Legal Adviser

The NSTA’s hybrid working includes an expectation for staff to spend 40% of their time in the office.

Brief overview of role

The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), with offices in central Aberdeen and London, has a pivotal role working with the industry and government on the economic recovery of the UK’s oil and gas resources, including security of supply, whilst also supporting the move to net zero carbon by 2050. 

Our ambition is to be a world-leading authority setting the framework for a sustainable and competitive UK oil and gas industry.  We believe that economic recovery of oil and gas is not in conflict with the transition to net zero carbon and that the industry has the skills, technology and capital to help unlock solutions to help the UK achieve the net zero target.

Our role includes, among other things, the licensing and consenting regime for the UK’s offshore oil and gas activity, carbon storage operations and onshore oil and gas activity in England.

Led by our General Counsel, the NSTA's Legal Directorate has full responsibility and accountability for the NSTA’s legal advice and we are looking to appoint a Legal Adviser, to provide legal advice, and support to the NSTA’s senior legal advisers, on all aspects of its activities.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an experienced and dynamic Team, guiding the NSTA at a time of transition and further change for the oil and gas industry: for example, the NSTA is working with government and industry on the vital role the industry plays in supporting and assisting the UK’s security of energy supply, energy transition matters and meeting the net zero target.

The Legal Team works collaboratively and flexibly, and specific areas of responsibility for this role will evolve to respond to the priorities of the organisation, but you can expect to  work closely with the operational, regulatory and policy teams in the NSTA, and have a focus on oil and gas and commercial law.  We are looking for a candidate with an ability to assimilate new areas of law quickly, to have reliable legal judgement and the ability to produce sound analysis at pace.

Detailed job description and key responsibilities

As a Legal Adviser, you must be qualified to practise as a solicitor or advocate/barrister in Scotland and/or England & Wales.

You will work closely with the senior lawyers in particular and with the operational, regulatory and policy teams in the NSTA, advising on licensing and compliance matters and assisting in the development and implementation of projects, guidelines and operational procedures. 

You will have a working knowledge of upstream oil and gas law.  You will possess excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills with an ability to provide clear, constructive advice on complex legal matters, and the confidence and initiative to find workable solutions to policy and operational challenges.

In addition, you may have experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• The industry's operation of joint ventures and general commercial agreements.
• ­Civil procedure and appeals process: the NSTA has power to impose sanctions, with a right for companies to appeal to the First Tier Tribunal.
• Working with public sector organisations and/or on policy matters.

Skills

Essential:  

• The post­holder must be a qualified solicitor or advocate/barrister (Scotland and/or England & Wales).
• Have a working knowledge of upstream oil and gas law.
• Able to provide and communicate authoritative, high quality advice, often within very tight timescales.
• Ability to look at problems with a pragmatic, political and commercial, as well as a legally robust, perspective.

Desirable: 

• A demonstrable interest and understanding of regulatory and/or commercial matters.
• Post-qualification work experience as a solicitor or barrister/advocate.
• Self-motivation.