Applications for this competition close on Tuesday, 13th of October.
Apply Now!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, energy strategy, and circular economy.
- Supporting the government's leadership in delivering key grid infrastructure priorities and energy security, resilience, and affordability objectives including working in partnership with other government departments and relevant stakeholders.
- 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.
- Supporting the department's leadership in the governance of State Bodies including financial, commercial, and non-commercial governance responsibilities.
- Working with various stakeholder to understand the requirements to address environmental challenges.
- Providing data analysis to senior management of the relevant policy unit which will support the strategic direction for the work programme of the unit.
- Working in partnership with colleagues across the Department and other external agencies, engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in driving forward the work programme.
- Supporting the Public Services Transformation Framework.
- 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 Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) have responsibility for delivering evidence-based policies and programmes, overseeing regulation, conducting operational fieldwork, and ensuring compliance and governance across the areas of Climate, Energy, and the Environment.
DCEE comprises just under 700 staff members, located across offices in Dublin, Wexford, and Cavan. The Department is supported in their mandate by 11 State Bodies, comprising of a number of leading commercial, non-commercial and regulatory bodies, which play a critical role in delivering the Government’s vision for Ireland. DCEE is committed to partnering across Government to progress our strategic goals and supporting other Departments in cross-cutting Government priorities.
DCEE is proud to be the first Government Department to achieve ‘Gold’ Certification from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). This certification recognises the Department’s dedication to continuous improvement in areas such as business planning, communication and collaboration, leadership and management, learning and development, human resources, and employee wellbeing. It also highlights the Department’s commitment to fulfilling, impactful roles and working with our people to ensure a supportive, collaborative working environment and culture.
Further information on the Department, its Mission, Values and Statement of Strategy are available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/.
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 Tuesday 13th October 2026 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 Tuesday, 13th October 2026, 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
Orla
Land & Emissions Trading System Team
I work as an Administrative Officer on the Land and ETS team, in the Climate Sector of DCEE. I work on the Emissions Trading System (ETS), focusing on ETS 2 policy and implementation in Ireland.
I studied Geography and Geology in college and was interested in working in a relevant area to that! I wanted to feel like I was making a difference with the work I was doing, which led me to the Civil Service. Having the option to apply under the Energy and Environment Stream gave me peace of mind that I would be placed in a role that was in my area of interest.
I have had the opportunity to travel to Brussels to attend Working Parties on the Environment several times this year. I am also undertaking the IPA Emerging Leaders Graduate Programme currently which provides AOs from across the Civil Service with the tools to progress in their careers and facilitates networking with colleagues across a wide range of departments.
A major benefit of working as an AO is the flexibility! I can avail of flexi time, work from home and also have flexibility around my working hours which is really helpful to manage work/life balance!
Read More About Orla
James
Retail Energy Affordability Policy and Regulation
In 2024, I joined the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment as an Administrative Officer (Policy Officer), working on the Retail Energy Affordability Policy and Regulation team. My day-to day policy work is focused on Energy Poverty, Consumer Protection and Supports and Market Monitoring. I undertake various tasks such as contributing towards policy research in relation to energy poverty and consumer supports, monitoring and reporting on statistics in the retail energy market, assisting with Parliamentary Questions and contributing towards briefings and reports for the Minister among many other tasks.
I value the opportunity to be a part of high-profile projects that help shape Irish public policy and contribute towards bettering Irish society. Collaborating on projects and contributing towards research policy is especially rewarding knowing the impact my work has.
Read More About James
Administrative Officer
Building
Future Readiness
Digital Focus, Innovation
& Upskilling for the Future
Strategic Awareness &
Change
Leading &
Empowering
Leading, Motivating
& Developing
Leading with
Specialist Insight
Capability:
Behaviours
Skills
Strengths
Knowledge
Values
Motivation
Interests
Evidence
Informed Delivery
Delivering
Excellence
Analysis, Judgement
& Decision Making
Communicating
and Collaborating
Communicating
& Influencing
Engaging
& Collaborating
Building
Future
Readiness
Digital Focus, Innovation
& Upskilling for the Future
Leading
&
Empowering
Leading,
Motivating
& Developing
Strategic, Awareness
& Change
Leading with
Specialist Insight
Capability:
Behaviours
Skills
Strengths
Knowledge
Values
Motivation
Interests
Evidence
Informed
Delivery
Delivering Excellence
Analysis, Judgement
& Decision Making
Communicating
& Collaborating
Communicating
& Influencing
Engaging &
Collaborating
Building Future Readiness
Delivering excellent public policy and services requires us to embrace change and innovation. We strive to create an inclusive customer centric strategy and vision that keeps pace with environmental, social and technological changes. Adopting an agile and digital-first approach, we will continually upskill, change and improve how we do things to meet current and future demands.
Digital Focus, Innovation & Upskilling for the Future
Digital Focus
- Maximises the use of technology and digital solutions to drive efficiencies and support better service delivery
Innovation & Creative Solutions
- Delivers innovative ideas, creative solutions and useful suggestions, with a good understanding of the practicalities
- Tries new or different approaches, demonstrating the flexibility to learn from mistakes, adapt and improve
Upskilling for the Future
- Proactively seeks development opportunities, building on strengths and addressing weaknesses or gaps with a positive attitude and willingness to learn
- Committed to building knowledge and skills for the future
Key Skills Examples
- Innovation
- IT and digital skills
- Continuous learning
- Design thinking
- Process improvement
Strategic Awareness
& Change
Strategic Awareness & Future Focus
- Contributes to the development of policy, strategy and future planning for their area
- Understands where their works fits within the broader team and organisational and departmental strategy and sets goals that contribute to strategic objectives
Contextual Awareness
- Keeps up to date with wider Civil Service policies and developments relevant to their own area
- Considers the wider impact of policies and strategies, including who or what they affect
Facilitating Change
- Supports others through change, highlighting the benefits of change, innovation or new technology
- Identifies and makes recommendations for change based on their analysis, expertise and insights
Key Skills Examples
- Supporting change
- Strategic thinking
- Strategy implementation
- Goal setting
- Policy development
Evidence Informed Delivery
Delivering excellent public policy and services requires us to make evidence based and well-informed judgements and decisions, prioritise objectives and effectively manage resources, using relevant information to evaluate the delivered outcome to ensure maximum benefit for the people we serve.
