Senior Heat Decarbonisation Specialist - Bioenergy

For full job description please visit: https://www.seai.ie/careers/research-and-technology/THE ROLE PROFILEThis position will play a key role in the Decarbonised Heat Team. The Decarbonised Heat team are an enthusiastic and innovative team, with wide ranging stakeholders across the system, who are committed to the high-quality delivery of SEAI’s Decarbonised Heat programme areas, which include:Developing evidence base to inform policy makersProviding expert advise for market developmentSupporting the Irish research communityExtensive stakeholder engagement, expert representation and public informationKey Responsibilities of the role of Senior Heat Decarbonisation Specialist - BioenergyThe responsibilities of the Senior Heat Decarbonisation Specialist - Bioenergy outlined in this job description are indicative of the currently envisaged scope and may be added to or altered as required, in line with the requirement of SEAI across Business Units/Department. They will include, but not limited to, the following:Project Research & DesignLead, manage or develop SEAI Bioenergy projects. Projects can range from Bioenergy technological research, industry development or policy development.Policy Analysis & SupportDesign of appropriate Bioenergy related Governance Schemes or ProceduresEvaluate sustainability impacts of policy and estimate costs and benefits to other sectors of bioenergy use.Support DECC in the delivery of legislation and policy development by providing evidence based advise.Lead the design and if needed be involved in conducting relevant legislative obligations arising from the Renewable Energy Directive on the Verification of Sustainability of Biomass or other obligations or in the Supervision of related Certification Bodies for Verification of Sustainable Biomass in Ireland.SEAI Teams Development & Coordination with other teams. Internally and externallyAdvise SEAI delivery schemes of terms and conditions to promote low-carbon options and best practice.Assist the Bioenergy Project Manager, SEAI Research and Development Team and the Head of Research & Technology in ensuring they are kept informed of emerging bioenergy trends and technology developments.Represent SEAI and Ireland externally on working groups and committees.Support the RD&D team by providing bioenergy expertise informing on research gaps, and applicant/grant evaluation.Irish and International Research SupportMonitoring Ireland’s bioenergy International Energy Agency (IEA) participation.Identify gaps in Irish research capacity and seek to build it through RDD and IEA involvement.Bioenergy SEAI Best practice Design or manage the development best practice standards or guides, and engage market stakeholders to adopt for project design, implementation and operation (including Local Authorities involved in Bioenergy for Heating).Conduct ongoing organisational tasks including SEAI website update, including its Bioenergy contents.Undertake any other duties / projects as may be required from time to time within Research and Technology, and in alternative Business Units.Key Knowledge and SkillsThe knowledge and skills required include but are not limited to the following: Expertise Expertise in performing and coordinating complex analysis of emerging areas, applying to real world scenarios and advising outcomes to key stakeholders. CommunicationExcellent communication (written and oral) and presentation skills in addition to good interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate technical information to non-technical audiences. Team Management and Leadership Demonstrated ability to manage a team.A proactive approach in objective setting, project tracking and driving for timeliness, quality, and clarity of results and to operate with little guidance on project deliverables.A capacity to foster a positive working relationship with colleagues at all levels; to work in multi-disciplinary teams and to network effectively. Management & AnalysisA proven proactive approach to achieving results, including managing scope, time, risk assessment, cost, and quality.Ability to think and inform strategically.Management Excellent project management and organisation skills together with the ability to prioritise work and manage competing demands with a proven track record in meeting deadlines.Ability to work under pressure and achieve tight deadlines with attention to detail.The ability to work on own initiative and display sound judgement.Ability to mentor other team members. IT skillsWell-developed IT skills including familiarity with databases, excel modelling, PowerPoint etc.Essential RequirementsThe successful candidate must be able to demonstrate:A relevant 3rd level qualification i.e. Degree and/or equivalent qualification in Engineering / Economics / Science or equivalent.Specific expertise in conducting complex analysis, including cost benefit analysis, and advising on actions to stakeholders.A minimum of 5 years’ recent work experience in a senior role, in a relevant area to this post.Ability to think and act strategically.Ability to exercise initiative and to be able to operate independently.Must be flexible in approach, able to identify changes required within a project to mitigate risk and make the project more effective and efficient.Team & project managementStrong proactive approach to achieving results, including managing teams, project scope, time, cost, and quality. Essential RequirementsExperience in decarbonised heat / energy research, policy development or modelling.Specific expertise in Sustainability or Energy related Certification processes.Solid knowledge of the National, EU and international bioenergy research and innovation landscape.Qualification at PhD level.Experience designing or operating sustainability certification schemes.Eligibility to Work:  The SEAI has a legal obligation to ensure that all employees are lawfully entitled to work in Ireland. Where applicable and to support a candidate’s application, candidates must submit a valid work permit/visa confirming permission to work in Ireland. Failure to submit the required evidence, and failure to hold a valid permit/visa during the period of the contract, will result in the application and/or contract of employment being rendered void.