ESB International - Clare Duffy, Operations Manager
Staff Profile
- Name: Clare Duffy
- Job title: Operations Manager
- Business line: ESBI Consultants
- Location: Dublin, Ireland
- Date joined: November 1999
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. I also have post-graduate qualifications in Accounting & Finance, Marketing and Management.
What attracted you to ESBI?
I worked abroad (UK and USA) in the power systems engineering industry and was aware of ESBI's international reputation. I wanted to return to live in Ireland but still wanted an opportunity to work internationally. ESBI ticked the box and I was delighted to be given an opportunity to work for them.
How has your career developed since joining ESBI?
My career has gone well and although this is my 10th year with the company I can honestly say that I've never got bored as I've worked in a variety of departments and had many roles on different projects.
I began in 1999 as a Protection Relay Maintenance Engineer working on transmission protection on the Irish grid. From there I transferred to the International Transmission & Distribution department and worked on projects in Romania and Georgia.
I then moved to a new team called Independent Transmission and we pursued opportunities in the restructured transmission industry in North America. In particular I was heavily involved in the SeTrans Regional Transmission Organisation (RTO) project in the USA.
A couple of years later I moved to take up a 220kV project management role for a key client in Bahrain. The project involved 3 new GIS substations and associated cable feeders.
In 2006 I took up a 5-month overseas assignment in Kosovo joining the ESBI Turnaround Management team who were managing the vertically integrated utility in Kosovo as part of a UN-funded project.
Shortly after my return from that assignment I was appointed as Manager of the Strategic Consulting Group (SCG). Then earlier this year, I was appointed as Manager, ESBI Consultants and a member of the senior management team.
What have been the highlights of your time in ESBI so far?
Working as part of a thoroughly professional company and knowing that we have the depth of personnel in the organisation for whom you can turn to for advice and expertise.
I really enjoyed working on the SeTrans project where an ESBI-led consortium won an international competition to set-up and run a Regional Transmission Organisation (RTO) in 9 of the southern states in the USA. The project team was based in Atlanta and I spent a considerable amount of time there working with the local site team.
Another highlight was my assignment in Kosovo as it provided me with an opportunity to work in an incredibly challenging environment alongside experienced ESBI staff.
Finally my time in Strategic Consulting Group (SCG) was very enjoyable as it is a small close-knit team who work on a tremendous variety of projects both for ESB Group and external clients. The team undertake techno-economic analysis and have to stay abreast of developments and trends in the global electricity and energy markets.
Are there any further qualifications you have obtained since joining ESBI?
Yes, ESBI sponsored my ACCA diploma in Accounting & Finance when I moved into a project management/commercial role. In 2003, ESBI offered support and guidance in my application for Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Engineers of Ireland (now known as Engineers Ireland) including senior management support when I was a Finalist in the Chartered Engineer of the Year competition. In 2005, I took part in ESBI's Leadership and Management Development Programme which included sponsorship of a Management Diploma from the University of Limerick.
What is the most rewarding thing about working with ESBI?
I have enjoyed the variety of roles in ESBI together with the opportunity to live in Ireland but continue to have the ability to work and travel on international projects. I enjoy the camaraderie on projects and am proud of being associated with a company that has a strong reputation abroad.
What distinguishes ESBI for you?
ESBI has provided me with a number of different career options and has broadened my professional perspective. The company is supportive in terms of training and development, both through the informal knowledge transfer from experienced engineers as well as through the sponsorship of more formal courses.
Can you give us a feel for the culture in ESBI?
The culture in ESBI is professional and friendly. There is openness amongst people and you know that you can ask colleagues for their help and expertise. There is also the feeling of camaraderie that exists when people are working together in teams in challenging roles and/or locations.
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