Title:  Graduate Economist

About us

National Energy System Operator (NESO) has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon power operation by 2030 when there is sufficient renewable generation. We are also providing advice to the Government on achieving a decarbonised power system by 2030. 
NESO recognises the potential of bright and talented individuals, and we encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. 

About the role

Joining our 18-month Graduate Development Programme as an Economist Graduate within the National Energy System Operator (NESO), you’ll carry out research, collect large amounts of data and complete vital work at the heart of Great Britain’s energy industry, ensuring our high voltage electricity system and the commercial infrastructure that underpins it meets the fast-growing need of consumers.  

You will work with some of the best people across the energy industry and within the NESO to understand the ever-evolving economics of the electricity system and its interactions with the multi-fuel energy system.  

You will support the delivery of our ambition to operate a zero-carbon system by 2035 as well as designing a whole system strategy that delivers for stakeholders and consumers. You will create innovative ways considering the economics of power systems and its economic dependencies with other systems, helping us become a trusted partner to the whole energy industry.  

Our Graduate Programme

Key tasks and areas of work  will include but are not limited to:

•   Drive and develop existing and new economic assessment methods for investment in the GB power system and perform cost-benefit analysis to justify new transmission developments & investments   
• Assess high-level economics of current and future market arrangements for the markets that we operate or are proposing to operate, e.g., assessment of voltage, stability, and storage markets  
• Work collaboratively with our power systems engineers, markets specialists and data scientists throughout the business to interrogate and analyse our databases of billions of data points and provide recommendations with a succinct justification.  
• Collaborate closely with industry stakeholders to build and deliver strong cost-benefit analyses to support strategic decisions that help shape the future of the energy system and ultimately deliver our GB goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.  
• More generally, take novel and/or complex economics problems and solve them while providing a simple explanation to the business and wider stakeholders  

This role is based at Warwick, hybrid working options available and dependent upon business requirement   

What you'll need to apply

You’re curious and inquisitive with a real passion for putting economics to good use. You’re good at translating complex problems into simple terms and engaging with business and industry stakeholders to find solutions.  

You’ll have a minimum 2.2 degree in Economics, Maths or Business-Related discipline.  

Ideally, you will also have a valid full UK Driving Licence.  

What you'll get in return

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £34,895.59

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Graduate Programmes are like no other!  You’ll gain an insight into how we work at the NESO, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:  

• £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme   
• 26 days holiday   
• £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme   
• Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings   

Other benefits include pension, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback and volunteering opportunities.  

The NESO is committed to the personal development of our staff.  Joining us, you’ll be supported as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills through structured training and on the-job experience. You’ll work closely with your line manager to establish and navigate through a Personal Development Plan that is tailored to your needs. 

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