Evaluation Director - Net Zero, Energy Security and Environment

Job Details

Location: London, Westminster

Job type: Permanent

Employment type:  Full Time / Part-time 

Hybrid working: 40% working time in the office per week

Application Deadline:  We are accepting applications until April 11th, don’t miss out!

Verian is one of the leading social research, evaluation, and advisory agencies in the UK. We have over 150 specialist researchers and evaluators, and an office in the heart of Westminster.  Our teams create the evidence required for some of the biggest decisions in the country. We advise clients on public policy design and ground-breaking behaviour change programmes, evaluate the performance of Government programmes, and are trusted to deliver official national statistics and longitudinal data. 

Policy and program evaluation is one of the fastest expanding areas in social research today. There is an increasing focus within the UK government on more and better evaluation. As a top provider of evaluations to the UK government, Verian has a wide portfolio of national-level evaluation studies across key policy areas, including Net Zero, energy security, and environmental policy (e.g. increasing homes’ energy efficiency, and exploring  access to nature and impact on well-being).

About the role

Due to growth in this sector, we are seeking a Director to lead and expand further our Net Zero, Energy Security & Environment Hub within Verian UK’s Evaluation Practice. In this new role, you will shape our strategy and strengthen our reputation in this field of expertise. You will also drive impactful projects and lead evaluations in areas such as industrial innovation, hydrogen, renewables, nuclear, and carbon capture;  while strengthening our team’s internal capacity and knowledge in this evolving policy area.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategy - Support the Evaluation Practice lead leam in expanding our Net Zero, Energy Security and Environment evaluation offer
• Lead business development – Develop proposals, coordinate and write technical contents, identify experts and partners, manage proposal budgets for Net Zero, Energy Security and Environment Policy projects
• Lead the delivery of evaluation projects in Net Zero, Energy Security and Environment sector - Oversee and add sector expertise to key evaluation projects
• Manage full project cycle – Develop evaluation plans, write inception reports, oversee data collection and analysis, and present results through written reports, briefing notes, presentations and workshops with stakeholders in the UK public sphere
• Build and develop the team – Grow and mentor the Net Zero, Energy Security & Environment Hub within the Evaluation Practice
• Contribute to marketing and technical leadership – Lead knowledge management, thought leadership, and capacity building 
• Provide quality assurance – Ensure high standards across evaluation projects
• Maximise impact – Deliver high-quality impact evaluation producing evidence that inform UK policy and enhance Verian’s visibility 

Skills and Experience

• Education - Degree/postgraduate qualification in  economics, environmental economics, natural sciences, environment, or related social/data sciences.
• Evaluation Experience - 10+ years in research and/or evaluation design and delivery
• Evaluation expertise - Knowledge of theory-based, experimental, quasi-experimental methods; Experience with quantitative and qualitative research
• Leadership - Strategic thinker with strong leadership qualities
• Client engagement - Strong client handling, writing and presentation skills
• Project Leadership – Proven track record in managing large research and evaluation projects, in Net Zero, energy security, and environment policy.
• Sector Expertise - we are particularly interested in the following areas:
  • Energy & Power: Nuclear, renewables, grid infrastructure
  • Buildings: Insulation, clean heat, smart meters
  • Industry: Hydrogen, bioenergy, carbon capture, decarbonisation
  • Public & Finance: Green finance, energy affordability, public attitudes
• Team Management - Experience leading teams of researchers, evaluators and data analysts
• Organisation skills - Ability to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget

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Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in economic evaluation methods (CBA, CEA, etc)
• Experience working on UK evaluations, especially with UK Government Departments
• Peer-reviewed publications and/or conference participations

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Does this sound like you?

If so, don’t hesitate—apply online today!

We review applications as they come in, with a final application deadline of April 11th. If your skills and experience align with our needs, we’ll invite you for an exploratory conversation.

Why Verian?

At Verian, you’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative team driven by curiosity and a shared commitment to making a difference. Our work shapes policies, drives social progress, and shapes the future of our society.

We foster an open and engaging environment where everyone feels valued and accepted, and are allowed to thrive in a space where their wellbeing is taken into consideration. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and beyond.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, Verian offers an inspiring, growth-focused workplace where you can thrive.

Learn more about us at https://www.veriangroup.com/.