Senior Offshore Renewable Energy Specialist

We have an exciting opportunity in the Research & Technology Department Offshore Renewable Energy team in either our Dublin or Cork Offices. The SEAI Research & Technology Department informs on the evidence base upon which important energy policy decisions are based, & supports Ireland’s energy research priorities, supports market development within the energy sector and contributes to wider public information on sustainable energy. The team is composed primarily of analytical and technical experts from engineering, science or similar technical backgrounds who are focused on developing solutions to the challenge of decarbonising Ireland’s energy system. This includes teams in the areas of Research & Innovation, Offshore Energy, Electricity & Wind, Heat & Bioenergy, and EU Energy Research.SEAI’s roles and responsibilities in respect of research and innovation are mandated in the Sustainable Energy Act 2002 and include coordinating, promoting, and assisting research, development and demonstration of technologies related to sustainable energy. The Offshore Energy team are an enthusiastic and innovative team, with wide ranging stakeholders across the system, who are committed to the high-quality delivery of SEAI’soffshore energy areas, which include:Policy support and technical advice to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications and other Government departments and agencies.Supporting the Irish offshore / ocean research community with funding opportunities.Delivery of national marine research test sites.Coordinating role of Ireland’s offshore / ocean energy research activities and networks nationally and internationallySector-wide stakeholder engagement, expert representation, and public information The Offshore Renewable Energy Programme which sits within the Research and Technology Department is now seeking a Senior Offshore Energy Specialist with expertise in offshore renewable energy incorporating offshore wind, wave and tidal energy to join the team. The successful candidate will report directly to the Programme Manager for Offshore Renewable Energy.The Role Profile  This position will play a key role in the above Department. The successful candidate will join an enthusiastic and innovative team who are committed to the high-quality delivery of SEAI’s responsibilities related to offshore renewable energy incorporating offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. To ensure that activity peaks within the Department are addressed in a proactive manner, it is expected that the candidate appointed to this role will need to be flexible in terms of working hours during these periods. Key Responsibilities of the role of Senior Offshore Energy Specialist  The responsibilities of the Senior Offshore Energy Specialist 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: Provide technical expertise and strategic advice on offshore renewable energy technologies, including but not limited to offshore wind, wave energy conversion and tidal stream conversion.Analyse and monitor offshore renewable energy technological developments and trends in critical parameters such as LCOE, CAPEX, OPEX, capacity factors, specific power etc.Support the DECC in the delivery of relevant actions under the Climate Action Plan and any other relevant strategic plans, including analysis of resource potential, economic analysis of deployment and technology foresight mapping in IrelandDeliver evidence-based advice to DECC related to the delivery of policy and support programmes including modelling scenarios for the future development of offshore renewable energy sector in IrelandDevelop and maintain strong business relationships and work collaboratively with a range of internal and external stakeholders to develop and promote new and existing strategies to advance the creation of an indigenous offshore renewables energy industry.Provide direction and insights for research, development and demonstration of offshore renewable energy and identify gaps and opportunities for research topicsContribute to Ireland’s participation in international research including the IEA Technology Collaboration Programmes for Wind and Ocean Energy Systems and EU Working GroupsParticipate in additional research activities relating to the offshore sector and participate in European research projectsRepresent SEAI at national and international events to promote the offshore renewable energy programme and the Irish ocean energy sectorManage and direct third-party consultants in the delivery of assigned tasks and reportsMentor members of the Offshore Renewable Energy team as requiredWork closely with other teams in the Research and Technology Department and corporate servicesAssist with strategic planning for future requirements, adapt to changes effectivelyAny other assignments as requested by the Programme Manager To ensure that activity peaks within the Department are addressed in a proactive manner, it is expected that the candidate appointed to this role will need to be flexible in terms of working hours during these periods.   Essential Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate;A minimum of 5 years of experience working in the offshore renewable energy sector preferably in an areas related to offshore renewable energy, wind energy or the electricity sector (where relevant, this may include time spent on post-graduate level studies)A post-graduate qualification in a relevant energy-related area with a scientific or engineering or economics background or equivalentExpert knowledge of national/international offshore renewable energy-related industry status and ability to identify research and technology strengths and opportunitiesAbility to plan and execute projects with input from several stakeholdersDemonstrable successful project management skills and delivery of projects  Desirable Requirements Qualification at PhD level is desirable but not mandatoryIs considered an expert by stakeholders in the area of offshore renewable energy, demonstrable through peer-review publications or equivalent public sector or industry valued contributionsTrack record of influencing the development of the strategies and policiesEvident success in the delivery of change management and ability to identify and exploit new and innovative solutions or opportunitiesCapacity to undertake full ownership of development, delivery, monitoring and review of relevant projects and programmesWell-developed negotiation and influencing skills There may be a requirement for the successful candidate to further develop specialist knowledge and expertise relevant to the role. Training will be encouraged (formal and informal) and supported where required.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.