Specialist Industry Policy and Decarbonisation Advisor

We are looking for a motivated and forward‑thinking specialist to lead Natural Resources Wales’ work on the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) and the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS). This is a high‑profile, cross‑cutting role at the heart of our evolving industrial decarbonisation and regulatory strategy.

You will act as NRW’s primary source of technical expertise on UK ETS and ESOS, helping to shape how Wales responds to the challenges and opportunities of a low‑carbon industrial future. Working across multiple sectors and regulatory regimes, you will interpret complex legislation, develop internal guidance, and support colleagues to deliver consistent, risk‑based regulation.

A key part of this role is influencing the wider UK landscape. You will represent NRW in UK‑wide policy groups and technical forums, working with the UK ETS Authority, UK regulators, government departments and verification/accreditation bodies. You will use evidence and expert judgement to help shape future phases of UK ETS, strengthen ESOS compliance, and ensure Welsh perspectives are understood at national level.

Internally, you will play a central role in delivering our Regulatory Strategy (Industry), ensuring that carbon pricing, energy efficiency and industrial emissions reduction are fully embedded in our regulatory thinking. You will provide authoritative advice to permitting and compliance teams, develop tools and guidance, and support capability building across the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong knowledge of industrial carbon accounting, energy efficiency, emissions reporting or environmental regulation who wants to make a real impact on Wales’ net zero transition. If you enjoy working across systems, influencing policy, and turning complex information into clear direction for others, we’d love to hear from you.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contact Jeremy Walters at jeremy.walters@cyfoethnaturiolcymru.gov.uk

Interviews will take place through Microsoft Teams week commencing 27/04/2026.

Successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check and National Security Vetting (at Security Check Level). Appointments are normally made within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date. 

This role meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. Natural Resources Wales welcomes applications from non-UK citizens who are eligible to apply under this route, subject to confirmation by the Home Office. 

Please note that while we may be able to support the Certificate of Sponsorship required for a visa application, the organisation does not cover the cost of the visa itself, including any associated fees for dependants. 

The applicant must still meet the UK Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility and Requirement. For further information, please visit:  https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa