Specialist Adviser vacancy for net zero aviation and shipping inquiry - application deadline extended

• Inquiry: Net zero for aviation and shipping
• Environmental Audit Committee

The House of Commons cross-party Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) is inviting applications from individuals interested in being a Specialist Adviser to the Committee for its inquiry into Net zero aviation and shipping.

This inquiry will examine the technologies available and in development, and their potential for achieving net zero, alongside the role Government policy can play in their development and adoption.

The Committee

The EAC is a cross-party select committee of 16 MPs, chaired by Rt Hon Philip Dunne MP. Its remit is to scrutinise how far the operation and policies of government departments and their public bodies contribute to sustainable development. It is supported by the National Audit Office (NAO) in auditing the Government’s performance against environmental protection targets. Unlike most select committees, the EAC’s work cuts across government rather than focusing on the work of a particular department.

The Committee launched its inquiry on net zero aviation and shipping on 20 July 2021 and is expected to hold evidence sessions starting in October 2021 and continuing into 2022.

The Role

The Committee wishes to hear from applicants who:

• can demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience of the UK aviation and/or shipping sectors; the latest propulsion equipment technologies and low or zero carbon fuel developments; and national, EU and international regulations governing the sector(s);
• can demonstrate a detailed technical understanding of emissions trading schemes (CORSIA, EU ETS, UK ETS) as well as technologies for offsetting emissions;
• can provide insight into the operation of relevant international governing bodies and how the structures and regulations governing airborne and/or maritime transportation could be used to achieve emissions reductions;
• can suggest from experience which individuals and organisations the Committee should consult on this subject;
• are familiar with the advocacy positions or political affiliations that are held by these individuals and organisations, and with the policy debates relevant to the inquiry terms of reference; and
• can demonstrate a strong network of contacts on this subject.

NOTE: The Committee is interested in receiving applications from persons specialised in aviation or shipping (or both), and may appoint more than one adviser.

The ability to provide clear, concise and impartial advice orally and in writing to politicians and/or senior decision-makers is essential.

As a Specialist Adviser, you will be working with the Committee secretariat on an ad hoc basis to provide authoritative advice in relation to this subject. Work demands from the Committee are likely to be irregular and unpredictable. Only in exceptional circumstances would you be asked to do more than two days’ work in a particular week and it would normally be less than this. You would be paid a daily honorarium on the basis of work done.

Examples of the types of work you may be asked to do include:

• working with the Committee secretariat, in particular the inquiry manager, on the planning and conduct of scrutiny for the inquiry;
• contributing to briefing material for the Committee;
• attending Committee meetings and providing oral briefings when required.

The role is likely to involve attendance at Committee meetings at Westminster (subject to prevailing conditions and guidance on travel during the pandemic), and you may be asked to accompany the Committee on any visit in connection with the subject. The Committee will meet connected, necessary expenses.

Specialist Adviser appointments are in the public domain.

Application Process

To apply please send a CV, covering letter and a declaration of relevant interests to the email address below. In your covering letter you should indicate how your expertise is relevant to this subject, the amount of time you could realistically devote to Committee work, and your ability to take on work at short notice if required.

Your declaration of interests should include anything that a reasonable person might consider could influence the advice you give the Committee. For example, a relevant financial interest, active membership of a relevant campaign group or political party, or the involvement of a close family member in the area of specialism. Declared interests from successful applicants will be published.
The Committee values diversity and encourages applications from people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Deadline for applications

Expressions of interest should be sent to EACom@parliament.uk no later than 12 Midday on Friday 24 September 2021. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to interview (held virtually) during the week of 27 September/4 October.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact the Committee team on 020 7219 8890.

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• Visiting Parliament: Watch committees

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