Job Title: Senior Modelling Analyst (Senior Analyst)
Job Description:
About the CRU
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Ireland's independent energy and water regulator. The work of the CRU impacts every Irish home and business ensuring safe, secure and sustainable energy and water supplies for the benefit of all customers.
Ireland’s ambitions for renewable energy deployment in Ireland necessitate a step-change in the pace of policy decision-making and delivery of actions and statutory duties by the CRU. The CRU is leading significant programs of work in the areas of Security of Energy Supply, the Climate Action Plan 2021 and the Clean Energy Package. New work areas include the development of regulatory frameworks for offshore wind; hydrogen; district heating; and, critically, engaging active customers and communities.
As a Senior Modelling Analyst, you will be challenged to develop your technical knowledge while assisting the CRU to achieve its strategic objectives. The CRU will provide you with ongoing support and training and there will be ample opportunity for professional development allowing you to maximise your potential in shaping and implementing complex regulatory policy.
We are currently seeking a candidate with experience in energy market modelling to fill a post in the Security of Supply and Wholesale Division.
Security of Supply and Wholesale
The Security of Supply and Wholesale Division leads a programme of actions to ensure a secure energy transition to 2030 and beyond. This includes regulation of wholesale electricity capacity, system services and energy markets with the objective of ensuring there is a sustainable and secure electricity system, providing appropriate signals for investment in new renewable generation, and the low carbon and flexible gas generation capacity that will enable this.
The Division also oversees the wholesale all-island Single Electricity Market (SEM) in co-operation with the Utility Regulator in Belfast.
Within the Security of Supply and Wholesale Division the Market Modelling Group (MMG) are responsible for a number of complex workstreams which are dependent on the skills of experienced modellers utilising energy modelling software (PLEXOS). These workstreams include, but are not limited to, Directed Contract (DC) modelling, Public Service Obligation benchmark calculation and Imperfection Tariff reviews.
A shortlist of suitable candidates may be established to fill potential future positions within the organisation.
Role Description
Reporting to the Manager of the Market Modelling Group (MMG), the successful candidate will be involved in a varied role working to tight deadlines in a dynamic environment. The Senior Modelling Analyst role would typically include activities such as:
• Leading and delivering on key workstreams within the CRU, these include but are not limited to, Directed Contract modelling, Public Service Obligation benchmark price calculation and Imperfection Tariff reviews.
• Independently undertaking complex modelling and quantitative analysis and communicate findings in a concise and clear manner.
• Conducting necessary quality assurance checks of models inputs and outputs to ensure accuracy.
• Researching and preparing information and decision papers for the Commission or Single Energy Market Committee as applicable
• Managing public consultations on regulatory policy issues;
• Procuring and managing external consultants to provide expert input to projects and decisions of the Commission.
• Maintaining an awareness of policy developments and best practice within the energy industry both in Ireland and internationally.
• Dealing with internal and external stakeholders in a positive manner in order to further CRU objectives;
• Engaging with NI, GB or EU counterparts on all-island or EU policy or market developments, as required;
• Mentoring Analysts and Graduate Analysts within the Commission and conducting knowledge transfer sessions in order to share knowledge, expertise and learnings;
• Working as a member of a team and leading specific project teams, as required;
• Carrying out such other functions as may be required from time to time to fulfil the business objectives of the CRU and as appropriate to the grade.
The Candidate
Essential requirements
• An honours degree (2.1 honours or higher), NFQ Level 8 equivalent, in an economic financial or other quantitative discipline
• Minimum of 2 years relevant modelling experience in the energy sector, preferably experienced in using PLEXOS Energy Modelling Software
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a regulatory, legal, economic policy making or other relevant role.
Relevant competencies
The successful candidate should:
• Demonstrate excellent analytical skills.
• Possess good decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Possess motivation and self-management skills.
• Be a versatile self-starter.
Desirable requirements
• Ability to take qualitative and quantitative information and analyse/challenge it in a constructive manner.
• Experience of drafting documentation to communicate complex issues/information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to forge effective relationships at all levels internally, externally and cross functionally.
• Knowledge/experience of existing and developing policy frameworks in the regulated energy sector..Experience working in a sector-specific regulator or other governmental organisation.
• Familiarity with the national/EU legal framework under which the CRU operates.
• Willing to diversify knowledge/experience base to appreciate the relevant aspects of regulation.
• Ability to recognise the need to develop own skills and knowledge.
The Package
We are offering an attractive package:
• Starting salary of €55,635 (Salary scale: €55,635 - €70,162)
o Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum of the scale and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.
o Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.
• Attractive Pension Scheme
• Increments will be awarded annually subject to satisfactory performance
• Opportunity to work remotely up to 3 days per week
• Opportunity for further education
• Access to Cycle to Work Scheme
• 25 days annual leave on appointment rising to 29 after 5 years’ service and 31 after 10 years’ service
• 10 days bank / public holiday
• Flexible working arrangements
• Tax free bus / Luas to assist with travel costs to and from work
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
Application Process
Please note, the CRU have engaged RSM Ireland as a data processor to assist the CRU with this recruitment competition. RSM Ireland will collect application information and assess suitability on behalf of the CRU. Information collected by RSM Ireland will be kept for 12 months after the conclusion of the competition
A C.V. along with a cover letter which clearly demonstrates how you meet the key requirements of the role should be sent (by email) to
CRUcareers@rsmireland.ie . Please reference the position title in the email subject line.
The deadline for applications is the 9 April 2023 (to be received not later than 5pm).
Short listed candidates will be invited to attend for interview and may be asked to make a short presentation on a brief that will be forwarded prior to interview. A two-stage interview process may also be applied. The CRU may establish a shortlist of suitable candidates for potential future positions within the organisation.
