Energy Policy Specialist

We are currently seeking Energy Policy Specialists with a minimum of 5 years' work experience working (or consulting) in the energy, utility or other regulatory sectors.

The Position

Job Title: Energy Policy Specialist

Starting Salary: €74,031 (Salary scale: €74,031 - €107,795)

Location: The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Hybrid working: Up to 3 days per week remote working available

Closing Date: 12.00 noon, 19.10.2026

Tenure: Appointment will be on a permanent basis, subject to successful completion of the probationary period.

About the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business, ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies for the benefit of all customers.

Our Values are at the core of everything that we do.

1. Integrity: Trust is vital, so we act with integrity at all times and take balanced, evidence-based decisions that are fair and consistent.

2. Professionalism: We are professional in everything we do. We work as a team and always strive to develop our expertise. We are pragmatic and open to alternative processes.

3. Openness: We are committed to co-operation. We clearly explain who we are and what we do. Our processes are open, thorough and consider views from all stakeholders. We explain our decisions in clear language.

4.Accountability: We are accountable for our decisions and for the way we spend our resources. We are independent and open to scrutiny.

The Role of Energy Policy Specialist

Energy Policy Specialists are subject matter experts, providing authoritative technical and policy advice, analysis and expertise to inform CRU decisions. The CRU is now seeking candidates for Energy Policy Specialist roles in the Decarbonisation Division to perform work on policy, economic, technical and regulatory activities of the CRU.

The CRU is seeking candidates to fill Energy Policy Specialist roles in the following areas:

• Onshore Connections (Electricity) - 1 post

Provides expert analysis and strategic advice on electricity connections policy, onshore electricity connections (generation, storage and demand), network access arrangements, connection processes, and regulatory developments in support of decarbonisation objectives.

• Offshore Wind and Interconnection (Electricity) - 1 post

Provides expert analysis and strategic regulatory advice on offshore renewable energy, electricity interconnection policy, and, supporting the development of effective regulatory arrangements.

The CRU intends to hire two (2) Energy Policy Specialists as part of this competition. In addition to filling these posts, a panel of suitable candidates may be established to fill similar roles within the organisation in the future.

Find out more about the CRU at: https://www.cru.ie/

Duties and Responsibilities

The CRU is inviting applications for these permanent positions, from qualified, experienced individuals with a range of experience in the relevant sector.

Reporting to the relevant line Manager, as appropriate to the assigned area, the Energy Policy Specialist will be responsible for:

• Proactively leading assigned energy policy specialist areas, applying subject matter expertise to policy, regulatory, market and technological developments relevant to the CRU.
• Identifying emerging opportunities, risks and recommendations, drawing on research, analysis, consumer insights and stakeholder perspectives to inform regulatory decision-making.
• Preparing, reviewing and presenting consultation, information and decision papers to the Commission, ensuring technical robustness, consistency and high-quality policy input.
• Leading and contributing specialist expertise to complex CRU projects, public consultations, regulatory policy development and the analysis of stakeholder feedback.
• Providing authoritative specialist advice and support to the Commission, Senior Leadership Team and wider organisation on relevant regulatory issues.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with industry participants, government bodies, consumer representatives and other stakeholders to support informed regulatory outcomes.
• Participating in and reporting on taskforces, working groups and committees, providing specialist expertise and recommendations.
• Mentoring colleagues, facilitating knowledge transfer and promoting best practice across relevant specialist areas.
• Management of external consultants, including developing tender specifications, evaluating submissions and project/contract management.
• Carrying out such other functions as may be required from time to time to fulfil the business objectives of the CRU and as appropriate to the grade.

