Call for expressions of interest – Climate, Energy and Environment EU Presidency Placement Programme

Ireland will assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the second half of 2026. This is a major national responsibility, placing Ireland at the centre of European decision-making at a time of profound transformation in climate, energy, environment, the circular economy and marine affairs.

The Department of Climate, Environment and Energy (DCEE) will lead Ireland’s Presidency agenda across these sectors. To strengthen national capacity and ensure Ireland delivers a successful, ambitious and credible Presidency, DCEE is establishing the Presidency Policy and Legal Expert Placement Programme.

The programme will place up to five experienced candidates within key DCEE divisions for up to 12 months from Q1 2026 through the end of 2026.

Participants will:

• Support the department Ireland's Presidency preparations and negotiations
• Work on complex EU legislative files
• Assist with Council negotiations, interinstitutional engagement, and drafting

The placements operate on a cost-sharing basis:

• 80% funded by sponsoring employers, and
• 20% co-funded by DCEE

The selection process involves:

• Open competitive call for expressions of interest
• Shortlisting and interviews by DCEE
• Final selection based on expertise, experience, and suitability

Successful candidates will be assigned to one of the following:

• EU and International Affairs Division
• Legal Services
• Climate, Energy, Environment/Circular Economy Divisions within DCEE

All placements will be based in Ireland, with some EU engagement expected as part of the role.

Regardless of the area they are assigned to successful candidates will have ongoing interaction and where required, direction from the DCEE Presidency Programme Manager.

The aim of this programme is to identify individuals for placement in DCEE who:

• Have specialist knowledge in policy administration and
• Hold a primary degree in one of the following areas:
  • European Affairs, governance or economics
  • EU / Irish law
  • Climate, energy or environment policy / regulation
  • Environmental economics, circular economy and sustainability

Applicants must be supported by a sponsoring employer willing to participate in the co-funding model.

For participants:

• A front-row seat at EU legislative negotiations
• Direct experience of Ireland's EU Presidency
• Enhanced expertise in EU law and interinstitutional processes
• Expanded professional networks across Government and EU institutions
• A prestigious professional development opportunity

For sponsoring organisations:

• Deeper institutional understanding of EU policymaking
• Enhanced advisory capability in EU regulatory matters
• Long-term relationship building with Government and EU institutions

For Ireland’s EU Presidency:

• Strengthened national legal and policy capacity
• Enhanced Presidency delivery capability
• A lasting legacy of EU expertise within the Irish system

Further details, including eligibility criteria, application requirements and terms of participation, are available in the information pack below.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, 18 February 2026.