Policy Advisor, Energy & Climate Team

Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in Houston is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Energy & Climate Team as Policy Advisor. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US - contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources.

We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

As Policy Advisor in the Energy & Climate Team, you will contribute to strengthening UK-US collaboration in Energy & Climate Policy across the full range of energy, climate and environmental issues that the team handles. Positioned within the Energy & Climate Policy Team, led from the Embassy in DC, based in the Consulate in Houston, you will work closely with internal stakeholders such as Energy & Climate Policy colleagues throughout the US network, the Consul General in Houston and Department of Business & Trade colleagues and external partners including US government, think tanks, academics and various lobby groups. This role supports the UK’s broader strategic objectives in Energy & Climate Policy and offers valuable experience in international engagement and cross-government collaboration.

We’re looking for a proactive self-starter, someone who is collaborative, detail-oriented and able to develop ideas and strategies to foster UK-US collaboration on energy, environmental, and climate priorities; a professional with experience in public policy, international relations, project and event delivery. You’ll bring strong knowledge and understanding of US energy, environmental, and climate policy, both at the federal and subnational levels as well as strong communication and prioritization skills and a commitment to high-quality work and continuous learning.

Roles and responsibilities:

In this role, you would be working in a diverse international environment side-by-side with UK diplomats, and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences. The jobholder reports to the Senior Policy Advisor, Energy & Investment, in the British Consulate General Houston. They work closely with the Consul General in Houston and a range of Embassy teams and with other offices in the US Network to cover Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas. The job holder may need to travel a number of times a year across the region, and potentially visit the UK approximately once per year.

Reporting and Delivering UK-US collaboration (about 40%)

Monitor and analyse US domestic environmental, energy, climate change, and low-carbon policies and initiatives, with a particular focus on subnational actors in Southern States and the Federal Government, acting as the Team Lead on 2-3 priority energy sectors and themes. Provide regular high-quality reporting (written and oral) on US developments to inform UK policy and contribute proactively to policy discussions, including advising on local sensitivities and priorities, and briefing for ministers and senior officials.

Strategic Relationship Management (about 25%)

Proactively develop and maintain effective and strategic relationships within leading energy corporations, state and local governments, and non-governmental stakeholders to support all of the listed roles and responsibilities. Advocate British interests with a range of key US interlocutors to promote UK priorities and policy interests. Work closely with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy, environment, and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects.

Progamme Management (about 25%)

Design and deliver projects and events to support closer UK-US collaboration on clean energy and low-carbon developments. Take responsibility for structuring and delivering visits to the US by UK ministers and senior officials. Horizon scanning to identify longer term energy trends across the southern US patch, working closely with energy colleagues leading on Business and Academia engagement to advise Whitehall on longer term trends.

Communications (about 10%)

Work closely and collaboratively with colleagues throughout the US network of Consulates and UK Government Offices to provide clear direction that enables others to monitor energy, environment, and climate issues, as well as deliver relevant projects.

*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organisational needs.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure)

This role does not involve direct line management but does require the ability to develop and lead virtual teams in order to deliver your policy priorities. Depending on the local priorities, this role could be responsible for implementing energy and climate projects where you will be responsible for delivery including monitoring spend.

Essential on arrival:

• Previous professional experience, preferably focusing on international and/or US energy/environmental/climate policy.
• Must be able to represent the UK at external meetings, and win the confidence of senior stakeholders, including US and UK officials and business people.
• Must have an understanding of the requirements of different audiences (Ministers, UK Parliament/US congress, media, UK or foreign officials, etc.) and an ability to flex your style appropriately.
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues to diverse audiences.
• Must have the capacity to deliver consistently high-quality work and pay attention to detail even when delivering to tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and MS Teams.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: Expert

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• A background in energy policy and demonstrated knowledge of climate/environmental science.
• Experience in project management and delivery.
• Interest in or knowledge of UK policy strengths and priorities.
• Events management experience.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.