The Utility Regulator is seeking to appoint a fixed-term (51 weeks):

Student Placement (Networks and Energy Futures) 2026/2027

Salary is £23,492 per annum

Protecting Northern Irelands energy and water consumers today and tomorrow is what we do.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we are expanding as an organisation so that we can fully support Northern Ireland in meeting the challenges of climate change, the cost-of-living crisis and ensuring the continuity of energy and water supplies.

Electricity, gas and water are essential services that support all homes and businesses in Northern Ireland. As an economic regulator, it is our role to enable, incentivise and hold energy and water companies to account for providing the very best levels of service and price for consumers, both now and in the future.

Youll be joining an organisation that is growing and transforming to meet the challenges of the future and protecting consumers in a changing world.

Student Placement

This fixed term, Student Placement position, willbe part of our Network and Energy Futures Team, supporting theeconomic regulation of a number of major utilities and gain an insight into the legislative framework. You can expect to contribute to the effective development of regulation policies through involvement in our public consultations.

We are seeking applications from dynamic and highly motivated students of exceptional ability and intellect that are able to work well in a team and under their own supervision.

You should be able to work well under pressures of time and workload, have excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, and excellent quantitative analysis skills.

Strong competency in both Microsoft Word and Excel is essential for the role.

Applicants must be:

1. A student currently studying for a degree* which includes economics for at least 40% of course content; and have already studied modules in either microeconomics, quantitative analysis, macroeconomics, monetary economics or similar;

OR

1. A student currently studying for a degree* in an IT, finance, business or mathematical related degree;

OR

1. A student currently studying for a BA/BSc Honours Degree* in economics, or in a subject where the study of economics is a major component. (‘Major component’ is defined as: at least 50% of the course covers micro, macro and quantitative economics. Candidates must list all modules and briefly describe their relevant economic modules to allow the panel to determine that their qualification contains 50% of micro, macro and quantitative economics).

The onus is on candidates to provide the panel with details of modules studied etc. so that a well-informed decision can be made.

*Note, the Utility Regulator holds the right to determine the relevance of a degree.

AND have successfully completed at least the second year examinations of their degree by end of the 2025/2026 academic year**;

**Note, the Utility Regulator is unable to accept applications from students who will complete their degree in 2026/2027.

AND have the opportunity to undertake a 51-week placement for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Interview criteria

In addition to satisfying the above eligibility criteria, applicants will also be expected to display the following qualities and skills (competencies) at interview:

1. Communication and interpersonal skills;
2. Sound IT skills;
3. Quantitative analysis skills; and
4. Awareness of the Northern Ireland regulatory scene and the key features of UK utility regulation.

General information

Northern Ireland continues to have an under-representation of women across our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) industries. The Utility Regulator is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident Employer. As people with a disability, people from ethnic minority communities and women are currently underrepresented in the Utility Regulator, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.

We offer an attractive package including a competitive salary, alongside a range of other benefits including hybrid working and 25 days annual and an additional 12 public and privilege days.

If you would like to find out more about this job, you can download the information pack on our website. To be redirected, please click APPLY.

The closing date for applying is: 12:00pm, Friday 9 January 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place late January.