Administrative
Grade IV
€33,760 - €52,772

Annual Salary
Waterford
3 Year Specific Purpose Contract

Job Summary

Background:
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act, 2015 and subsequent policy documents such as the National Adaptation Framework, 2018 and the Climate Action Plan 2019 – to tackle Climate Breakdown, introduced new requirements for the Local Authority sector relating to climate change adaptation and mitigation. In 2021 building on this work, Waterford City and County Council declared that Waterford City would be Ireland’s first Decarbonising Zone, an area to trial low carbon technologies and behaviours, and published the Council’s policy “A Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Waterford”. The EU funded Climate Go project is facilitating Waterford City and County Council in putting in place the Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Waterford while reviewing and improving the policy while working with stakeholders from across the city. Climate Go is an Interreg Europe project.
ROLE & DUTIES OF THE POST
Introduction to Role:
The Climate Go City Officer on the Climate Action Team will be responsible for developing climate projects in partnership with city stakeholders while reviewing existing climate policy within the Council.

The role will involve working closely with decision makers across Waterford to put in place the actions of the Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Waterford while reviewing and improving the effectiveness of the policy.

The Climate Go City Officer will report to the Climate Action Coordinator.

Key stakeholders will include (but are not limited to):

• Other Departments within Waterford City and County Council e.g. Planning, Roads, Environment, Communications Office
• Elected Representatives
• Waterford Chamber of Commerce
• Transport providers
• Business Associations and Management Companies
• SETU
• Public Bodies in the City

Key duties will include:

• Managing the day to day operation of an EU project – administration, finance, communications and project delivery.
• Speaking with different organisations about how their Climate Action efforts contribute to the overall city effort in reducing emissions and preparing for climate change.
• Coordinating a network of Climate Action Leaders/stakeholders from organisations across the city to deliver climate action under the Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Waterford.
• Creating a Climate Contract for the city’s Climate Leaders and creating governance structures such as a board and reporting mechanisms to put the Roadmap in place.
• Developing KPIs with stakeholders for the 59 climate actions already included in the Roadmap and setting up mechanisms for reporting.
• Review of Roadmap to a Carbon Neutral Waterford based and adjustment based on the most effective governance mechanisms.
• Contribute to the Climate Action Team’s Social Media posts.
• Briefing officials prior to Council and other relevant meetings and media engagements
• Drafting and publishing of press releases
• Provide support to ensure Waterford City and County Council meets its Freedom of Information obligations.
• Engage and build relationships with stakeholders – internal and external, including Elected Members of Waterford City and County Council; representative groups; members of the public
• Organise, co-ordinate and deliver workshops and public information events as part of the delivery of climate actions.
• Attend occasional out of hours events and meetings.
• Procuring and managing any relevant services or products as may be required in the role
• Presenting at interregional meetings with Climate Go partners from Finland, Slovenia, Slovakia, France and Spain.
• Manage financial data, communications data, progress and report back to the EU auditors.
• Report and case study writing.
• Management of a project visit to Waterford by the partners.
• Coordination of a guide and video to be shared across EU platforms that details best practice in incorporating climate action into decision making.

Qualifications:

CHARACTER
Candidates shall be of good character.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, ETC
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms –

Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their own expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Local Authority. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(i) (a) have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics
And
(b) have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in higher level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics)
Or
(ii) have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination
Or

(iii) hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard

And

(iv) have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature and office organisation.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

The Ideal Candidate should have:

It is desired that, at the latest date for receipt of application forms, candidates must have: -

• A third level qualification in Environmental Science, Business, Engineering or other relevant discipline (please attach a copy of the qualification attained).
• Have at least 3 years relevant satisfactory experience in business engagement, in a sustainability post or other relevant experience.
• Excellent facilitation and event management skills
• Excellent report writing and communication/ marketing skills and experience
• Good IT skills and experience with web editing and social media.
• Full, clean driving licence, and access to a car.

The ideal candidate shall also have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively across a different range of stakeholders.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to act on own initiative.
• Relevant work experience in business or in the environmental field or similar.
• Flexibility to work outside normal office hours.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and manage time effectively in a dynamic and changing environment.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.


Human Resources Department