Job Description
Job Title: Legal SpecialistStarting Salary: €69,747 (Salary scale: €69,747 - €101,558) *Please see below for further information.Location: The Exchange, Belgard Square North, Tallaght, Dublin 24.Working Hours: 37.5 hours per weekHybrid working: Up to 3 days per weekClosing Date: 12.00 pm, Monday, 16th September 2024Tenure: Appointment will be on a permanent basis subject to successful passing of the probationary period.The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU)Our Client 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.ABOUT THE JOBThe CRU Legal Team is part of the Legal, Compliance and Enforcement team, within the Customer Policy and Protection division of the CRU. Led by the Senior Manager for Legal, Compliance and Enforcement, the CRU Legal Team is a growing team of curious and dedicated legal advisors.The CRU Legal Team plays a crucial role in providing expert legal advice and support across a broad range of regulatory and operational functions. The team advises on legal matters related to each of the sectors regulated by the CRU, ensuring compliance with national and EU regulations. The team is responsible for reviewing draft legislation, consultations and decision papers on proposed regulatory policies, and other policy documents. The team also supports the CRU in any legal proceedings, instructing external legal advisors when necessary.The team’s key mission is to ensure that the CRU operates within a robust legal framework, safeguarding its mandate to protect customer interests and ensure fair and transparent market practices through an exciting period of change as Ireland seeks to achieve our net zero objectives.DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESThe role of legal specialist in the CRU offers an exciting opportunity to work in a unique, varied, and challenging environment. The successful candidate will help the CRU to deliver its ambitious work plan while gaining excellent experience in a fast-developing area of law.Reporting to the Senior Manager for Legal, Compliance and Enforcement and working with a team of legal advisors, the legal specialist’s role is to provide sound legal advice to senior management and to the organisation as a whole, working with all Divisions to ensure the successful delivery of the CRU’s Strategic Plan.Key requirements and responsibilities include but are not limited to:Assisting with legal research and drafting of legal advice on the full spectrum of issues relating to safety and economic regulation in the utilities sector, including statutory interpretation and drafting, energy law, public and administrative law, administrative enforcement, criminal enforcement, and EU law;Assisting with the management of litigation involving the CRU;Assisting with the provision of legal knowledge and training services to other divisions within the CRU;Working with relevant divisions to assist with drafting of policy documents and to identify potential legal risks and ensure that these are addressed appropriately;Assisting with the review and drafting of procurement documents, including tender queries, contracts and service agreements with third party suppliers;Monitoring the regulatory and utility legal landscape and provide updates to relevant business units of impending legislation or policy developments that may impact their operation, whether domestic or EU;Assisting in the management of the CRU’s interaction with its external legal advisors;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 above list is not exhaustive. While the successful candidate will be assigned to a particular team within the CRU, they will also be expected to contribute to the work of the wider Division/CRU as requirements dictate.QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLSEssential Requirements:Candidates must have on or before the closing date for applications the following:An honours degree, NFQ Level 8 equivalent;On or before 1 August 2024: Been admitted and be enrolled as a Solicitor in the State, entitled to hold a Practicing Certificate issued by the Law Society of Ireland (without any restrictions attached) and must continue to be so entitled to hold such a certificate;orBeen called to the Bar of Ireland;andMinimum of 3 years’ relevant experience or practice working in at least one of the following areas: EU law, energy law, public and administrative law, information law (specifically freedom of information and data protection), procurement law, litigation (particularly judicial review), statutory interpretation, and the enforcement of regulatory powers.Core CompetenciesBuilding Relationships and CommunicationJudgement and Decision MakingSpecialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self DevelopmentManagement and Delivery of ResultsLeadership and Strategic DirectionDrive and Commitment to Public Service ValuesTHE PACKAGESalary*Starting salary of €69,747Salary scale: €69,747 - €101,558*Candidates should note that entry will be at the minimum point of the scale.The rate of remuneration may be adjusted in line with Government pay policy.Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.Salary increments will be awarded annually, subject to satisfactory performance.APPLICATION PROCESSTo apply for this full-time opportunity, candidates must submit an application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications – (Monday, 12 pm, 16th September 2024 - to be received not later than 12 pm)As part of the application form candidates will be required to upload a Cover Letter and C.V. which clearly demonstrates how they meet the key requirements of the role.The application form can be found here - Career Opportunities | The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) (cpl.com)Candidates must be eligible to work full time in Ireland at time of application.The CRU do not reimburse any expenses incurred by candidates during the interview process.Any candidate requiring any accommodation for interview or other elements of the selection process should notify us at cru@cpl.ie so that appropriate arrangements can be made. #J-18808-Ljbffr