CER GRADUATE 2 YEAR PROGRAMME
JOB SPECIFICATION 2016
Role:
Reporting to:
Position:
Location:
Graduate Two Year Programme
Division Manager
Two year programme (with possibility of extension / permanency)
Tallaght
Dublin 24
Direct Reports:
None
The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) is Ireland’s independent energy and water regulator with a
wide range of economic, safety and customer protection responsibilities across energy and water.
The CER’s current responsibilities include economic regulation of the Irish electricity and natural gas
sectors spanning both competitive markets and monopoly networks. The overall aim of the CER’s
economic regulation role is to protect the interests of customers and to maintain the country’s security
of gas and electricity supply in what is a constantly changing environment. The CER is also economic
regulator of public water and waste water services in Ireland and the focus is serving the best interests
of Irish Water’s customers. In both energy and water, the CER has an important related function in
customer protection by resolving complaints that customers have with energy and water companies.
The CER is leading on the national smart metering programme, aimed at upgrading to the next
generation of energy meters and transforming retail markets. The CER’s safety responsibilities include
safety regulation of electrical contractors, gas and LPG installers and the safe operation of the onshore
gas network with a view to protecting life and property. The CER is also the safety regulator of upstream
petroleum safety activities including off-shore gas and oil.
Do YOU have the Energy?
The CER is now seeking high achieving graduates to join the organisation and play their role in the future
of the energy and water sectors in Ireland, focusing on the economic, safety and customer protection
functions of the organisation.
If you want to be part of a progressive and dynamic organisation, driving change and protecting the
public interest in key areas of the Irish economy and society, we are the organisation for you. For the
right candidate, you will be placed on a two year programme where you will be given the opportunity to
develop skills and gain experience in regulation, policy-making, financial analysis, team-working, verbal
and written communication, stakeholder management and negotiation. On successful completion of the
programme, there may be the possibility of extension or permanent appointment depending on a
suitable vacancy being available at the time.
As a Graduate Analyst, you will be challenged to develop your technical knowledge so that a firm
foundation is in place to make the transition from education to industry. The CER will provide you with
ongoing support and training and there will be ample opportunity for professional development
allowing you to maximise your potential in shaping and implementing complex regulatory policy.
Role Description
Reporting to a manager, the successful candidate will be involved in a varied role working to tight
deadlines in a dynamic environment. The role would typically include activities such as:

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Developing a good working knowledge of team and division as well as CER’s key strategic
objectives;
Assisting with researching energy policy issues and identification of energy and water market
data/trends;
Assisting with spreadsheet analysis and arrangement of energy/water data, and financial
modelling, for example to estimate the wholesale price of electricity;
Assisting on monitoring industry with respect to their safety obligations, including shadowing on
safety audits and inspection and inputting into enforcement actions;
Drafting agendas and minutes and making short presentations;
Working as a member of a team, but also as on specific project teams as required;
Dealing with internal and external stakeholders in a positive manner in order to further CER
objectives;
Maintaining an awareness of best practice both within the energy and water industry and
related industries both in Ireland and internationally.
However, the above list is not exhaustive.
The Candidate:
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Has an excellent academic record (2.1 or higher), preferably in Economics, Law, Engineering,
Science, Finance, Business or other closely related discipline.
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Possesses good analytical skills, such that they are able to:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
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identify and define public policy issues;
undertake spreadsheet analysis;
undertake economic, policy and financial analysis to a professional standard;
monitor and evaluate industry’s ongoing performance with respect to safety;
Can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills such that they are able to:
i.
ii.
assist in presenting policy analysis and advice to management;
assist in the drafting of comprehensive, well-structured and detailed policy documents;
iii.
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Possesses self-management skills and the motivation to be able to:
i.
ii.
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assist senior staff to present policy advice to decision makers.
efficiently plan and organise their own work time;
assess priorities within their own area of work.
Is a versatile self-starter who demonstrates:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
a keen interest in public policy;
a positive attitude towards their work;
willingness to work as part of an interactive team;
willingness to accept new challenges;
an ability to build and maintain good networks internally and externally, and to keep up
to date with the academic literature around their key areas of work;
an ability to maintain a broad focus on, and interest in current affairs that relate to the
Commission.
The Package
We are offering an attractive package:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
Starting salary of €30,221
Pension scheme
Increments may be awarded subject to satisfactory performance
Access to cycle to work scheme
v.
25 days annual leave on appointment
vi.
9 days bank/ public holiday
vii.
Flexible working arrangements
viii.
Tax free bus / Luas to assist with travel costs to and from work
ix.
Access to employee assistance programme
x.
xi.
Future opportunity for further education
Professional working surroundings
Application Process
A C.V. and cover letter clearly demonstrating how you meet the key requirements of the role should be
sent (preferably by email) to CER’s HR Manager at the address below by Friday, 2nd September 2016 at
12 midnight
Commission for Energy Regulation,
The Exchange,
Belgard Square North,
Tallaght,
Dublin 24.
Tel: +353 1 4000800
Fax: +353 1 4000850
Email: [email protected]
Short listed candidates will be invited to attend for interview and may be asked to make a short
presentation on a brief that will be forwarded prior to interview. A two-stage interview process may also
be applied. The CER may establish a shortlist of suitable candidates for potential future positions within
the organisation.