About ENTSO-E

ENTSO-E is the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity. ENTSO-E coordinates the cross-border system operations, system development and electricity market activities of the 43 electricity transmission system operators (TSOs) which cover 36 countries. ENTSO-E is assigned important tasks in EU legislation, including the development of Europe-wide electricity network development plans, and of more than 10 network codes which themselves become binding European laws.

The ENTSO-E Secretariat in Brussels is the focal point for technical, market and policy questions for all European TSOs in their cooperation with each other, in their joint fulfillment of their legal mandates, and in the intensive interactions with European Commission, regulatory agencies, associations representing network users and other stakeholders. The role of the TSOs and their cooperation in ENTSO-E is crucial to ensuring security of supply; completing the largest and most competitive electricity market in the world; and successfully integrating large volumes of renewable energy into the system.

ENTSO-E applies a project-aligned method of working. This covers the business case, well-defined scope and deliverables, clear roles for decision making and controlling responsibilities and plans for resources, quality and risk management.

The scope and diversity of ENTSO-E’s work has grown rapidly and is expected to grow further with implementation of network codes and the current challenging energy policy discussions.

General position description

The Common Grid Model Program of ENTSO-E

CGM Program summary

Grid operators use mathematical simulation models of their network to simulate the grid behavior under various, including extreme, circumstances. Results of these simulations are notably used to decide on the list of actions transmission system operators (TSOs) need to take to maintain the reliability of the grid at the least cost and impact possible for customers and stakeholders (distribution grids, generators, traders, etc.).

Up to now, each TSO has been using its own grid model. As electrical networks become more interconnected and as European electricity markets are getting more and more integrated, there is a need to develop a common grid model of pan-European dimension. It will ease the cooperation between TSOs and will result in an even more secure and cost-efficient pan- European grid. The EU has recognized the benefits that this common grid model will bring and has thus made it a legal requirement in various network codes (CACM, FCA and SO GL) that methodologies for the common grid model and generation and data provision are developed by all TSOs and submitted for approval to all regulatory authorities.

The common Grid Model Business process requires a significant data exchange amongst all ENTSO-E members. The IT data exchange system which is under construction is called the Operational Planning Data Exchange Platform [OPDE] and is fully in scope of the common grid model program.

The Operational Planning Data environment is built up out of 3 interacting IT layers:

  1. ATOM: the underlying IT communication network. ATOM will be a Pan-European service provider level network based on MPLS technology supporting data exchanges between TSOs.

  2. Connectivity Platform: a distributed software platform that allows secure and traceable data-exchange

  3. Multiple central IT business applications: these apps are plugged into the Connectivity platform and process the data according to the agreed common grid model processes

The successful candidate will provide User support on all IT software applications: ENTSO-E Connectivity Platform Applications and the Business Applications.

This position is based in our premises at ENTSO-E Secretariat in Brussels.

Specific responsibilities and tasks

Be the main contact for support requests originating for the Users regarding those applications, in particular day to day issues management

  • Be a subject matter expert in the Connectivity applications used by several business applications. Those applications are used to transfer, to notify, and to retrieve critical business information by several stakeholders across Europe.

  • Reinforces the ICT Test Manager, the Business Application Lead and Connectivity Application Owner in taking responsibilities of tasks as:

    • Manages and updates the SharePoint site

    • Follows up on security and incidents when needed

    • Works closely with internal, external users (IT and/or business), as well as external providers

    • Validates releases content and reports on deployment

    • Participates in the planning and budgeting of those applications

    • Prepares the transition from a project mode to an operation mode of those applications, with related quality KPIs

    • Ensures the development roadmap of those applications is in line with ENTSO-E vision

    • Ensures the applications are at the required quality, performance and stability levels expected by the stakeholders

    • Proposes and ensures solutions are compatible and consistent with existing Applications and open and industry standards

Skills / knowledge (preferred)

  • ITIL certified or equivalent experience

  • Familiar with Enterprise Content Management Systems (CMS) such as Sharepoint, Zendesk and/or JIRA

  • Software development knowledge is a must: XML/Java / Tomcat/Web interfaces/ communication protocols

  • Defect Management and Root Cause Data Collection

  • Good project management skills; knowledge of Prince2 is an asset

  • Fluent in English near native speaker quality in writing and speaking

  • The position requires strong organizational skills, a deep commitment to end-user satisfaction and experience in driving process improvement

  • Good understanding of data management and data architecture, i.e. DMBOK; TOGAF is a plus, as well as exposure to data visualization tools such as Tableau

Profile

  • Preferably graduate or diploma in IT related field

  • Fluent in English both written and verbal

At least 5 years of experience in application development or application service provision

  • Business attitude and results driven

  • Organized

  • Attention to detail is indispensable

  • Broad technical interest

  • Ability to quickly familiarize with new products/technologies/concepts

  • Good communication skills

  • Team-worker, but able to work independently

  • Strong analytical skills

  • An interest in European energy policy and European institutions is necessary

  • Ability to work in a dynamic and multi-cultural environment

  • Committed, able to work against tight deadlines

  • International travel within Europe will be required