While the successful candidate will be assigned to a particular team within the CRU, the role of the Energy Policy Specialist is to contribute to the work of the wider Division/CRU in regard to their specialism. In this regard, the Energy Policy Specialist can expect to apply their specialism and deliver outputs for a number of teams and divisions across the CRU.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Requirements

Candidates must have, on or before the closing date for applications, the following:

1. An honours degree (NFQ Level 8 equivalent) in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to economics, finance, law, engineering, mathematics, statistics, public policy, etc.);

2. Minimum of 5 years' work experience working (or consulting) in the energy, utility or other regulatory sectors.

Desirable Requirements:

1. A postgraduate qualification (i.e., Master's or PhD) in a relevant discipline (including but not limited to economics, finance, law, engineering, mathematics, statistics, public policy, etc.);

2. As appropriate to the Energy Policy Specialist area, candidates may have experience of one or more of the following:

• developing and/or implementing policy in the energy, utility or other regulatory sectors;
• economic regulation, including the development of regulatory frameworks such as electricity and/or gas network charging arrangements, to improve consumer outcomes and protection;
• working within an energy regulator, transmission or distribution network operator, utility company, consultancy, government body or other as relevant to the role;
• engaging with a broad range of stakeholders;
• using advanced quantitative modelling tools and data analytics.

The Package

Salary

*Starting salary of €74,031

Salary scale: €74,031 - €107,795

• *Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale.
• The rate of remuneration may be adjusted in line with the Government pay policy.
• Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.
• Salary increments will be awarded annually, subject to satisfactory performance.

Benefits

• Attractive Defined Benefits Pension Scheme.
• Opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days per week (with option to apply to work up to 6 weeks fully remote).
• Access to the cycle-to-work scheme.
• Opportunity for further education
• 30 days of annual leave
• 11 bank holidays/ public holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Tax saver Bus / Luas scheme available to assist with travel costs to and from work.

Access to CRU’s Employee Assistance Programme.

The CRU will provide you with ongoing support and training, and there will be ample opportunity for professional development, allowing you to maximise your potential and progress your career.

Application Process

The CRU have engaged Cpl Ireland as a data processor to assist the CRU with this recruitment competition.

Cpl Ireland will collect application information and assess suitability on behalf of the CRU.

Information collected by Cpl Ireland will be kept for 12 months after the conclusion of the competition.

Should you have any queries surrounding the application process, please contact [email protected].

Application Procedure

• To apply for this full-time opportunity, candidates must submit an application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications - (19.10.2026 - not later than 12 noon)
• As part of the application form, candidates will be required to upload a Cover Letter and C.V., which clearly demonstrate how they meet the key requirements of the role.
• The application form can be found here - Career Opportunities | The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) (cpl.com)
• Candidates must be eligible to work full-time in Ireland at the time of application.
• The CRU do not reimburse any expenses incurred by candidates during the interview process.
• Any candidate requiring any accommodation for the interview or other elements of the selection process should notify us at [email protected] so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview.

• A two-stage interview process may apply.
• Candidates may be asked to make a short presentation on a brief that will be forwarded prior to the interview. If a presentation is part of the interview, it must be submitted by the deadline given, or the interview will not take place.
• Candidates may be contacted by CPL via email and/or telephone as part of the recruitment process. It is the responsibility of each candidate to monitor their emails/phones regularly and to ensure that they remain reachable for any communication related to their application.
• Please note that for some roles, candidates who are successful at the first-round interview may be required to complete a psychometric assessment as part of the selection process, typically in advance of the final interview. The assessments are designed to provide additional insight into a candidate’s working style and preferences, which can enhance the interview panel's understanding during the final stage of the selection process. These assessments are designed to be unbiased, with no right or wrong answers, and the insights gathered will help inform the interview questions, ensuring a more tailored and effective dialogue in the final round.
• The CRU assesses all applicants fairly based on the requirements for the role. Due to the high volume of applications, we receive for positions, we are unable to provide feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted for an interview. If you are shortlisted for interview, and are subsequently unsuccessful, you can request verbal feedback.
• The CRU intends to establish a panel on foot of this general recruitment competition to fill future posts that may arise at this level within the CRU for a period of 12 months from the date of the first appointment from the panel.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The CRU is an equal opportunities employer who are committed to supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce. We endeavour to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunities offered, and so reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during this process.

Please contact [email protected], in confidence, should you require any assistance.

Recruitment Privacy Notice

The CRU Recruitment Privacy Notice sets out how we protect the privacy rights of job applicants and can be found on the Careers page on the CRU Website, or alternatively, you can contact [email protected], who will arrange for this to be sent directly to you.