Local Authority Support Programme Coordinator

 

Job description

Severn Wye Energy Agency (SWEA) is a charitable company, with a programme of work to develop the sustainable use of energy in the sub-region. Projects cover energy efficiency, renewable energy and affordable warmth, and include the provision of an Energy Efficiency Advice Centre (EEAC) for households in Gloucestershire.

 

The Local Authority Support Programme (LASP) is supported by the Energy Saving Trust, and has been piloted in 13 EEAC territories to date. It will be delivered at local level by the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre which is run by SWEA.

At this stage funding has been confirmed for a period of one year, but it is hoped that this will be extended.

 

Job Purpose

To coordinate the LASP in Gloucestershire, working as part of a team consisting of the EEAC Manager, SWEA Director, and LASP Assistant.

 

The LASP programme aims to:

 Provide strategic support and infrastructure for local authorities and other agencies as appropriate, to coordinate the local delivery of energy efficiency

(i)                  To provide additional staff resources to assist local authorities in their HECA and sustainable energy activities

(ii)                To develop capacity, understanding and corporate commitment within local authorities with respect to energy efficiency and sustainable energy use

 

The programme coordinator will also aim:

(iii)               To develop and facilitate cross-sectoral partnerships

(iv)              To assist with other SWEA projects as required.

 

Responsible to:          SWEA Director

 

Hours of work:           37 hours per week, mainly within standard office hours.  Occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

 

Place of work:            SWEA offices at:

                                    Unit 6/15

                                    The MEWS

                                    Mitcheldean

                                    Glos GL17 OSL

 

Salary range:              £18,000 - £20,000 pa, depending on qualifications and experience

 

Duration:                    The post is offered initially for a period of one year, with a view to extension dependent on funding

 

Transport:                  SWEA policy is to consider public transport option for every journey.  However, the limitations of rural public transport provision mean that the use of a car is required. 

 

The employee’s ability to use their own car to travel throughout Goucestershire, and immediate surroundings, is a requirement of this post. Expenses will be reimbursed at standard mileage rates, with the exception of travel to the SWEA offices, and assuming residency in or near the area.

 

Major Tasks and Job Activities

To take responsibility for coordinating the activities of the LASP, including:

-         preparing plans

-         keeping records

-         providing reports on programme and activities, verbally and in writing.

 

To identify, research and develop new sustainable energy projects and strategic partnerships .

 

To identify or develop opportunities to extend and enhance existing partnerships and links to existing schemes and services.

 

To run or assist in presentations, training or facilitation of meetings for a wide range of organisations, in all sectors.

 

To liaise with local authorities in preparing and providing information for HECA reporting and monitoring.

 

To research and keep up to date on relevant issues and keep local authorities, SWEA staff and other partners informed as appropriate.

 

Other activities and participation in other SWEA projects, as required.

 

SWEA staff are expected to carry out their own administrative/IT work, including word-processing, internet research, e-mail, development of training and presentation materials, maintenance of advice records and database, timesheets and expenses records.

 

Person Specification

 

Qualities sought:

 

Essential

A good and up to date knowledge of working in or in support of local authorities at strategic level

 

Good general knowledge of sustainability issues and of infrastucture in the UK /Europe

 

Excellent verbal and written presentation skills, and ability to engage and motivate people at all levels

 

Experience of cross-sectoral partnership working

 

A knowledge of how to operate at the local political level and a good political awareness

 

Experience in conducting training sessions, facilitation and managing meetings and other events

 

Experience in managing press and media contacts

 

Enthusiasm and commitment to environmental/social welfare objectives

 

Computer literate: Windows, Word, Excel, Powerpoint, e-mail, internet, database.

Ability to devise and implement office systems using this software.

 

Ability to work with minimum supervision, able to manage own time and work on own initiative, but must be team-worker, committed to success of whole team and to resolution of any conflicts encountered. 

 

Numerate and literate

 

Driving licence and own car to use

 

Ability to understand technical information

 

Ability/willingness to make effort to keep up to date with energy issues

 

Ability to follow office systems, eg to keep tidy and efficient records, and to develop new systems as required

 

Desirable

 

Academic qualifications in relevant discipline eg environment, engineering, ecology, marketing, housing, health and social services

 

City and Guilds 6176 Energy Awareness

 

Based in Gloucestershire and good knowledge of the area