Sustainable Energy Advisor

 

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 26 EEAC territories to date. It will be delivered at local level by the Gloucestershire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre which is run by SWEA.

 

Job Purpose

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

 

This is a relatively complex and specialist area of work, and we are open to the possibility of appointing at a range of levels depending on the expertise of those that present themselves. A relevant background might be energy consultancy, housing, building technology and services, planning, energy management, environmental health, Agenda 21, health, social services, public relations - but these are not exclusive.

 

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 will also aim:

(iii)               To develop and facilitate cross-sectoral partnerships

(iv)              To develop new initiatives to develop sustainable energy in Gloucestershire 

 

Responsible to:        SWEA Director

 

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

Part time (minimum 3 days) may be considered

 

Place of work:              SWEA offices at:

                                    Unit 6/15

                                    The MEWS

                                    Mitcheldean

                                    Glos GL17 OSL

 

Salary range:              £17,000 - £23,000 depending on qualifications and experience

 

Transport:                  SWEA policy is to consider the 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 Gloucestershire, 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 support the LASP team in carrying out the variety of tasks associated with the Programme as required.  These may include:

 

-         Identifying, researching and developing new sustainable energy projects, and developing partnerships with a wide range of organisations, such as housing associations, local authorities and community organisations

 

-         Identifying or developing opportunities to extend and enhance existing partnerships and links to existing schemes and services

 

-         Developing links with elected members and senior managers within local authorities , other relevant organisations, and assisting them to develop sustainable energy provision within their services

 

-         Planning and organising promotional events aimed at a wide range of organisations

 

-     Organising and delivering presentations, training or facilitation of meetings for a

      wide range of organisations, in all sectors.

 

-         Preparing promotional or information materials

 

-         Keeping records and providing reports on activities, verbally and in writing. to relevant stakeholders

 

-         Researching and keeping up to date on relevant issues and informing others as required

 

-         To deliver specific projects developing from this and linked SWEA programmes, 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

-         Good general knowledge of sustainability issues, and in particular sustainable energy

 

-         Experience of cross-sectoral partnership working

 

-          Experience of working in, or in support of, local or other statutory authorities.

 

-         Ability and energy to organise events and produce promotional documents

 

-         A flexible and creative approach

 

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

 

-          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. 

 

-         Enthusiasm and commitment to environmental/social welfare objectives

 

-         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

-         Technical qualification in a relevant discipline, e.g. building design, building surveying, heating and electrical systems

 

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

 

-         City and Guilds 6176 Energy Awareness

 

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

 

-         Experience in facilitation meetings and other events

 

-         Experience in managing press and media contacts

 

-         Based in Gloucestershire and good knowledge of the area

 

For more information contact

Kaye Welfare /Ed Dearnley

Severn Wye Energy Agency

The Mews, Mitcheldean,

Glos GL170SL

01594 545360 or [email protected]