Expert Panel Member (Electrical)

We are currently seeking candidate(s) with a recognised technical qualification as a qualified electrician or suitably qualified in the area to critique applications in line with the national curriculum

About the CRU

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) is Irelands 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.

The CRU is responsible for the regulation of electrical contractors with respect to safety in Ireland. The CRU carries out this function through the Safe Electric statutory regulatory scheme which regulates Registered Electrical Contractors (REC). The Electrical Criteria Document1 sets out how the Scheme operates and includes that every REC must have at least one Qualified Certifier (QC). The current qualification requirements for a QC are as follows:

An Advanced Craft Certificate Electrical (Level 6 NFQ).

and

An accredited Electrical Testing and Verification of Electrical Installations certificate.

The European Recognition of Professional Qualifications Directive 2005/36/EC2 (the Directive) obliges the CRU to put in place a system of recognition for eligible persons from EEA Member States with relevant non-Irish qualifications applying for registration to the Safe Electric scheme as a Qualified Certifier (QC).

Background

In August 2019 the CRU published a decision paper3 on the recognition processes for professional qualifications. The decision paper set out that the CRU would establish a panel of subject matter experts to review applications from applicants seeking to register with relevant non-Irish professional that paper the CRU set out its policy decision to apply a similar process for applicants with relevant non-EU 2023 the CRU published an Information Note4 setting out some changes to the current process in certain April 2025 the CRU also launched the Automatic Recognition system to run in parallel with the General Recognition system. These changes were introduced to improve compliance with the Directive.

The outcome of the review process by the Expert Panel determines whether or not an applicant is eligible to apply to join the Safe Electric Scheme as a QC with a REC or whether following compensation measures an applicant is eligible to apply to join the Safe Electric Scheme.

The Panel of Experts / Role Description

The Panel of Experts consists of five suitably qualified and experienced individuals. The function of the Panel is to review assess and highlight any potential gaps in the applicants:

Professional Qualification(s)

Additional post-qualifying education and training

Professional work experience.

The Panel must examine each application within the prescribed timeline and in accordance with other requirements as set out by the CRU. These requirements may vary from time to time.

Applicants will be required to fill out an application form with the relevant details relating to their qualification(s) and professional experience. The role of the Panel of Experts (the Panel) is to review the applications and assess if applicants have demonstrated their eligibility to an appropriate level to register as a QC with a REC with the Safe Electric scheme.

The Panel will map the respective applicants qualification(s) against the list of essential subjects/learning outcomes of the relevant accepted Irish qualification(s). If there are any substantial differences (deficits) between the applicants qualification(s) and the essential subjects/learning outcomes the Panel will assess if the applicants professional work experience addresses these deficits.

The Panel will then decide if compensation measures need to be applied on a case-by-case basis namely by either attending an aptitude test in the form of an interview carried out by the Expert Panel Members or completing an adaptation period under the supervision of a QC.

Location

It is expected that meetings will take place every 1 to 2 months primarily online via MS Teams or occasionally at the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRUs) offices in Tallaght Dublin 24.

The decision as to whether meetings take place virtually or in person will be at the CRUs discretion.

Remuneration

120.86 per application processed. It is estimated that there will be approximately 5 to 10 applications per Panel member per meeting.

362.59 per half-day meeting and 725.17 per full-day meeting plus reasonable expenses at Civil Service Rates where the meeting is held in person. It is estimated that the Panel will meet a minimum of one-half day online meeting every month.

Time Requirements

One-half day meeting every 1 to 2 months to agree decisions where meetings take place virtually. Occasionally full-day in-person meetings at the CRUs offices may be required.

The frequency of meetings may increase or decrease depending upon the number of applications received.

Ahead of the meetings Panel members will be expected to have undertaken their own review and formed a view of each application to be decided.

Panel members may also be required to undertake a review of an application should an applicant request an appeal of the Expert Panels this case a Panel Member not previously involved in the decision will be requested to review and affirm or vary the decision of the Expert Panel.

Training will be provided by the CRU upon appointment to the Panel which Panel members will be required to attend. Additional training may be provided throughout the term where relevant changes in practices regulations or industry developments occur.

The Candidate

Essential Criteria:

1. Recognised technical qualification as a qualified electrician or suitably qualified in the area to critique applications in line with national curriculum

2. Relevant work experience related to Irelands electrical industry

3. Knowledge/experience of Irish vocational electrical training qualifications particularly apprenticeships.

4. Applicants should be able to demonstrate relevant ICT Skills.

5. Working knowledge of relevant electrical standards codes of practice and international best practice in the electrical industry; and

6. Commitment to confidentiality and public safety.

Desirable requirements:

1. Strong working knowledge of the Safe Electric scheme
2. Knowledge/experience of EEA member states and/or third country vocational training qualifications and standards especially relating to electrical work
3. Knowledge/experience of professional or academic recognition
4. Previous experience of advising on electrical sectors for example as a subject matter expert
5. Experience of assessing individuals competence including interviews/oral examinations;
6. Experience of working to specific deadlines to deliver on detailed high-level frameworks
7. Previous experience in the regulatory and/or public sector.

Terms of Appointment

A member of the Panel shall hold office for a period of one year from the date of appointment and be eligible for reappointment for an additional two-year period.

Application Process

Please note the CRU have engaged Cpl as a data processor to assist the CRU with this recruitment competition. In line with CRUs data retention policy information collected by Cpl will be kept for 12 months after the conclusion of the competition.

In order to apply for this opportunity candidates must submit the application form for this opportunity before the closing date for applications.

The application form can be found here - part of the application form candidates will be required to upload a C.V. and Cover Letter which clearly demonstrate how they meet the key requirements of the role. Should you have any queries please contact

The deadline for applications is Friday 5thJune 2026 12 pm (to be received not later than 12 pm).

Shortlisted candidates are expected to be invited to attend an online interview in the week commencing 15th June 2026. Please note that candidates must be eligible to work full-time in Ireland at the time of application.

The CRU Recruitment Privacy Notice sets out how we protect the privacy rights of job applicants and can be found on the Careers page on the CRU Websiteor alternatively you can contact who will arrange for this to be sent directly to you.

Candidates may be contacted by CPL via email and/or telephone as part of the recruitment process. It is the responsibility of each candidate to monitor their emails/phones regularly and to ensure that they remain reachable for any communication related to their application.