Join Our Team as a Community Energy Officer

Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative, trading as EcoVision, is seeking a passionate and driven individual to fill the role of Community Energy Officer for the EU Just Transition Fund Community Retrofit Coordination project within the Thurles and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal Districts. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s energy transition, while making a tangible impact on local communities.

EU Just Transition Fund

The objective of the EU Just Transition Fund (JTF) is to support the regions and communities that are most negatively affected by the transition to climate neutrality, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative Background

Energy Communities Tipperary Cooperative CLG (ECTC), trading a EcoVision, is a not-for-profit organisation, whose vision is to mobilise communities in Tipperary and surrounding areas to reduce the carbon footprint of their built environment, thereby creating local employment and community benefits.

Role Overview: Community Energy Officer

As the Community Energy Officer, you will play a pivotal role in driving the Community Retrofit Coordination programme, which aims to build capacity to develop a community energy grant application for the Thurles and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District.

The Community Energy Officer will achieve this by:

• Working as part of a collaborative team to support the operational EcoVision team and the EUJTF Community Energy Coordinator to develop energy projects, focusing on residential, community and commercial energy upgrades.
• Supporting the Community Energy Coordinator to engage homeowners, businesses, and community groups through workshops, information evenings and one-to-one energy clinics to facilitate understanding and participation in Community Energy Grant schemes. This includes developing compelling presentations and other materials.
• Serving as an initial point of contact for homeowners, local businesses, and community groups enquiring about energy upgrades.
• Qualifying contacts against the guidelines set out for participation in the Community Energy Grant scheme to determine their eligibility
• Assisting individual households throughout the early stages of their energy upgrades through the Community Energy Grant scheme
• Supporting EcoVision’s other community development work in the Thurles and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District which contribute to the success of the Community Retrofit Coordination project eg. attending networking events and shows.
• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grants
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of industry trends.
• Co-design and execute the communication strategy to engage communities and homeowners. This may include creation of content, social media posts, newsletters and relevant templates.
• Reporting regularly to the General Manager

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have the following characteristics:

• A qualification in Community Development, Energy Management or similar would be preferred
• Demonstrated experience in community development, particularly with rural voluntary groups and community energy projects, is highly advantageous.
• A strong understanding and passion for the Energy Transition and Energy Democracy principles.
• Highly motivated with a proactive attitude and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to travel with own car and a full clean driver’s licence.
• Proficient in computer operations and software management, with strong communication skills and a good understanding of marketing and promotion strategies.
• The candidate must reside in the Thurles or Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District

HOW TO APPLY

Application to be submitted as follows:

1. CV of applicant including details of relevant qualifications, skills, experience, and two referees, plus one page cover.
2. Applications to be sent by email with subject marked “EU JTF” to info@ecovision.ie by Wednesday, October 2nd 2024.
3. Short-listing will apply. Candidates must be available for an interview in person.
4. The salary of this position is €40,000 per annum.
5. This is a full time contract until 31st March 2026, with a possibility to extend subject to funding.
6. This role is 37.5 hours per week, with a degree of flexibility.
7. Some evening work will be required to attend community meetings.
8. Place of Work: Remote working, with regular attendance at in-person team meetings.
9. The applicant must reside in the Thurles or Carrick-on-Suir municipal district.