration of relevant
interests to the email address below. In your
covering letter you should indicate how your expertise is
relevant to this subject, the amount of time you could
realistically devote to Committee work, and your ability to take
on work at short notice if required.
Your declaration of interests should include anything that a
reasonable person might consider could influence the advice you
give the Committee. Examples include a relevant financial
interest, active membership of a relevant campaign group or
political party, or the involvement of a close family member in
the area of specialism.
Declared interests from successful applicants will be published.
The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from
people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Deadline for applications
Expressions of interest should be sent to EACom@parliament.uk no
later than 12 midday on Friday 29 April
2022.
Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview during the
week of 16 May 2022.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact the
Committee team on 020 7219 8890.
