EU Just Transition Fund (EUJTF)

Role Overview: Community Energy Coordinator

As the Community Energy Coordinator, 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 Coordinator will achieve this by:

• Working as part of a collaborative team with EcoVision’s operational team, Project Coordinators and the EUJTF Community Energy Officer to lead and manage the coordination of energy projects, focusing on residential, community and commercial energy upgrades, including the development of a community energy grant application to implement the projects identified. This involves
  • audits to the standard of Support Scheme for Energy Audits (SSEA) that are not covered by the SEAI Energy Master Plan funding, 
  • Guiding homeowners through the technical assessment process,
  • developing scope of works, 
  • seeking tender prices, 
  • undertaking a risk analysis, 
  • aggregating projects, 
  • engaging householders, 
  • and managing applications, 
  • and overall grant application preparation. 
• engaging homeowners, businesses, and community groups through workshops, information evenings and one-to-one Energy Clinics to facilitate understanding and participation in the Community Energy Grant scheme. This includes developing compelling presentations and other materials.
• Identifying and filling gaps in services by providing additional support to existing SECs across the Thurles and Carrick on Suir Municipal Districts to fulfil the goals set out in their Energy Master Plan.
• Identifying communities within the Thurles and Carrick-on-Suir Municipal District interested in registering as SECs, and supporting the SEAI mentor in the registration process.
• Working with stakeholders from Tipperary County Council, the SEAI, the Decarbonising Zone etc. to support the achievement of regional energy reduction targets.
• 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 and other financial incentives and guiding clients through the application process to maximise funding opportunities for energy upgrades.

• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and policy changes related to renewable energy and energy efficiency, ensuring the organisation remains at the forefront of the sector.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy aimed at maintaining and strengthening relationships with communities

• Mentoring others to develop knowledge and skills within the organisation to enable continued growth and widening of services.

• Completing progress reports and financial returns as required for the project funders.
• Reporting regularly to the General Manager

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

We are looking for a candidate who embodies the following qualities:

• A qualification/degree in Energy Management or a related field is preferred, but equivalent experience and prior learning will be considered.
• 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 to be sent by email with subject marked “EU JTF Community Retrofit Coordinator” to jobs@ecovison.ie, by Sunday,  29th September 2024. 
2. Short-listing will apply. Candidates must be available for an interview in person.  
3. Salary: €38,296 per annum for a part-time role (3 days per week). This equates to a full-time equivalent of €55,000 per annum.
4. This is a part time contract until 31st March 2026, with a possibility to extend subject to funding.
5. The role is 24 hours per week, with a degree of flexibility.
6. Some evening work will be required to attend community meetings.
7. Place of Work: Remote working, with regular attendance at in-person team meetings.
8. The applicant must reside in the Thurles or Carrick-on-Suir municipal district.

• 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 to be sent by email with subject marked “EU JTF Community Retrofit Officer” to jobs@ecovison,ie, by Sunday,  29th September 2024. 
  2. Short-listing will apply. Candidates must be available for an interview in person.  
  3. The salary of this position is €40,000 per annum.
  4. This is a full time contract until 31st March 2026, with a possibility to extend subject to funding.
  5. This role is 37.5 hours per week, with a degree of flexibility.
  6. Some evening work will be required to attend community meetings.
  7. Place of Work: Remote working, with regular attendance at in-person team meetings.
  8. The applicant must reside in the Thurles or Carrick-on-Suir municipal district.