Opportunities for Energy, Environment & Climate Graduates

The Role

The work of an Administrative Officer (Energy, Environment and Climate) in the Department will vary depending on the particular Division of the Department to which the individual is assigned, but typically covers one or more of the following:

Using their relevant experience and qualifications, undertaking policy analysis to contribute to the development of evidence-based policy and legislation such as:

• Implementing key legislation such as the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2021, Maritime Area Planning Act 2021, and Eirgrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022.
• Implementing the National Energy and Climate Plan 2021-2030, Long Term Climate Strategy, Climate Adaptation Framework, annual Climate Action Plan, National Energy Security Strategy, and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2023.
• Supporting the Department’s leadership in driving climate action across the public sector, including working in partnership with local authorities to deliver effective local and community-led climate action.
• Developing major new policy initiatives in areas such as climate adaptation, citizen engagement, land-use, and just transition.
• Developing policy and implementation plans arising from EU Directives and Regulations, to implement the EU Green Deal and RePowerEU, including in areas such as the EU Emissions Trading System, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, the regulation of electricity and gas markets, EU Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) Directive, the EU Strategy on Offshore Renewable Energy, and the Open Data and INSPIRE Directives.
• Supporting the Department and Minister to represent Ireland’s interests in international climate, environment and energy policies, including through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Environment Programme, OECD and International Energy Agency.
• Supporting a wide range of technical and scientific advisory work across a wide range of climate and advisory issues.
• Providing strategic advice to address environmental challenges.
• Supporting senior management of the relevant policy unit in providing leadership and strategic direction for the work programme of the Unit.
• Working in partnership with colleagues across the Department and other external agencies, including engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in driving forward the work programme.
• Supporting the Public Services Transformation Framework.
• Supporting requirements during Irelands EU Presidency.
• Overseeing and managing a small team of staff within the Unit who will deliver the day to-day operations of the Unit.

The Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications

The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications has responsibility for policy and programmes across a number of areas of national strategic importance including the; energy; climate action; waste management and resource efficiency; environmental policy and air quality; and natural resources.

They are supported in their mandate by 14 State bodies, comprising a number of leading commercial, non-commercial and regulatory bodies, who play a critical role in delivering the Government’s vision for Ireland, as outlined in Project Ireland 2040. They collaboratively deliver policies and programmes to empower people, communities and businesses to continue the transition to a better quality of life for current and future generations.

The vision of the Department is for a climate neutral, sustainable and digitally connected Ireland.

Further information on the Department, its Mission, Values and Statement of Strategy are available at www.decc.gov.ie.

Responsibilities

The main areas of responsibilities for an Administrative Officer (Finance Policy) may include:

• assessing and advising Ministers and senior management on financial developments, including strategic developments in International Financial Services, financial stability and regulatory issues
• preparation of advice and briefing for senior management and Ministers on financial and business topics arising in a national, EU, or global context
• the development and implementation of legislation and strategies at EU/Euro area level and internationally in relation to economic, fiscal and financial policy formulation and preparation for the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026
• contributing to the development of tax policy and its implementation domestically via the Budget process, including the preparation of pre-budget submissions for the Minister for Finance and the drafting and preparation of legislation
• supporting the Minister for Finance and senior management in the delivery of the Budget and Finance Bill
• developing and implementing national and EU/International policy and legislation in relation to the financial services sector
• Government accounting (policy & standards etc), internal financial control, Management Information Systems
• assisting in preparation of financial models, valuation materials and risk research and analysis
• development and monitoring of execution of organisational strategy and divisional business plans.

Person Specification

The person(s) appointed will be able to bring their knowledge and skills in the areas of climate and environmental policy to contribute to the development of the Department’s policy objectives. They will have a strong ability to write high quality, clear and concise policy, briefing and other documents and contribute to the development of policy in a busy, high-profile environment working within tight timeframes.

The individual appointed will have, or an ability to develop, the following desired skills and experience:

• Skills in using quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques to conduct policy analysis and evaluation
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication skills
• Ability to Deliver results on projects – personally or within a team
• Analysis of diverse data sources to support decision making
• Clear and concise policy writing skills
• Knowledge of Sustainable Heating Technologies
• Knowledge of Renewable Energy Policy

Essential Requirements

Applicants for this position must, on or before the closing date of Thursday 13th March 2025 have

• (i) a first or second class primary honours degree (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Environmental Science, Energy, Climate, Agriculture, Economics, Geography, Electrical or Technical Engineering
  • OR
• (ii) a first or second class higher diploma (at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Environmental Science, Energy, Climate, Agriculture, Economics, Geography, Electrical or Technical Engineering and a primary degree in any discipline (at least Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications)
  • OR
• (iii) a Master’s degree or a Post Graduate Diploma (at Level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in Environmental Science, Energy, Climate, Agriculture, Economics, Geography, Electrical or Technical Engineering
  • AND
• (v) successfully demonstrate the required capabilities for this role. It is expected that from the outset, those newly recruited will be able to make a substantive contribution to the work of the Civil Service. While training is to a significant extent ‘on the job’, induction and training courses in specific skills and areas of work will be provided to assist you to become familiar with the public sector.

IMPORTANT: Please see Appendix 1 for more information on the Capability Framework and preparation guidelines.

NOTE: Qualifications/eligibility may not be confirmed until the final stage of the process, therefore, those candidates who do not possess the essential requirements, by Thursday, 13th March 2025, and proceed with their application are putting themselves to unnecessary effort/expense and will not be offered a position from this competition.

Hear from our colleagues in the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications

Con
Offshore Environment and Future Energy Division

I studied for a BA in Economics, Politics and Law from DCU, a programme with a heavy focus on public policy and one from which I felt a career in the civil service was a natural fit. The desire to pursue a career in the civil service informed my decision to study for an MSc in Comparative Social Change at UCD, which I felt would broaden my understanding of the role of the public service in wider society.

The civil service values of honesty, integrity and placing the interests of the citizen at the heart of decision-making processes appealed to me as being very much aligned with my own values, which contributed to making it an easy decision to apply.

I joined the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) in 2023, following a year’s experience in another role within the civil service. I am currently part of the Offshore Environment and Future Energy Division within DECC.

The predominant focus of my work since joining the Department has been working on the National Energy and Climate Plan. This is a large, challenging & rewarding project, which has entailed working with colleagues, both within DECC and across governmental departments & other organisations, to put together a report which summarises Ireland’s policies & progress on advancing the five dimensions of the European Energy Union: decarbonisation, energy efficiency, energy security, internal energy market, and research, innovation & competitiveness.

Read More About Con