The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) was established as Ireland’s national energy authority under the Sustainable Energy Act 2002. SEAI’s mission is to play a leading role in transforming Ireland into a society based on sustainable energy structures, technologies and practices.
Reporting to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications. SEAI is responsible for an annual budget of circa €440m. The Government is investing €8 billion of Exchequer funds to 2030, and SEAI is responsible for administrating schemes in support of Government’s objectives.
To fulfil this mission SEAI aims to provide well-timed and informed advice to Government, and deliver a range of programmes efficiently and effectively, while engaging and motivating a wide range of stakeholders and showing continuing flexibility and innovation in all activities. SEAI’s actions will help advance Ireland to the vanguard of the global green technology movement, so that Ireland is recognised as a pioneer in the move to decarbonised energy systems.
The Role
The role of Head of Public Affairs is a new role within SEAI to enhance the organisation’s domestic public affairs and stakeholder engagement through effective communication strategies, brand building, and ensuring strategic engagement with a broad spectrum of appropriate target stakeholders.
This role will report directly to the Authority’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and will collaborate closely with the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Department of Marketing and Communications and with teams across the organisation. They will be responsible for the achievement of overall strategic objectives and monitoring and measuring the performance of these activities.
Application and Further Information
For further information and to apply for this role visit www.mazars.ie/executiverecruitment .
All enquiries relating to this role should be directed to the Executive Recruitment Team by email to execrecruit@mazars.ie or by telephone on +353 (1) 449 4400.
Mazars will be managing all aspects of this recruitment project on behalf of SEAI
No enquiries or canvassing should be made directly to SEAI
Deadline for applications: Monday, 21st August at 12 noon.
SEAI is an equal opportunities employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality at all levels of the organisation.
The Person
The successful candidate will be deeply purpose driven with strong personal values and deep commitment to the role and be able to demonstrate evidence of:
Key Knowledge and skills
- Exceptional public affairs and strategic stakeholder engagement experience with strong knowledge of best practice in influencing, advocacy, networking, and negotiation
- Extremely strong written and verbal communications
- Customer focused relationship building and personal effectiveness
- Researching, inspecting and interpreting information
- Prioritising and meeting deadlines
- Commanding the respect of both internal and external audiences
- Budget Management
Essential Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate evidence of:
- Master’s Degree level qualification, ideally in public policy and legislation, public affairs and communications or political communications.
- 7+ years’ professional experience working in a senior communications, public affairs, advocacy, or corporate communications position
- Clear knowledge of the political, governmental, and climate action landscape in Ireland
- Expertise of delivering successful advocacy campaigns and fronting policies and programmes
- Experience of liaising and negotiating with a wide range of organisations/individuals, such as media outlets and journalists
- A full current driving licence
Desirable Requirements
The successful candidate may demonstrate evidence of:
- Experience of and a proven track record of working with the political system including Ministers, TDs
- Significant experience engaging with senior stakeholders
- Knowledge of the legislative process and parliamentary procedures/rules
- Knowledge of European climate actions and developments
- Knowledge of environmental issues, particularly as they relate to Energy/Climate
- Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
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.