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Job Description for Senior Technical Advisor (Secondment - 24 months):

NIRO sits at the centre of the UK’s nuclear ecosystem — bringing together government, industry, regulators, academia and international partners to provide independent, authoritative advice that enables informed decision-making and long-term capability development.

As Senior Technical Advisor you will provide authoritative technical leadership across a wide portfolio of nuclear technologies, programmes and strategic issues.

You will lead complex analytical work, engage with senior stakeholders across the sector and translate highly technical subject matter into clear, actionable advice for government.

This is an opportunity to combine deep technical expertise, experience in the sector with nuclear policy decision making. You will work on nationally important issues spanning innovation, technology deployment, capability development, policy, regulation and strategic delivery across civil, fusion and broader nuclear capability. The role would therefore suit an experienced nuclear professional who combines deep technical credibility with strategic thinking, strong communication skills and an ability to influence at senior levels.

Main Responsibilities for NIRO Senior Technical Advisor (Secondment - 24 months):

• Provide trustedtechnical advice
  • Provide expert technical and strategic advice across civil nuclear research and innovation.
  • Deliver expert-level independent, evidence-based technical advice to support Government priorities and strategic decision making.
  • Apply specialist nuclear science expertise to complex challenges across the nuclear lifecycle and emerging technologies.
  • Translate technical analysis into practical recommendations for senior audiences.
• Oversee strategic programmes and projects
  • Assess the technical credibility, maturity and deliverability of key nuclear programmes.
  • Identify capability gaps, risks and opportunities across the civil nuclear landscape.
  • Lead the assessment of technical programmes across government, industry and research organisations.
  • Drive pace, accountability and outcomes across technical workstreams, both within NIRO and wider government.
• Build influence across the UK nuclear ecosystem
  • Develop trusted relationships across the UK and international nuclear landscape.
  • Convene technical workshops, steering groups and strategic forums.
  • Represent NIRO and/or Government externally in various forums.
  • Contribute to cross-government and international nuclear initiatives.
• Generate insight and inform decisions
  • Analyse complex technical and strategic information from multiple sources.
  • Produce concise, high-quality briefings, reports and recommendations suitable for Ministers/ senior civil servants.
  • Identify emerging risks, opportunities and future capability needs.
• Strengthen capability and ways of working
  • Develop tools, frameworks, guidance and processes that improve NIRO’s delivery and impact.
  • Support continuous improvement across NIRO technical activities.
  • Lead on knowledge sharing and organisational learning activities.
• Championexcellence and inclusion
  • Create an environment that encourages challenge, innovation and diverse perspectives.
  • Maintain professional credibility and invest in ongoing personal development.
  • Mentor and support junior technical staff in NIRO and DESNZ.

Essential Criteria for NIRO Senior Technical Advisor (Secondment - 24 months):

• Strong technical capability relevant to nuclear science, engineering, technology, policy or programme delivery.
• Significant experience across the nuclear sector.
• Experience of providing strategic or technical advice to senior stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
• A deep understanding of UK nuclear policy, regulation, R&D, programme delivery and industrial strategy.
• Ability to work with ambiguity to deliver tangible outcomes.
• Ability to obtain BPSS level security clearance (this includes but is not limited to identity, employment and criminal record checks).

Why join NIRO?

• Work on nationally significant challenges.
• Influence the future direction of UK nuclear programme delivery.
• Collaborate with leading experts across the sector.
• Develop your career at the intersection of science, strategy and delivery.
• Be part of an organisation that values integrity, curiosity and impact.
• Gain a deep understanding of how Government works.

If you want to apply your technical expertise to work that matters at national scale, we’d love to hear from you.