Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist

Job Type – Two-year contract with extension subject to performance. 

Location – Must be based in the Republic of Ireland. We currently operate a hybrid homeworking model with flexible working hours. As this is an external facing role some travel will be required to our offices in Naas or Dublin and other events/meetings in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Europe. Candidate should be available to travel at least 1 or 2 times per week on average. 

Working hours – Typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday but hours of work are flexible (we will also consider a part-time position for a candidate who exceeds the minimum required experience and qualifications).

Salary - Competitive package with bonus based on performance.

Reporting to – Head of Energy Storage Ireland.

The successful candidate will work as part of a team to build support for the policies and priorities of Ireland’s energy storage industry by developing and delivering key messages to critical political, industry, policymaking and media stakeholders.

You will be able to draft high-quality, accessible and concise public affairs and communications content to tight deadlines and you will be comfortable publicly representing the organisation to different stakeholders and audiences. You will also be able to develop high-quality content and insights to inform the association’s member engagement and create innovative content to promote energy storage in general across various print, broadcast and digital media channels.

You will enjoy finding new ways to explain complex policy and technical issues so that they are accessible to a wide array of audiences and you will be committed to helping Ireland respond to the climate emergency.

Energy Storage Ireland

Energy Storage Ireland (ESI) is a representative body for the energy storage industry in Ireland and Northern Ireland. We work to promote the benefits of energy storage to decarbonising Ireland’s energy system and engage with policy makers to support and facilitate the development of energy storage on the island.

Our vision is to deliver the energy storage technologies necessary to enable a secure, carbon free electricity system on the island of Ireland by 2035.

You can find out more about the work of ESI, our members, structure, events and reports by visiting our website: www.energystorageireland.com

Role Description

Achieving the renewable energy targets set out in Climate Action Plan will require an unprecedented mobilisation across every level of Irish society. 

The role of the Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist is to build support for the development of energy storage as a key enabler of a cleaner, more independent Irish energy system. By supporting the development of renewable electricity, reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and delivering economic benefits to consumers, energy storage is a key pillar of the energy transition. 

Duties will be varied and will include but are not limited to:

• Draft high-quality, clear and concise public affairs and communications content to support delivery of key strategic objectives of ESI;
• Develop networks with key political, policy-making and media stakeholders;
• Support the team on membership engagement and promotion of new membership opportunities;
• Assist with media enquiries, requests for information and development of association position papers and thought-leadership articles;
• Support member committees and working groups in the areas of communication and stakeholder engagement;
• Develop high-quality content and insights to inform ESI communications and member engagement;
• Create innovative content to promote the association and energy storage in general across various media channels;
• Stay up to date on policy developments in Ireland and Northern Ireland;
• Monitor the media and escalate any matters relevant to the energy storage sector;
• Updating ESI website and social media platforms;
• Support in promotion of conferences, events and publications

Essential:



• Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in public affairs or communications;
• Excellent understanding of the Irish political, media and policymaking landscape;
• Relevant third-level qualification in Public Affairs, Communications, Journalism, or a related field; 
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
• Experience designing high-quality digital content and use of social media channels such as LinkedIn;
• Comfortable representing the organisation in formal and informal settings;
• Experience in establishing, building and maintaining relationships with key political and media stakeholders;
• Highly organised with an ability to multi-task, to take responsibility and to work to tight deadlines;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team, while also being able to define and guide own work under minimal supervision;
• Committed to playing your part in responding to the climate emergency and making Ireland energy-independent; and, 
• Experience working with MS Office tools – particularly MS Word, MS Excel, and MS SharePoint.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of working in a membership-based organisation;
• Knowledge of the Irish energy sector and, particularly, renewable energy and energy storage; 
• Knowledge of energy storage technologies, their use cases and benefits;
• Clean and full driving licence;
• Experience using WordPress and website management; and
• Familiarity with policymaking and relevant stakeholders in the energy sector such as Government departments, planning authorities, the energy regulator, electricity system operators etc. 

ESI is a sister association of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI) which is the representative body for the Irish wind industry. WEI manages the administrative functions of ESI via agreement between the two associations and so this position will be employed by WEI, but the primary duties of the role described above will fall under the remit of ESI.

We pride ourselves on being a good employer, creating a people focused company, developing teams, enhancing roles and supporting our people.

We are committed to a positive progressive culture that facilitates a great work environment.

We currently provide the following non-salary benefits:

• 23 annual leave days and 4 company days, plus an option to buy-back an additional 3 days 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.