At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse energy and climate policies, develop insights, and influence decision-makers.
- Company: Join a dynamic consultancy shaping public policy for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days leave, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate policy while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for energy and climate policy, strong analytical skills, and project management experience.
- Other info: Diverse team with opportunities for professional growth and networking.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 48000 £ per year.
About Public First
Public First is a specialist consultancy that helps charities, philanthropists, public sector bodies and global brands to improve public policy. Based in London, we have worked in more than thirty international markets. We are part think tank, part strategic consultancy, part research company, and part communications agency. We bring together the disciplines that make policy change happen: research and analysis, political insight, strategy and communications. Our team includes former senior civil servants, political advisers, campaigners, researchers and journalists. Many have worked at the most senior levels of government, Parliament and political campaigns, and we continue to be active across the political spectrum.
Public First works alongside Stonehaven as part of SHGH, a group of cross-border advisory firms, guiding clients through a period of change in policy, politics, regulation, and sustainable growth.
Energy, Climate and Environment at Public First
Working in the Energy, Climate and Environment Practice, you’ll help to deliver policy, campaigns and data projects. You will deepen your knowledge of the political landscape surrounding climate and energy policy, analyse public opinion insights and policy realities, and bring new research to life for our clients. The Practice combines the strengths of Public First and Stonehaven.
Our recent projects have included:
- From Risk to Resilience: The Case for Flood-Resilient Communities, Economy and Growth — Public First economic and opinion research quantifying the costs of flooding in the UK and making the case for long-term investment in flood resilience.
- What is Retrofit Anyway? — Public First research on how homeowners understand and respond to retrofit, identifying motivations and barriers to energy efficiency upgrades.
- Atomlink: Unlocking Civil Nuclear Expansion at the Western Frontier — Stonehaven policy analysis outlining a trilateral US–UK–Poland framework to accelerate civil nuclear expansion, strengthen supply chains and boost energy security.
- North Sea Transition Taskforce — Stonehaven-led policy recommendations on delivering a managed transition of the North Sea that protects jobs, investment and UK energy security.
The Role
We are recruiting a Policy Analyst and/or a Policy Manager - depending on experience - to work across all our energy and climate policy projects. This is an ideal role for someone with strong intellectual curiosity and policy instincts, who wants to develop original ideas and turn them into compelling analysis and arguments that influence decision-makers.
You will have spent two or more years in a political, policy, research, consultancy or a closely-related field; you will have some experience taking charge of a project and seeing it through to completion; and be confident emailing and calling clients and sector experts.
The ideal candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Has a genuine passion for energy, climate and environmental policy, and a strong desire to learn quickly and go deep into complex issues.
- Is intellectually curious – you enjoy grappling with tough problems, questioning assumptions, and developing new ways of looking at policy challenges.
- Brings sharp analytical thinking and is excited by turning evidence, data and research into clear insights and persuasive arguments.
- Is a strong writer, able to communicate complex ideas in clear, engaging and authoritative briefings for a wide range of audiences.
- Has some experience in a policy, political, research or analytical role, and is ready to take increasing ownership of projects.
- Is confident working with colleagues and clients, and keen to build credibility in the sector.
- Wants to grow intellectually and professionally into someone with a distinctive policy voice and ideas we can sell.
What you’ll do
In this role, you will:
- Track and analyse emerging energy, climate and environmental policy developments.
- Contribute to and lead quantitative and qualitative research, including public opinion work.
- Develop thoughtful analysis, policy ideas and recommendations, written to a high standard.
- Support the day-to-day delivery of projects, taking on increasing responsibility over time.
- Work directly with colleagues and clients in a professional, organised way.
- Take an active interest in new business, events and building a network in the sector.
Location and Salary
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and particularly encourage applications from candidates with disabilities and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. We operate a hybrid working model, with a mix of home working and core office days of Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Our main office is based in Victoria. We aim to be family-friendly and supportive of staff with childcare responsibilities.
Salary ranges: Policy Analyst £31k–£35k; Policy Manager £36k–£48k, depending on experience. We offer a bonus programme, 5% pension contribution, 25 days annual leave, and private healthcare.
Closing Date
Closing Date: 5pm, Wednesday 11 February 2026
Interview/Start Dates
Start date: ASAP, with flexibility for the right candidate. Shortlisted candidates will be informed in w/c 16 February and invited to take part in a 30‑minute online interview on Wednesday 18 or Thursday 19 February. If successful, you will be invited to an hour-long in-person interview at 20 Victoria Street SW1H 0NB on Wednesday 25 February. You will prepare a test task that will be arranged for a time convenient for you, to be presented and discussed at final interview.
Application Details
Please specify which preferred role you are applying for. All applicants will be considered for both.
Website: https://www.publicfirst.co.uk
Policy Analyst | Policy Manager - Energy, Climate & Environment employer: SHGH Group
Contact Detail:
SHGH Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Analyst | Policy Manager - Energy, Climate & Environment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the energy and climate sector, attend events, and engage on social media. Building connections can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Public First's recent projects. Show us you know your stuff and can discuss how your skills align with our mission. We love candidates who are genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're passionate about energy and climate policy. We want to hear your unique perspective and how you can contribute to our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Public First.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Analyst | Policy Manager - Energy, Climate & Environment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for energy, climate, and environmental policy shine through in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely interested in these topics and ready to dive deep into complex issues.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, make sure to communicate your ideas clearly and succinctly. We appreciate strong writing skills, so aim to present your thoughts in an engaging and authoritative manner.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Don’t forget to showcase any relevant experience you have in policy, research, or consultancy roles. We’re looking for candidates who can take ownership of projects, so share examples of how you've successfully managed tasks in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for both the Policy Analyst and Policy Manager roles. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at SHGH Group
✨Know Your Policy Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into current energy, climate, and environmental policies. Familiarise yourself with recent projects by Public First and Stonehaven, as well as key issues in the sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used data and research in previous roles. Think of specific examples where your analytical thinking led to clear insights or persuasive arguments. This is crucial for a role that requires turning complex information into compelling narratives.
✨Engage with Real-World Scenarios
During the interview, be ready to tackle hypothetical policy challenges or case studies. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think on your feet. Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a strong writer, you’ll need to convey complex ideas simply. In the interview, focus on clear communication. Use concise language and avoid jargon unless necessary. This will help you connect with the interviewers and showcase your ability to engage diverse audiences.