---

Job description

Energy is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas in which to work in the Northern Ireland Civil Service. The energy portfolio is diverse, complex and spans all the energy we need for electrical power, heat and transport. Up until relatively recently every single unit of energy which we needed in our homes, in our businesses and for transport was imported and we are still a 'price taker' for all the energy we import and consume. In December 2021 the Executive agreed the new Energy Strategy and in June 2022, the Assembly established the new Climate Change Act. The targets are challenging and far-reaching. The Energy Strategy will deliver self-sufficiency in affordable renewable energy for Northern Ireland. Self-sufficiency means that we will end the importing of all fossil fuels. Northern Ireland has access to renewable fuel sources for all of our energy needs - wind, solar, biomethane and geothermal. We also need to be able to be able to 'keep the lights on' when energy demand reaches its peak in mid-winter and the wind isn’t blowing and this is where storage comes in - batteries and seasonal storage for decarbonised gas such as biomethane and green hydrogen. The solutions which we need to deliver an integrated decarbonised energy system provide an economic opportunity for this region, the like of which we haven’t seen in 150 years. These solutions are already being created by local innovative companies across the utility and engineering sectors including the software solutions which are needed to dynamically balance the supply and demand of energy in our smart, flexible and resilient integrated energy system for power, heat and transport. These new solutions play to the DNA of this place - it is 'back to the future' in energy, for example, in energy and advanced materials handling - leveraging the things which we are really good at to grow the prosperity of this region and provide new skilled jobs for our people. Energy policy is largely devolved to Northern Ireland, making this an exciting time to join us as we urgently take forward this substantial, high-profile and really important work. These roles present a unique opportunity for the postholder to make a real difference in delivering energy decarbonisation and to society more broadly. We are seeking professional staff who are knowledgeable and have expertise in their respective field and who want to make an urgent and significant contribution to the future of energy in Northern Ireland. In return, we can offer an attractive benefits package, flexible working opportunities, excellent career prospects both within energy and the wider Northern Ireland Civil Service, as well as the opportunity to make a real difference to our people’s lives. Thank you for your interest in this post and look forward to your application.

Responsibilities

• In Energy Group, Deputy Principals (DPs) lead on informing, developing and delivering key areas of energy policy and legislation.
• They may work closely with, and support a Head of Branch in the management of a significant area of energy work or operate as a relatively independent head of a substantial energy project or process. Some examples are:
• Analysing wholesale and retail energy markets, including price trends, competition, and market design;
• Monitoring and mitigating energy security of supply risks, including resilience planning and emergency preparedness;
• Designing and implementing renewable electricity, heat, community energy and other support schemes, to deliver on climate change targets and grow the green economy as part of a just transition.
• Please see Candidate Information Booklet for further information.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A minimum of 2 years demonstrable experience of working within at least one relevant energy policy or operational area.
• OR B) At least a second-class honours degree (2.2) in an engineering, energy, environmental sciences, numerate or economics discipline, or in a subject where research, statistics or analysis were a major component.
• A minimum of 2 years' experience of effective leadership, setting strategic direction and managing resources to successfully deliver business objectives in a complex and changing environment.
• AND a minimum of 2 years’ experience of building constructive, positive, and collaborative partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior management, to effectively deliver significant organisational objectives.
• Please refer to the Candidate Information Booklet

Desirable Skills

• In addition, applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the Panel will carry out an objective evaluation of the strength and breadth of the evidence provided..
• ..by candidates in response to eligibility criterion 2.

Further Information

Location: Adelaide House, 39-49 Adelaide Street, Belfast NICS Application form only, Vacancy closing date Friday 12th September 2025 at 12 noon. Applications from Protestants, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer. All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit

Application Information

Visit the recruitment service website www.nicsrecruitment.org.uk (Please quote reference number: IRC316734)