JOB TITLE: Development Officer Environment & Community Energy focus LOCATION: Ballyhoura office in East Limerick / North Cork.
REPORTING TO: Line Manager Responsible For: The Development Officer will be responsible for initiating, developing and delivering a range of rural development and environmental initiatives, projects and programmes, in line with the companys core community led development strategies and methodologies.
The role will focus on animating, driving, supporting and guiding innovative community-led and community-oriented projects, with a particular focus on community energy generation initiatives, environmental enhancement, and climate mitigation actions.
Key responsibilities may include some or all of the following: Initiating, energising, motivating, supporting, guiding and mentoring community groups and communities on appropriate community-led environmental actions, and supporting them to deliver planned actions; Providing technical support to communities to implement collaborative energy projects, e.g. community Energy Master Plans and actions arising from them; Supporting and advising communities on sourcing and leveraging private and state funding for local projects; Becoming familiar and conversant with the range of grant supports available to communities from a range of government and other sources, to support development of community-based climate mitigation actions; Proactively engaging all sectors of local communities to devise, develop and implement environmental enhancement and community-based energy initiatives; Coordinating and facilitating briefings, public meetings and information sessions on a range of environmental enhancement activities; Working closely with communities and local and transnational colleagues to implement innovative EU projects; Writing reports, studies and case studies for promotional materials, funder reports,etc.
Support, work with, provide technical support and mentor local groups to enable them to maximise the benefit of LEADER, SICAP and a range of other complementary local and rural development programmes, projects and initiatives, to support agreed project plans; Develop, facilitate and drive strategic collaborative partnerships and networks focused on developing targeted responses to identified environmental development needs and climate mitigation measures; Support and develop appropriate communications and marketing activities aligned with programmes, projects and initiatives; Work closely with other Team members to facilitate project planning and delivery processes with local communities, which may include leading, participating in, or assisting with various elements of the process; Identify and develop creative and appropriate responses to gaps in supports, skills and services within the Ballyhoura area; Empower clients to participate more effectively in local, regional and national decision-making structures; Achieve and report on key programme indicators, as required; Update and maintain client relationship systems in line with company policy and Programme Operating rules; Monitor inputs, outputs, outcomes and impacts through data collection, reports, case studies and by any other means which may be required by the company and/or programmes; Participate in and comply with all company actions and activities relating to continuous improvement, such as the Q Mark, the Governance and any other continuous improvement processes implemented by the company; Support the smooth-running of the outreach office; Understand, be aware of and comply with all company policies and procedures; Attend any compulsory training organised by the company, and participate in other training events or courses relevant to your role.
Person Specification Enthusiastic Creative and Innovative Flexible and Responsive Team player Thrives on responsibility and autonomy Interested in locally led environmental initiatives Available to work outside normal office hours, including some evening and weekend work, when required Eager to learn and pursue new opportunities Qualifications Third level qualification in community energy / rural development / economic development or a related field.
Essential Skills & Experience for the Post Proven hands-on experience in a community development role; Demonstrable experience of working with a diverse project team; Competent hands-on multi-tasker; Experience of successful proposal and report writing; At least 3 years experience in a similar role or equivalent.
Demonstrable experience of supporting or delivering community led development initiatives.
High level of IT proficiency.
Strong administrative skills.
Full clean driving licence.
Desirable Skills Familiarity with the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities Programme; Project management skills; Skills: Environment Community Energy Rural Development Proficient IT Report Writing