UK Policy Officer

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 CCSA is seeking a highly motivated Policy Officer to support the wider policy, regulation, and engagement activities of the Association at this very exciting time in the development of the carbon capture and storage and hydrogen industries. In the UK, CCUS enjoys strong political support, with government initiatives driving both net zero goals and economic growth in industrial regions. In 2024, the government committed £21.7bn over 25 years to develop the first CCUS projects by 2030. The first major projects in the East Coast Cluster (Teesside) and HyNet (North-West England and Wales) are now under construction, with more clusters and projects in the pipeline.

The Association works closely with government to ensure these projects progress and to establish a clear plan for a self-sustaining UK CCUS industry and an EU-wide CO₂ market by the 2030s. 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.

The CCSA is the trade association representing over 120 organisations accelerating the commercial deployment CCUS through advocacy and collaboration. Our ambition is to see 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 role involves supporting the Policy team activities of the association covering the following policy areas across the CCUS value chain:

• Low-carbon power
• Industrial decarbonisation
• CCUS-enabled hydrogen
• Low-carbon products
• Non-pipeline transport
• Greenhouse gas removals
• Subsurface and storage
• Planning and permitting
• Supply chain and skills
• Financing and investment
• Carbon market policy
• Legislation

As a Policy Officer, you will play a central role in delivering the CCSA’s policy and advocacy work, engaging directly with members, Government officials, and key stakeholders. You will develop CCSA reports, briefing notes, and consultation responses, coordinate member groups, and represent the Association at external events. The role also involves contributing to the CCSA’s communications and events programme, including webinars and the annual conference.

The ideal candidate will have experience in regulation or policy within the energy or environmental sectors, a strong interest in climate change, and a solid understanding of CCUS, with knowledge or understanding of one or more key policy areas. The Policy Officer will need to be a self-starter, capable of working to tight deadlines, and highly skilled in building, managing, and influencing stakeholder relationships. You will be expected to lead these relationships from the outset and ensure the policy work you drive forward is aligned with wider cross-sector priorities and communicated effectively to all relevant parties.

This is a full-time role. We operate a hybrid policy and the successful candidate will spend 2 days a week in our comfortable London office near beautiful St James Park, SE1. This role requires flexibility when it comes to event support and delivery, so there will need to be occasional travel both in the UK and potentially across Europe and some late finishes and early mornings (time in lieu will be given). We welcome applications from candidates with at least 2-3 years of relevant sector experience. The job title and salary will be considered and matched appropriately to reflect the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Essential criteria

• A relevant undergraduate degree in politics, environmental economics, engineering, geology, or environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of CCUS and / or hydrogen technologies, and knowledge of one or more key policy areas relevant to the sector.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills, including chairing meetings, leading discussions, and disseminating work to members, stakeholders, and external audiences.
• Strong influencing skills and a collaborative approach, with the ability to build trust and maintain productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills, including producing reports, briefing notes, and consultation responses that balance diverse stakeholder views and translate complex information into clear, targeted briefings.
• Exceptional organisational skills, including managing workloads, delivering to tight deadlines, and balancing immediate priorities with longer-term objectives.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in a membership association, consultancy, or relevant industry, leading external-facing activities and proactively managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• 2-3 years of relevant sector policy experience in CCUS or related industry.
• A post-graduate qualification, such as a master’s degree in environmental or social science, political, climate change or other related discipline.
• An understanding of UK and EU policy making processes.

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter (max 2 pages) to info@ccsassociation.org by 11.59pm Friday 16th January, 2026. Your covering letter should briefly outline your relevant experience, including the key policy areas you have worked in, and indicate your salary expectations. Interviews are planned to take place in the week commencing 26th January 2026, with appointment expected shortly thereafter.