This dynamic organisation, an independent charity, promotes energy efficiency awareness and renewable energy in the domestic, business and community sectors throughout South West Scotland.

The Energy Agency has held the contract to manage Home Energy Scotland (previously known asEnergy Saving Scotland advice centre) for South West Scotland since 2008. This is part of a Scotland wide network of centres, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the Energy Saving Trust.

The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES)programme is delivered by Local Energy Scotland, which is made up of a consortium of organisations involved in the low carbon/recycling and community development agenda. The CARES consortium is made-up of the following organisations:Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks, SCARF, The Wise Group and the Energy Agency.

The Energy Agency is committed to reducing our own energy, water and materials waste, thereby improving our overall efficiency.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post TitleCARES Development Officer

Salary£25,130-£26,645 (SCP51-55)per annum plus contributory pension

Contract LengthSubject to satisfactory performance, contract length will be determined by the period of the contract. In the first instance this is until 31March 2020.

WorkplaceEnergy Agency, Watson Peat Building, Auchincruive, Ayr,

KA6 5HW

Responsible toProject Support Manager

Primary PurposeProviding support and advice to communities & local organisations aiming to benefit from local energy and renewables.

Responsible for a portfolio of projects including development of renewable installations, local energy systems, shared ownership and community benefit.

Supporting eligible organisations to apply for funding in the delivery of their projects & initiatives to maximise local benefit from local energy and renewables.

About the Local Energy Scotland Team & CARES

The Local Energy Scotland team delivers free and impartial advice, assisting communities, third sector organisations, rural business and landowners across the Scotland to generate and/or benefit from renewable energy projects and local renewable energy systems.

The CARES Team aims: To provide effective and efficient delivery of the CARES programme

throughout Scotland including:

  • Provision of free advice and support to help communities and rural businesses to generate and benefit from renewable/local energy schemes and initiatives,
  • Provision of free advice and support for shared ownership projects to both community groups and renewable energy developers.
  • Provision of free advice and support and help communities and stakeholder/partner organisations to develop local renewable energy systems
  • Advice on CARES funding streams,
  • Provision of Tools and Resourcesto ensure learning and best practice is shared across the sector.
  • Support to access CARES loans and grant schemes
  • Support the Interreg COBEN programme (when appropriate)
  • Support projects to become investment ready and to access the Renewable Energy Investment Fund.
  • Provide support for community benefit involvement and community investment opportunities in renewable energy schemes on National Forest Estate and with other commercial developments.

Team activities: Community and Stakeholder networking; promotion of the CARES programme to the community and to rural SME sector; working with partner and stakeholder organisations for the effective delivery of CARES; shared networks, learning and experience between colleagues.

Resources: The CARES Delivery Team comprises c.15 people and will be supported by extra input provided by external contractors: Ricardo-AEA, Foundation Scotland & Snell Bridge. The CARES Team is based in different area locations providing a geographical cover for the whole of Scotland.

Key tasks for which the post holder will be responsible

  • Promote, provide advice & support to clients developing projects and those sharing & benefiting from renewable/local energy initiatives.
  • Account manage a sizeable portfolio of projects with significant high value funding requirements through CARES.
  • Responsible for a portfolio of CARES projects over a designated area and, where required, in other areas/locations in Scotland
  • Develop projects through the use of the CARES Project Support Plan
  • Draw on the Local Energy Scotland team specialisms for project support ensuring that the correct resources are made available to support each project at key stages.
  • Ensure all clients and stakeholder partners are aware of the full suite of tools and resources accessible through CARES.
  • Provide, facilitate, manage and be responsible for appropriate funding and financial advice.
  • Maintain a high standard of written work and project appraisal.
  • Meet agreed targets whilst delivering an excellent standard of service.
  • Maintain accurate records; undertake administration duties and reporting within critical deadlines.
  • Maintain regular, clear communication and attend out of hours meetings as required.
  • Work with colleagues and local organisations and develop effective area partnerships, to increase awareness and uptake of CARES.
  • Proactively target local organisations with the potential to benefit from CARES
  • Share best practice and learning with colleagues, and contribute to the development, knowledge & understanding within the CARES scheme.
  • Work closely with colleagues within Home Energy Scotland (HES) to ensure CARES and the services provided by HES complement each other and communities are referred to the appropriate funding mechanism
  • Deliver presentations and represent CARES at local and national, promotional and networking events.
  • Achieve successful delivery of scheme targets.
  • Undertake tasks for the Local Energy Scotland wider team from time to time as agreed with CARES management.

The Development Officer will predominantly be based locally but will be required to cover projects over a wide area and throughout Scotland. They may also work in and from other Local Energy Scotland offices as necessary.A flexible approach in the discharge of the duties of the post is therefore essential.

Full time work will be 35 hours per week, there may be the requirement to work outwith those hours.

Qualifications / Essential / Desirable
  • Degree or equivalent qualification or the ability to operate at this level
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Job related skills and attributes
  • Excellent communication, engagement and presentation skills.
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  • Ability to manage workload and be responsible for multiple projects
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  • Proven track record in delivering results
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  • Knowledge of the community sector
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  • Knowledge of renewable sector including government incentives
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  • Knowledge of planning in relation to locally owned renewable
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  • Knowledge of off grid systems, energy storage and local energy supply
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  • Knowledge of grid connection and site acquisition
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  • Knowledge of obtaining finance for renewable energy schemes
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  • Demonstrated ability to review & appraise energy projects.
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  • Knowledge of routes to capital funding for local energy projects
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  • Ability to sharing knowledge with diverse audiences
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  • Enthusiastic and self-motivated with ability to work on own initiative
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  • Good team worker and supportive of colleagues
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  • Flexible in approach to workload and tasks
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  • Passion for customers service and community/local energy
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Experience
  • Experience of assisting with funding applications and/or managing funding awards
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  • Relevant experience in community or renewable energy.
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  • Experience of community engagement
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  • Experience in financial modelling
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  • Demonstrated technical and financial aptitude
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Additional requirements
  • Full driving license or other means of fulfilling mobility requirements of the role
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Closing Date: 20th April 2018

Interviews:Week commencing 7th May 2018

Venue:Energy Agency Offices

Watson Peat Building

Auchincruive

Ayr KA6 5HW