Delivering Excellence
Managing Work Effectively
- Manages, plans and prioritises workload to ensure targets and deadlines are met
- Works in a systematic, organised and efficient manner, getting up to speed with new tasks at an appropriate pace
- Manages projects effectively, reporting on progress and challenges
Delivering Quality Outcomes & Service
- Sets high standards and goals and shows commitment to meeting these
- Has procedures in place to ensure work is of high quality
- Delivers excellent customer service and prioritises the customer experience
- Seeks feedback and evaluates delivery against required outcomes
Attitude, Initiative & Flexibility
- Demonstrates initiative and self-sufficiency in managing and progressing projects and work
- Maintains resilience and a 'can-do' attitude when working under pressure or constraints, seeking support when necessary
- Flexible and agile in the face of challenges or changing demands
Key Skills Examples
- Project management
- Customer service
- Risk management
- Goal setting
- Project evaluation
Analysis, Judgement & Decision Making
Research & Analysis
- Strong research skills, can gather and analyse data from a range of sources, to identify key information or core issues
- Utilises data appropriately to inform research, policy and decision making
- Analyses and evaluates complex verbal and numerical information in an accurate and timely manner
Problem Solving
- Solves problems in a logical manner, gathering relevant information and data, exploring different solutions and escalating issues where necessary
Informed Judgement & Decision Making
- Makes balanced judgements and decisions, drawing from evidence, experience and relevant policies and procedures.
- Makes appropriate and timely decisions, seeking support when required
- Exhibits good judgement in dealing with difficult, ambiguous situations and 'on-the-spot' issues
Key Skills Examples
- Research skills
- Data management & visualisation
- Data analytics
- Critical thinking
Leading and Empowering
Delivering excellent public policy and services requires us to lead in our areas of expertise, inspire others and create a clear vision. We are committed to developing, supporting, and empowering our colleagues to meet their potential and to creating a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone's contribution is valued.
Leading, Motivating & Developing
Leadership Capacity, Coaching & Developing
- Shows leadership capacity, through coaching, supporting and motivating others
- Has a good understanding of other’s strengths and makes an effort to utilise and develop these
- Provides feedback and/or supports performance management, where appropriate or with managerial support
Empowerment, Trust & Honesty
- Empowers and trusts their colleagues, delegates tasks where possible and values others’ input and opinions
- Helps create an inclusive, safe and open teamworking environment
- Works with integrity, honesty and accountability
Social & Emotional Awareness
- Prioritises wellbeing for self and others, showing consideration, empathy and support
- Demonstrates good self-awareness and ability to manage own emotions and behaviour, particularly in challenging situations
Key Skills Examples
- Performance management
- Coaching and feedback
- Conflict management
- Managing remote or blended teams
Leading with Specialist Insight
Specialist Expertise & Professional Development
- Demonstrates a high degree of specialist expertise and knowledge in their area
- Committed to continuous professional development, engaging in relevant courses, conferences and activities to keep knowledge up to date
Leading, Advocating & Knowledge Sharing
- Leads and advocates in their area of expertise, through openly sharing insights, knowledge, evidence and rationale
- Finds opportunities to share and transfer knowledge
- Capable of describing technical terms in an easily understandable manner
Working Independently & Autonomously
- Capable of working independently, as well as with their team and with other areas or functions
- Comfortable working autonomously, determining what work needs to be done and how to do it, with the ability to self-motivate
Key Skills Examples
- Specialist skills in own area of expertise
- Communication and influencing skills
- Research skills
Communicating and Collaborating
Delivering excellent public policy and services requires us to work together, build relationships and collaborate enabling a joined up, whole-of-Government approach. Effective engagement and communication with our customers, clients and colleagues will enhance and build trust in our services.
Communicating & Influencing
Communicating Effectively & Listening to Understand
- Communicates and presents in a clear, professional and engaging manner, across verbal, digital and written communications
- Shares the appropriate level of detail and presents relevant information and data in an accessible and understandable format
- Demonstrates understanding of own communication approach, developing their skills and adjusting style, as appropriate
- Prioritises diversity and makes an active effort to involve and listen to different people and perspectives
Influencing & Negotiation Skills
- Tactfully influences and persuades others and considers compromise when necessary
- Style of influencing, negotiating and managing conflict is appropriate and respectful at all times
- Approaches difficult discussions, questions or negotiations with consideration and sensitivity, seeking support where required
Key Skills Examples
- Written skills
- Presenting
- Active listening
- Influencing and negotiation skills
Engaging & Collaborating
Networking, Engaging & Consulting
- Builds useful networks, internally, externally and internationally
- Prioritises engaging and consulting with relevant stakeholders
Collaboration, Teamwork & Building Relationships
- Effectively collaborates within and outside of their team
- Utilises interpersonal skills to build positive and effective working relationships, even in a blended or hybrid environment
- Keeps their team, colleagues and manager appropriately informed, involved and updated
- Asks questions to understand the work happening across other areas and offers to support cross-functional projects where possible
Key Skills Examples
- Networking skills
- Collaboration
- Teamwork
- Interpersonal skills
Additional Information
For more information visit the Interview Advice page.
To download the Capability Framework (PDF or plaintext accessible version)
please click below: