CARES Development Officer April 17

This dynamic organisation, an independent charity, promotes energy efficiency awareness and
renewable energy in the domestic, business and community sectors throughout South West
Scotland.
The Energy Agency has held the contract to manage Home Energy Scotland (previously known
as Energy Saving Scotland advice centre) for South West Scotland since 2008. This is part of a
Scotland wide network of centres, funded by the Scottish Government and managed by the
Energy Saving Trust.
The Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) programme is delivered by Local
Energy Scotland, which is made up of a consortium of organisations involved in the low
carbon/recycling and community development agenda. The CARES consortium is made-up of
the following organisations: Energy Saving Trust, Changeworks, SCARF, The Wise Group and
the Energy Agency.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post Title
CARES Development Officer
Salary
£24,802 -£26,316 (SCP51-55) per annum plus contributory pension
Contract Length
Subject to satisfactory performance, contract length will be
determined by the period of the contract. In the first instance
this is until 31 March 2020.
Workplace
Energy Agency, Watson Peat Building, Auchincruive, Ayr,
KA6 5HW
Responsible to
Project Support Manager
Primary Purpose
Providing support and advice to communities & local
organisations aiming to benefit from local energy and
renewables.
Responsible for a portfolio of projects including development
of renewable installations, local energy systems, shared
ownership and community benefit.
Supporting eligible organisations to apply for funding in the
delivery of their projects & initiatives to maximise local
benefit from local energy and renewables.
About the Local Energy Scotland Team & CARES
The Local Energy Scotland team delivers free and impartial advice, assisting communities, third
sector organisations, rural business and landowners across the Scotland to generate and/or
benefit from renewable energy projects and local renewable energy systems.
The CARES Team aims: To provide effective and efficient delivery of the CARES programme
throughout Scotland including:










Provision of free advice and support to help communities and rural businesses to
generate and benefit from renewable energy schemes,
Provision of free advice and support for shared ownership projects to both community
groups and renewable energy developers.
Provision of free advice and support and help communities and stakeholder/partner
organisations to develop local renewable energy systems
Advice on CARES funding streams,
Provision of tools and resources to ensure learning and best practice is shared across the
sector.
Support to access CARES loans and grant schemes
Support and delivery of the Local Energy Challenge Fund
Support and delivery of the Interreg COBEN programme across the H&I area
Support projects to become investment ready and to access the Renewable Energy
Investment Fund.
Provide support for community benefit involvement and community investment
opportunities in renewable energy schemes on National Forest Estate and with other
commercial developments.
Team activities: Community and Stakeholder networking; promotion of the CARES
programme to the community and to rural SME sector; working with partner and stakeholder
organisations for the effective delivery of CARES; shared networks, learning and experience
between colleagues.
Resources: The CARES Delivery Team comprises c.15 people and will be supported by extra
input provided by external contractors: Ricardo-AEA, Foundation Scotland & Snell Bridge. The
CARES Team will be based in different area locations providing a geographical cover for the
whole of Scotland.
Key tasks for which the post holder will be responsible

Promote, provide advice & support to clients developing projects and those sharing &
benefiting from renewable/local energy initiatives.

Account manage a sizeable portfolio of projects with significant high value funding
requirements through CARES.

Responsible for a portfolio of CARES projects over a designated area and, where
required, across Scotland.

Draw on the Local Energy Scotland team specialisms to ensure that the correct resources
are made available to support each project at key stages.

Ensure clients are aware of the full suite of tools and resources accessible through
CARES.

Provide, facilitate, manage and be responsible for appropriate funding and financial
advice.


Maintain a high standard of written work and project appraisal.
Meet agreed targets whilst delivering an excellent standard of service.

Maintain accurate records; undertake administration duties and reporting within
deadlines.

Maintain regular, clear communication and attend out of hours meetings as required.

Work with colleagues and local organisations to develop effective partnerships, to
increase awareness and uptake of CARES.

Share best practice and learning with colleagues, and contribute to the development,
knowledge & understanding within the CARES scheme.

Work closely with colleagues within Home Energy Scotland (HES) to ensure CARES
and the services provided by HES complement each other and communities are referred
to the appropriate funding mechanism

Deliver presentations and represent CARES at local and national, promotional and
networking events.

Achieve successful delivery of scheme targets.

Undertake tasks for the Local Energy Scotland wider team from time to time as agreed
with CARES management.
The Development Officer will predominantly be based locally but will be required to cover
projects over a wide area and throughout Scotland. They may also work in and from other Local
Energy Scotland offices as necessary. A flexible approach in the discharge of the duties of the
post is therefore essential.
Full time work will be 35 hours per week, there may be the requirement to work outwith those
hours.
Qualifications
Essential

Degree or equivalent qualification or the ability to operate at
this level
Desirable

Job related skills and attributes


Excellent communication, engagement and presentation skills.
Ability to manage workload and be responsible for multiple
projects
 Knowledge of the community sector
 Knowledge of renewable sector including government
incentives
 Knowledge of planning in relation to locally owned renewable
 Knowledge of grid connection and site acquisition
 Knowledge of obtaining finance for renewable energy schemes
 Demonstrated ability to review & appraise energy projects.
 Knowledge of routes to capital funding for local energy
projects
 Ability to sharing knowledge with diverse audiences
 Enthusiastic and self-motivated with ability to work on own
initiative
 Good team worker and supportive of colleagues
 Flexible in approach to workload and tasks
 Passion for customers service and community/local energy
Experience

Experience of assisting with funding applications and/or
managing funding awards
 Relevant experience in community or renewable energy.
 Experience of community engagement
 Experience in financial modelling
 Demonstrated technical and financial aptitude
Additional requirements

Full driving license or other means of fulfilling mobility
requirements of the role
Closing Date:
21st May 2017
Interviews:
2nd June 2017
Venue:
Energy Agency Offices
Watson Peat Building
Auchincruive
Ayr KA6 5HW



















