Climate Change is now a major consideration in all policies and actions of Local Authorities who are increasingly being given a critical role in the embedding and enabling of Climate Action across the diverse range of their functions and activities.

Kerry County Council adopted its LACAP in January 2024 wherein it identified 147 Climate Change mitigation and adaptation actions. The Climate Action Regional Offices (CARO) were formed to link and bring together the expertise and capacity in the Local Authorities to achieve this objective while also proving a focus for linkages with Central Government Departments, Regional Assemblies, Public Representatives, and other relevant stakeholders.  Kerry County Council has resourced a Climate Action Team to lead and coordinate activities within the County Council and to link with the CARO and other Sectoral adaptation strategies as appropriate.

Reporting under the general direction of a Director of Service, the Climate Action Co Ordinator will co-ordinate, manage, and develop the implementation of the Kerry County Council response to the challenges of climate change mitigation and adaptation.

This is a challenging and exciting position and requires a broad technical knowledge of climate change, the risks and possible adaptation strategies, and a strong organisational, networking, and communication skill set.  The appointee will need good knowledge of the operation of local authorities and their role and interactions with Government Departments in terms of governance, finance, and reporting structures.  Climate Action funding can be made available through a variety of European and national funding streams and knowledge of those funding streams and of the processes involved in applying for such funding will also be important.
 

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
 

1. hold a third level qualification (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or equivalent professional qualification in Engineering, Planning, Environmental Science, Architecture, or another relevant discipline

2. have at least seven years’ satisfactory relevant experience

3. have a high level of technical competence in the Climate Change area, and experience in formulating, implementing, and managing strategies, plans, studies or processes including stakeholder engagement

4. hold a full driving licence, EU Model for Class B Vehicles and must have access to an appropriately insured and licensed car for the purpose of the duties of the position

• experience in participation in EU projects including seeking funding, developing international partners, project application and management
• an understanding of the aims and objectives of Kerry County Councils Climate Action Plan (LACAP) and Climate Action Plan 2025 together with knowledge and understanding of fostering and maintaining productive working relationships with Government Departments and EU agencies and an understanding of climate change policies and legislation
• a good understanding of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Challenges relevant to Local Authority functions in particular
• a successful track record in managing and motivating employees including strong judgement and problem-solving skills and effecting or influencing behavioural change
• an excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation and regulations, and their application in the workplace
• competence and experience of financial and budget management

Further information is available in the Candidate Information Booklet available on our website.