Wind Energy Ireland

Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) is the representative body for the Irish wind industry, working to promote wind energy as an essential, economical and environmentally friendly part of the country’s low-carbon energy future.

We are Ireland’s largest renewable energy organisation with more than 200 members who have come together to plan, build, operate and support the development of the country’s chief renewable energy resource.

We are an all-Ireland body, working in Northern Ireland through a partnership with our colleagues in RenewableUK.

We create jobs, invest in communities, reduce our CO2 emissions and work to end Ireland’s reliance on foreign fossil fuels.

We are leaders in Ireland’s response to the climate emergency.

The Candidate:

WEI is delighted to welcome applications from new and recently qualified graduates in all disciplines who would like to express an interest in joining our Graduate Programme in September 2024.

The successful candidate will be joining WEI’s External Affairs team, working closely with the Senior Digital Specialist in particular, as well as with wider internal and external stakeholders.  You will have a keen interest in renewable energy, climate action and effective digital communications. You will be committed to making a difference by helping Ireland respond to the climate emergency.

You are creative, resourceful, productive and you love to think outside the box. You are interested in people, storytelling and digital media. 

Please review the information provided below about this position.  If this programme would be of interest to you, applications (CV with cover letter) should be sent to the email address provided above and should include the following information:   

•    Overview of third-level experience and details of projects undertaken during studies or outside.
•    An outline of how you anticipate using your existing skills in a graduate role. 
•    An outline of why you would like to join WEI and your expectations for the role.

Our External Affairs Team

The External Affairs team is responsible for internal and external communications; ; national and regional public affairs; our education programme in schools; managing relationships with key external policymakers; promoting wind energy as an essential tool in the fight against climate change and supporting the work of our members wherever possible.

Graduate Programme

Our graduate roles offer successful candidates the opportunity to work at the heart of the Irish renewables industry, communicating to key audiences to build public support and political momentum for key climate action in relation to wind energy. The successful candidate will gain a full understanding of the functioning of our organisation by contributing to our other key business functions across Membership, Events, Policy & Research, Communications, and supporting our leadership.

Throughout the Programme, you will be provided with several responsibilities and a range of activities to ensure your knowledge of the wind energy industry, alongside your relevant technical skills and expertise, are developed. You will also be paired with an experienced mentor to support your learning and development throughout the Programme.

In year one, you will have the opportunity to join our Graduate & Career Development Programme. This initiative provides graduates from across the renewables industry with additional potential to expand and grow their knowledge and their network, through a combination of classroom-based learning, group project work, site visits, and social networking with their peers from across the renewables sector. As part of that programme, graduates undertake challenging assignments and will be exposed to various aspects of the sector, including direct training from industry experts.

Role Description

The Graduate Digital Specialist will:

• Create written, graphic & video content from idea to distribution across channels and ensure these are consistent with the brand
• Work with other policy & other teams to present their work in a channel-appropriate way
• Project manage the daily content calendar
• Work across full staff team to create & edit written and video content that distills complex policy information
• Work with the Senior Digital Specialist and external vendors to plan and execute multi-channel digital campaigns
• Support key activities in WEI’s marketing strategy, including tracking delivery plans, developing content, maintaining up to date metrics, and co-ordinating updates for members as needed
• Support internal teams with email, social media, website and blog content
• Monitor and update organic social media channels
• Perform all work to a high standard with a focus on on-time delivery

Required Criteria

• Demonstrated a minimum 2:1 capability in a third level qualification (Communications, Digital Marketing, Marketing, or Sustainability related disciplines will be viewed favourably).
• Enthusiastic and high calibre candidate who demonstrates motivation and interest for working in fast-paced renewable energy sector.
• Possess strong written skills with experience in personal essay, blog or copywriting
• Most importantly, you have strong interpersonal and team working skills, are open to working collaboratively with colleagues and member companies of WEI, as well as demonstrated ability to work off your own initiative.
• Strong planning, organisational and IT skills.
• Committed to playing your part in responding to the climate emergency and making Ireland energy independent.
• Up to date knowledge of main social media platforms – TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
• Ability to introduce innovative ideas, solutions, or new ways of doing things & solve problems independently

Desirable Criteria

• An interest in climate action and the renewable energy sector
• The ability to make relevant content across platforms with skills across the following: basic layout design, video editing, social media management and copywriting
• Experience in writing, editing and ideating written web content including blog posts
• Basic understanding of SEO principles and E-E-A-T
• Interest in basic video editing and experience with Capcut, Canva, Filmora etc.
• Graphic design experience in Canva, Adobe Express or Photoshop
• Interest in social media and verbal on-camera communication
• Demonstrable Experience with a CRM, CMS or EMS platform
• Understanding of digital marketing platforms and reporting
• Experience delivering public-facing advocacy or marketing campaigns

Work Environment and Benefits

Wind Energy Ireland prides itself on being a good employer, creating a people focused company, developing teams, enhancing roles, and supporting its people. We are committed to a positive progressive culture that facilitates a great work environment.

WEI’s offices are based in Naas, Co. Kildare. We accommodate flexible working arrangements, and staff are required to be available to attend meetings and/or work from the office when needed (typically approximately 3 days per month).

Staff are also required to be available to attend WEI conferences and policy forums (typically 4-5 events annually).

Wind Energy Ireland currently provides the following non-salary benefits:

• • 23 annual leave days and 4 company days, plus an option to buy-back an additional 3 days of annual leave each year.
  • Healthcare scheme provided by VHI.
  • Pension scheme with employer contributions.
  • Income protection insurance for staff.
  • Hybrid and flexible working.
  • Supportive maternity & paternity schemes and parents leave.
  • Employee Assistance Programme.
  • A competitive sick pay scheme.
  • Phone and laptop, along with home office equipment.
  • Mileage at standard civil service rates