Carlow County Council invite applications for the post of Climate Action Officer (5 year contract).

The Climate Action Officer within Carlow County Council will be a core resource requirement for local authorities to lead on climate action.  The successful candidate playing a key role in advocating for climate action and sustainability. The role requires a clear knowledge and understanding of local authority services and its key stakeholders and relationships, local government structures and its democratic role and mandate, current local government issues, future trends and strategic direction of the sector.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with local communities to promote local positive climate action as supported by the Climate Action Fund programme.  

The Climate Action Officer will be required to work alongside the Climate Action Co-Ordinator in the design, development and delivery of Carlow County Council’s Climate Action Plan and additional relevant climate action initiatives and policies which include but are not limited to:
 

• provide support and advice to all departments on climate action related matters, to help build organisational capacity and to mainstream climate action across all services and functions and to encourage active engagement in delivering effective climate action.

• support local authority project teams, elected members, strategic policy committees and other local authority fora, in ensuring all local authority level activities are climate proofed, i.e. integrating climate action considerations/requirements into local authority policies and strategies (e.g. Local Authority Climate Action Plan, County and Local Development Plans, Local Economic and Community Plans, Corporate Plan etc.)

• engage with and support stakeholders of the identified Decarbonisation Zone to advance key objectives.

• work with the Climate Action Regional Office, national government and relevant state agencies to assist in the development and roll-out of programmes and campaigns to promote climate action to local authority staff, elected members, local authority stakeholders and local communities.

• The development of progress reports and overseeing expenditure are also key components of the role.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE etc.
Each candidate must on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: –
 

1. Hold a 3^rd level qualification (level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or equivalent professional qualification in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Architecture Energy Management, or another relevant discipline.
2. Have at least three years’ experience directly in Climate Change or Energy Management or five years satisfactory experience in a comparable area.
3. Have a high level of technical competence in the climate change or related area and experience in formulating, implementing and managing strategies, plans, studies or processes including stakeholder engagement.
4. Have project management skills.
5. Hold a current full driving licence in respect of category B vehicles, as there will be a requirement to travel to various Council premises and other locations.