UK External Affairs Manager

CARBON CAPTURE & STORAGE ASSOCIATION

Could you be our UK External Affairs Manager?
Climate Change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and the ability to capture, transport and store or utilise carbon dioxide will be crucial to ensure a sustainable, competitive and equitable transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Carbon Capture Storage Association (CCSA) is seeking a highly motivated, dynamic and politically astute External Affairs Manager to represent the CCSA at the national level. This position will play a pivotal role in shaping and communicating our policies at the most senior political and media levels, managing stakeholder relationships, and forging strategic partnerships to advance the CCUS industry and advocacy.

This is a stretching role for a committed and driven individual with a strong interest and experience in politics and policy in the climate change sector. The postholder will need to be highly flexible to prioritise where their input will add most value in a rapidly changing political landscape, and highly collaborative to work effectively both within the team and across a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.

This will be a fascinating year in politics as we move towards a General Election. There are also important local elections in May, European elections, as well as elections in the US and around the world. The CCUS industry is global and many of our members are actively developing projects in the power, industrial, hydrogen, fuels and carbon removals sectors all around the world, yet still see the UK as having one of the most conducive environments for successful CCUS projects and clusters. All eyes are on the signing of the contracts for the first two clusters, due to happen at the end of summer. It is therefore a critical moment for the whole UK industry, with the CCSA needing to both challenge and support government as well as build public support to move the industry forwards.

Who are we?
The CCSA is the trade association representing over 120 organisations accelerating the commercial deployment Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (or CCUS) through advocacy and collaboration. Our ambition is to see Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) developed and deployed at the pace and scale necessary to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and deliver sustainable growth across regions and nations.

We represent a wide variety of organisations with an interest in the development and deployment of CCUS across many applications to decarbonise heavy industries, power and hydrogen production, and remove carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. The CCSA team works across two offices, with staff based in London and Brussels. You must be prepared to travel regularly (mainly UK), including overnight stays where needed.

The role
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in public affairs, government relations, or a related role, preferably within the climate change or related energy/ decarbonisation sector. A strong understanding of the UK political environment and legislative process is essential, coupled with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience with the media and the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

This role requires a strong communicator who is able to convey a complex industry in a clear, concise manner both verbally and in writing. Results-oriented and able to prioritise effectively – the candidate will make a positive difference by identifying and tackling the biggest opportunities. A proven track record of developing and managing partnerships and strategic alliances and ability to work independently and at pace with sound project management skills and results-driven approach.

The role includes management of the External Affairs team, which includes a Public affairs and Communications Officer and a Senior Public Affairs and Communications officer.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive external affairs and communications strategy to influence public perception and policy and decision-making at the national level
• Support CCSA’s engagement and advocacy work with external stakeholders – overarching narrative development, specific briefings, meetings and events.
• Identify, mitigate, and escalate political risks ensuring that the CCUS industry’s reputation is maintained and supported.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, relevant Committees, government officials, industry regulators, policy makers, and other key stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments relevant to the CCUS and hydrogen sector, advising on potential impacts and strategies.
• Represent the CCSA at industry events, conferences, and public hearings, providing necessary briefings and acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Support the policy team to prepare briefings, submissions and presentations to government inquiries.
• Negotiate and manage partnerships with government bodies, energy organisations, and other relevant entities to support strategic goals.
• Deliver a campaigns programme and support cross-functional teams to deliver projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Support the CCSA membership to develop stronger policy and political relationships, both at MP level and in local authorities / councils.
• Manage and advise on CCSA’s media engagement – delivering a proactive media calendar, monitor outcomes, seeking out opportunities.
• Establish and strengthen media relationships – support the positioning of the Senior Leadership Team with the media and key stakeholders.
• Write and copy edit to support media engagement, external content campaigns, messaging, talking points and briefings.
• Work in collaboration with the wider teams (and appointed agencies) to manage the delivery of content, including on social media platforms, in line with forward editorial themes, campaigns and proactive responses to emerging issues across a range of mediums and platforms; including in incident or crisis situations.
• Collaborate with Membership Communications teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all membership activities.

Essential criteria

• A relevant undergraduate degree in an area such as politics, communications, business or a related field.
• Experience in building relationships and influencing government decision-making, preferably in a relevant sector.
• Strong influencing skills and a collaborative approach with an ability to work with a range of diverse stakeholders and build trust and good working relationships.
• In-house or agency communications and media experience – preferably within the energy/climate change sector.
• Demonstrable corporate communications and media relations experience
• Experience of planning, executing and measuring success of external communications and corporate affairs plans.
• Track-record of working with and advising senior leaders
• Excellent written and oral communications skills as a skilled copywriter with strong attention to detail, and an ability to flex style and tone to match author and audience requirements
• Exceptional managerial skills with an ability to mentor and inspire colleagues – driving performance and influencing indirect reports
• Excellent organisational skills, including ability to manage own and others’ workloads, deliver at pace and balance both immediate term priorities and longer-term goals.
• Competent in the use of IT applications.
• Pro-active, results driven and comfortable in a small team environment with autonomy.
• Ability to identify and produce effective, impactful, and engaging stories.

Desirable criteria

• A post-graduate qualification, such as a Masters Degree in Politics, journalism or other related discipline.
• Previous experience of working in energy and climate change, particularly carbon capture and storage and hydrogen, or in a political environment.
• An understanding of UK and EU government and policy making processes.
• Experience working in cross-function and multi-geography teams

We want to create a diverse and inclusive team, so we particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented within our sector. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

To apply

To apply, please send a CV and short covering letter to by 29 February 2024. Interviews are planned to take place in early March 2024 with appointment shortly thereafter. No agencies, thank you.