Community Engagement Officer - Net-Zero & Energy

Description:

Climate17 is delighted to be partnering with The Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH); a high-profile and high-impact government-backed project group designed to develop and support the delivery of projects to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero.

Set up by the UK government in 2018 and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), there are five Local Net Zero Hubs across England. All Hubs work together to help the UK reach Net Zero.

To date, the Net Zero Hubs have supported 200+ major net zero projects valued at over £4Bn including large-scale solar, Heat Networks, Smart Grids, domestic retrofit, hydrogen development, public estate-wide energy opportunity assessments, fleet and depot decarbonisation, network constraint, building decarbonisation & research & development.

The opportunity
We are seeking a Community Engagement Officer – Net-Zero & Energy to work across the Greater Southeast region. The post holder will identify and engage with community energy groups, supporting and enabling them to successfully develop local projects, working with them to formulate and deliver on community energy-related initiatives that support the delivery of local net zero strategy. The individual will also work to develop and bolster relationships between local authorities and the community energy sector to maximise opportunities for local project development.

This role may require some flexible working with potentially occasional early evenings and weekends, to maximise the resource available to community groups interested in developing Net Zero projects.

Key responsibilities:
Build capacity and capability within the community to raise awareness of and opportunity to develop local community energy projects.
Develop robust and transparent processes for engaging with diverse community organisations.
Networking, and attending relevant meetings, signposting community organisations to relevant information, events and funding.
Establish, build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the greater southeast.
Identify community energy potential across the greater southeast, working with stakeholders and community organisations to identify and progress viable projects. Assist groups in preparing specification and tender documents for external consultancy.
Prepare and deliver community energy capacity building workshops.
Host events within the community, produce and distribute a range of communications to raise awareness of community energy opportunities, including building relationships with local authorities.
Prepare, deliver and facilitate presentations/open meetings and discussions when required.
Development of relevant tools to support local net zero communities, such as information packs and toolkits.
Disseminate information and learning to community organisations, local authorities and other key stakeholders.
Support community energy groups and their activities and collaborate with community organisations to further the aim of a Just Energy Transition.
Act as a positive ambassador for the Greater South East Net Zero Hub, ensuring that all activities are performed in a way that is in line with its vision and mission.
Work collaboratively with the entire GSENZH team to encourage collaboration on related tasks and projects, supporting the administration of DESNZ programmes including the CEF and LEAD funds.
Contribute to reporting, monitoring and evaluation of activities.
Provide regular updates about the project for social media and website pages to ensure a good public profile.
Represent the GSE Net Zero Hub at national and local outreach and promotion events.
Ongoing requirement to ensure work activity is well communicated to the wider GSE Net Zero Hub team.
Travel to meet key stakeholders and visit communities or sites across the greater south east is anticipated. 

Ideal Skills & Experience

A degree in community development, renewable energy or other relevant qualification or significant experience of working with community organisations and in community development
Knowledge of local community energy and Net Zero sectors
Strong awareness of the requirements for effective team-working and the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders and the wider public
Effective partnership-building skills and practical and effective experience of partnership working, especially with community groups
Detailed knowledge and demonstrable practical experience of community energy development
Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills: able to form effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from public and private sectors, senior management.
Excellent presentation skills: the ability to present complex ideas in a comprehensive but accessible format.
Experience of writing reports, contributing to performance management reporting
Experience of organising, hosting or supporting public events and best practice when following safeguarding processes
Experience of fundraising for projects through grant applications, attracting investment or crowdsourcing funds
Practical experience in delivery of small-medium scale renewable energy or capital projects (desirable)
Candidates should be available to work the majority of their time in the greater south east
About Us
Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process
Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know