Gas Networks Ireland operates and maintains Ireland’s €3 billion, 14,758km national gas network, supplying reliable energy to more than 720,000 homes and businesses. The network delivers more than 30% of the country’s total energy and 40% of its electricity generation.
We are dedicated to achieving net zero and advancing the energy transition through integrated planning and collaboration with the energy industry. To realise our vision and to be at the heart of Ireland’s energy future, we are committed to transforming our network to achieve net zero carbon emissions onboarding biomethane and green hydrogen.
We have a proud legacy, and our values guide how we work every day - drawing on our experience, doing what’s right for each other and our communities, and staying energised for the change ahead.
When you join Gas Networks Ireland, you become part of an organisation that invests in its people. We are committed to supporting your growth and wellbeing in a workplace where everyone can contribute and thrive.
The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is the 7th of May, and applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.
Background
The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (“DCEE”), ‘Energy Security Package’, Action 17 has identified that Ireland needs a strategic gas emergency reserve to achieve security of gas supply during a supply interruption as Ireland makes a secure transition to majority renewable energy.
DCEE has engaged GNI to prepare a substantive proposal for the optimal solution to deliver the strategic reserve project. GNI has created a separate internal team which is responsible for progressing the strategic gas emergency reserve initiative which is responsible for assessing viable technical solutions, developing a comprehensive business case and programme plan for delivery, namely the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Lawyer the Associate Commercial Lawyer will support the legal workstream and provide advice across a range of aspects of the SGER project. This will include: drafting and negotiating project documentation; overseeing contract procurement, negotiation and implementation; supporting regulatory compliance; engaging with internal and external stakeholders on legal and governance issues; and support the necessary SGER reporting and programme structures. The Associate Commercial Lawyer will work closely with other internal teams (legal, engineering, regulatory, finance, planning & environmental, commercial, project management) as well as external advisors and contractors.
Duties and Responsibilities
Report directly to the Commercial Lawyer and keep them briefed and up to date on workstreams and key project developments.
Provide day-to-day legal advice to the SGER team across a range of commercial, corporate, energy, and governance matters.
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial contracts, tender documents, NDAs, property agreements, contracts for services, etc.
Attend relevant forums related to contract and governance approvals.
Provide in-house legal advice for all procurement matters, including construction contracts, with support from external advisors as appropriate.
Support the project’s compliance obligations under energy, environmental, planning, and health & safety laws, including the preparation of relevant compliance submissions
Support Commercial Lawyer and Project team with regular programme reporting, project management, and preparation of reporting materials for Board, Steering Committees and other governance stakeholders.
Manage and support external legal advisors to deliver required business outcomes.
Engage directly with key external stakeholders including government departments, New ERA, the CRU, and other regulators and consent authorities.
Maintenance of legal files, registers and records and tracking legal workstream actions, deadlines, and programme deliverables.
Support the training of the programme team in corporate, commercial, and energy law and governance matters.
Support the establishment and ongoing governance of new legal entities as required by the programme.
Perform additional tasks, activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Qualified Solicitor with at least 3 years’ post-qualification experience, preferably including 1 years in commercial contracts.
- Experience in infrastructure projects, corporate transactions, company law, construction contracts and/or health and safety law is advantageous but not essential.
- Ability to consider a wide range of legal issues across a broad spectrum of legislation, providing practical, risk-based recommendations.
- Proven ability to review and negotiate commercial contracts, advising on risks and mitigation measures.
- Experience managing external legal advisors and handling complex issues with limited supervision.
- Knowledge of public procurement procedures and legislation, and standard form construction contracts is advantageous but not essential.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and influence at multiple levels.
Equal Opportunities Employer
Gas Networks Ireland is an equal opportunities employer, committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. Through our ibelong framework, we work to ensure that everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute.
We welcome applications from all suitably experienced candidates, regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the Traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or disability.
We also value diverse career journeys and warmly welcome candidates returning to the workforce or bringing non-linear experience, including transferable skills gained through life and professional pathways.
If you require any reasonable accommodations at any stage, please contact us at recruit@gasnetworks.ie and we will support you to ensure a positive and equitable candidate experience.
We offer hybrid working arrangements to help you balance work and life, and to support you in bringing your best to the organisation.
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