NSTA 443 Legal Advisor

Legal Directorate information

Led by the General Counsel, this Directorate has full responsibility and accountability for the NSTA’s legal advice, governance and project support to respond to the priorities of the organisation.

The Legal Directorate works collaboratively and flexibly, taking a colleague and solutions focussed approach. 

About the team

We are an ‘operations-focussed’ team, working incredibly closely with the operational teams in the NSTA including in the Operations, New Ventures and Supply Chain and Decommissioning directorates - all at the heart of the energy transition - guiding and supporting across all aspects of their work. 

We are at the heart of decision-making, an integral part of collaborative projects and a trusted partner. The Legal Manager and her team provide a flexible resource, with opportunities to gain experience with all our client teams.

Brief Overview of Role

Are you a UK-qualified lawyer with an interest in the energy transition?

We are looking to recruit a Legal Adviser, reporting to the Legal Manager, to join our experienced and energised Legal Directorate to provide legal advice and support on all aspects of the NSTA’s activities.

Specific areas of responsibility for this role will evolve to respond to the priorities of the organisation, and

we are looking for a candidate with an ability to assimilate new areas of law quickly, adapt to evolving legal landscapes and produce sound analysis at pace.

You may have worked in an energy company - or they may have been a client if you’ve worked in private practice - or you may have worked in an emerging technologies (carbon storage, hydrogen) environment, but if you know the energy licensing landscape and are looking for a great place to work then this is a great opportunity to be involved in guiding the NSTA through changing times for the energy industry, from the transition for the oil and gas industry to the development of offshore carbon and hydrogen storage industries.

You must be qualified to practise as a solicitor or advocate/barrister in Scotland and/or England & Wales

Detailed job description and key responsibilities

We recognise that you may have limited experience in all the new and exciting areas of the energy transition, but the Directorate, with its years of experience is on hand to support with development in this area.  

Working closely with the senior lawyers in particular and with the operational, regulatory and policy teams within the NSTA, the successful candidate will be responsible for: 

• Assisting in providing advice on matters such as carbon storage and hydrogen licensing, oil and gas licensing and operational consenting, on a “lifecycle” basis, and compliance matters.
• Assisting in the development and implementation of projects, guidelines and operational procedures.
• Providing detailed advice and guidance on specific matters, providing options, based on a sound understanding of the matter. You will be able to clearly and effectively communicate the reasons for your advice and positively influence colleagues where required.
• Drafting/reviewing regulatory documents including licence documentation, consents and other authorisations.
• Responding directly to queries from internal stakeholders.
• Providing colleague focussed information on new legislation and other legal developments affecting their work and the NSTA’s regulatory powers.
• Providing clear advice on legal risk.
• Participating in regular engagement meetings with key stakeholders across the NSTA.

Career Support and Learning and Development are key elements of the NSTA’s Great Place to Work Model which underpins staff engagement.  Training, coaching will be provided to support successful delivery in the role. 

Person specification

Competence 1:      Leading and Communicating

NSTA staff should demonstrate leadership appropriate to their grade and communicate with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm.

• focussed drafting and clear communication skills; and a collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively in multi-disciplinary teams.

Competence 2:      Delivery

We are a delivery focussed organisation. Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes, in an environment where priorities and goals can quickly change.

• Flexibility and a proactive approach to deal with multiple expectations; and
• Able to provide quick, confident and authoritative legal advice to colleagues within the NSTA.

Competence 3:      Strategic and Commercial Thinking

Strategic and commercial thinking is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider stakeholder requirements.

• Being sensitive to the broader political and commercial aspects of the move to net zero, including in the upstream oil and gas regulatory regime; and
• The ability to think strategically about how legal services can support the priorities of the NSTA. 

Competence 4:      Decision Making and Judgement

Effective decision making and judgement is critical to the success of the NSTA. To achieve success all staff, need to demonstrate a commitment to being objective, using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.

• Excellent analytical and handling skills; and
• Strong attention to detail

Specialist Skills, Qualifications, Experience, Licenses, Memberships or Language

Essential:

• The postholder must be a qualified solicitor or advocate/barrister (Scotland and/or England & Wales)
• Post qualification work experience as a solicitor or barrister/advocate
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal, with the ability to provide and communicate authoritative, high quality advice on complex legal matters, often within tight timescales
• Ability to look at problems with a pragmatic, political and commercial, as well as a legally robust, perspective
• Have the confidence and initiative to find workable solutions to operational and policy challenges
• Collaborative approach with multi-disciplinary functions to deliver successful outcomes on cases
• Attention to detail with focus on deadlines and delivery
• Positive and supportive attitude

Desirable:        

• Relevant experience working in a business or commercial role within the oil and gas or wider energy industry or for another regulator
• Knowledge of energy regulation, or regulation in another industry
• Knowledge of the energy industry’s operation of joint ventures and general commercial agreements
• Experience of civil procedure and appeals process
• A working understanding of the legislative framework governing the NSTA