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 work as part of a team to shape and advance policies that support the growth and development of the wind energy sector. You will be able to support WEI’s engagement with key stakeholders. You will enjoy staying up to date on policy developments, particularly in the area of planning. You will be committed to helping Ireland respond to the climate emergency.

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:  

• Details of projects undertaken during studies and overview of third-level experience.
• 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 Policy and Research Team

The successful candidate will be joining our Policy and Research Team, working closely with our team of Policy Managers, Senior Analysts, Analysts and Graduate Analysts. We represent members with projects across the development spectrum - in operation, under construction, awaiting connection, and along the whole supply chain. Our members are involved in over 95% of connected and planned onshore and offshore wind projects in Ireland. You will be reporting to a Policy Manager. 

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 Policy Analyst will:

• Undertake challenging assignments and be offered exposure to various aspects of the policy and research activities of our organisation, and with this role, you will have a particular focus on supporting WEI’s planning and consenting activities.
• Have the opportunity to work at the heart of the Irish renewables industry, supporting the delivery of crucial policy measures and offering exposure to different aspects of our business, particularly in the areas of policy and research.
• Gain a full understanding of the functioning of our organisation by contributing to our other key business functions across Membership, Events, Administration, Communications, and support to our leadership.
• Have project-based responsibilities and be involved in the coordination and support of WEI committee and working group activities.
• To support your learning and development and deepen your industry knowledge, you will be paired with an experienced mentor throughout the Programme.

Required Criteria

• Demonstrated a minimum 2:1 capability in a third level qualification. Ideally related to engineering, business or economic disciplines. (Renewable energy related disciplines, which include a focus on planning and consenting in particular, will be viewed particularly favourable).
• Enthusiastic and high calibre candidate who demonstrates motivation and interest for working in fast-paced renewable energy sector.
• Possess strong written and verbal communication, as well as problem-solving skills.
• Most importantly, you have strong interpersonal and team working skills, are open to working collaboratively with colleagues and members 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.
• Ability to introduce innovative ideas, solutions, or new ways of doing things & solve problems independently.

Desirable Criteria

• Good level of existing knowledge, interest and understanding of wind energy and the Irish planning system.
• Understanding of the Irish political, media and policymaking landscape.
• Clean and full driving licence.

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 4 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