Policy and Research Consultant

Company Description Talan (part of the Talan Group) is an expert provider of professional services. Our vision and mission is to take positive action in a complex world for the future good of people and the environment and to enlighten and enable our clients’ transformation in an increasingly complex world. We are purpose-driven, working across multiple sectors, tackling social and environmental challenges, improving and simplifying the way markets work, harnessing the power of digital transformation and ensuring data is protected and used ethically. Established in 2002 as Gemserv Limited, Talan provides a range of consultancy and outsourcing capabilities including programme management, market design and governance. We also have extensive and award-winning capabilities across cyber security, data privacy and digital transformation. We are a B Corp, IIP Gold accredited and Great Place to Work accredited. The nature of what we do means we are very much a people business. The contribution every member of the team makes to our diverse range of experience, skills and personalities is valued. We invest heavily in learning and development to enable our people to develop skills and gain experience which will enhance career prospects for life. Many who started their careers with us have rapidly progressed to more senior positions. No two days are the same, but we believe in a flexible approach to working which we know our employees value.

The Role To apply for this role, please submit your CV along with a cover letter. The role sits within a small, dynamic, and impactful team. You will be joining the Policy Insights and Engagement team, which works across all our low-carbon projects, helping our clients understand what net zero means to them, assess the challenges, and identify solutions. A key part of the role is advising on how our clients can influence change. The successful applicant will be interested in low-carbon policy, shaping energy markets, and be able to provide objective, evidence-based arguments that influence how we think about, generate, and use energy. Our work is designed to strengthen the voice of our clients to influence change at a national level and to ensure that we transition to a low-carbon economy, protect our environment, and minimise the impact of climate change. You will work across a portfolio of clients, including trade associations, low-carbon technology manufacturers, local authorities, and national government across the sustainability, heat decarbonisation, energy efficiency, and smart tech debates. The successful applicant will have a demonstrated interest in low-carbon energy or sustainability and the potential to develop deep subject matter expertise. Candidates must be organised and methodical, whilst also having the ability to manage competing workloads. Technical understanding of energy efficiency and retrofit technologies would be very valuable. This is a great opportunity for an individual interested in sustainability and the low-carbon transition to work within a highly motivated team to help achieve action on climate change.

Responsibilities Work across a diverse portfolio of government funding programmes, public affairs tasks, and research projects. This will involve identifying and coordinating inputs from other members of the Gemserv team. Lead delivery teams that conduct desk-based research that analyses low-carbon policy proposals (related to energy, buildings, and other environmental issues), and industry changes. Quality assure/review the work of junior team members to ensure client satisfaction and high standards are met. Author reports including policy position or advocacy papers, market research reports, policy insight pieces, client briefings, blogs, and contribute content for other works where necessary. Support the delivery of innovation projects and government funding schemes by providing administrative support, inclusive of drafting correspondence, document processing, and analytics. Leading the delivery of and coordinating workshops and events using a variety of tools to gain insight and encourage debate. Visualise data and present findings in an impactful way to engage stakeholders. Integrate and articulate client positions in responses to government consultations, inquiries, and calls for evidence. Keep abreast of policy and parliamentary developments and deliver insight to clients and the team. Present briefings, research findings for and with (potential and current) clients, at external events and at meetings with a variety of organisations. Support the development of research methodologies to support evidence-based policy recommendations. Attend meetings with government officials and key stakeholders to communicate client positions and influence the policy landscape. Support business development activities by identifying opportunities for growth through networking and developing good relationships with people in the industry.

Qualifications Requirements Experience and qualifications - the successful applicant will have a relevant degree (2:1 minimum), for example, climate change, energy, geography, politics, or sustainability, etc. Research, industry, or government experience would be beneficial. They will ideally have 1-3 years of professional experience in a research, consulting, or project management role. Communication - we need to be able to convert complex issues into easily understood analysis, reports and presentations. We regularly develop and publish high quality reports proposing policy solutions to the Government and industry. Attention to detail and the ability to produce clear, concise and accurate written documentation is essential. You will need excellent oral communication skills and feel confident communicating your ideas appropriately at all levels of the organisations that we engage with. This will include leading and presenting at meetings, roundtables, and conferences. Organisation and time management - the nature of our work requires an ability to handle competing priorities/deadlines whilst delivering high quality outputs. We are looking for someone who is well organised and can develop and implement work plans to ensure that deadlines are met. Relationship building - an important part of the role is to develop successful relationships with clients, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders. You will be able to build strong relationships internally and externally; you will be a successful team player who is committed to working collaboratively. Passion and dedication - we are passionate about the low carbon transition, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the future of our planet is both different and better and we want you to share that passion. The successful applicant will demonstrate a passion for supporting the move to a greener economy. Technical understanding and experience of energy efficiency and retrofit technologies would be advantageous but is not a prerequisite.

WHAT WE OFFER 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. Reward and recognition schemes. Flexible working. Private Bupa healthcare. Life Assurance (up to 4 times annual salary). Matched pension contributions. Season Ticket Loan. Cycle to work scheme. Buy and Sell annual leave. Reimbursement of eye test and up to £50 towards glasses or contacts. Corporate gym rates. Employee Assistance Programme. Summer and Christmas parties, along with monthly events.