JOB TITLE: Climate Action Development Section Lead
START DATE: Immediate start, a panel of suitably qualified candidates may be established from which future vacancies may be filled.
SALARY: €50k - €58k DOE| Plus, Work Phone and Laptop | Business Expenses | Engineers Ireland CPD certification in place
LOCATION: The beautiful grounds of St Kieran’s College in the vibrant city of Kilkenny.
CONTRACT TYPE: 2-year Fixed contract with 2-year extension option subject to performance.
WORKING HOURS: Full time – Mon to Friday. 37.5hr/ week standard contract. Occasional evening work and travel to sites will be required
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 27/07/2026
Person Specification
A Climate Action Development Section Lead is responsible for coordinating the activities of Community programmes that will assist in the bottom up delivery of Climate Actions. This role involves working with community groups to ensure that national policies are known and to work with the willing to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance the comfort and sustainability of communities across the Region. Development of the Sustainable Energy Communities and Renewable Energy Communities to increase the number of projects being identified and delivered across the South East Region. Working with key stakeholders including the Local Authorities, LEO’s, PPNs, Leadership companies, and other relevant Community Development groups will be a key factor in ensuring multi-disciplinary collaboration across the community sector.
The Climate Action Development Section Lead will lead a team of engineers and technical specialists and will have specific responsibility for:
What you will be doing
· Lead the Sustainable Energy Communities Programme for the South East:
· Act as the SEC Regional Coordinator and Manage the County Mentors – ensure delivery of all contractual elements of the programme, set and track programme KPI’s
· Provide technical support and advice to the Mentors
· Coordinate with the Local Authority Climate Community Officers to share knowledge and best practice and to ensure consistent messaging across the region
· Represent South East Energy Agency on relevant energy advisory committees, events and workshops, sharing insights and best practices.
· Liaising with communities, local authorities, PPNs, LEO’s Leader companies, SEAI and other key stakeholders on strategic project planning and delivery
· Be the main liaison between South East Energy Agency and the SEAI in relation to Community Programmes, including the Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC).
· Mentoring Junior and Energy Engineers and Reporting to the Senior Engineer on delivery and programme
· To liaise with the EU Team to develop and deliver EU Projects relevant to the SEEA Communities Strategy
· To Liaise with the Climate Action Planning and Delivery Teams to establish pipeline of projects for SECs and RECs and pass on project ready SEC’s who are moving to the ‘Plan’ and ‘Do’ Phase
· To establish barriers/gaps in energy/climate related Community projects and to work with EU/R&D Team to develop potential projects
Reporting and Documentation
· Report directly to the Head of Climate Action Operations.
· Regularly update the Head of Climate Action Operations. on all operational aspects of the Community Development projects, including progress, deliverables, resources, budgets, and staff.
· Maintain and provide monthly reports to the Lead Team on the status of KPI’s.
· Ensure the timely submission of technical reports and Invoicing on all projects under the Climate Action Development Teams remit
Project Management
· Manage the Communities Team, SEC Mentors and Contractors and oversee daily management of the Communities project portfolio.
· Training new team members, mentoring graduate, Junior & Energy Engineers
· Coordinate project activities and monitor overall project progress concerning milestones and deliverables.
· Manage project budgets with the support of the Finance Manager
· Providing annual/monthly project cash flow forecasts with Senior Engineer and Accounts team
· Identify and report on resources needed for project delivery and assess the quality of delivery
· Program and track work progress against baselines and milestones using agreed tracking systems
· Identify and pursue additional funding and partnering opportunities for South East Energy Agency.
· Work with Marketing & Communications to organise South East Energy Agency project-related events and provide support as needed
· Provide expert guidance on energy efficiency and renewable measures
Stakeholder Engagement
· Liaise with the Head of Climate Action Operations on new tender opportunities in the Communities Sector
· Liaise with internal and external stakeholders across all sectors relevant to SEEA’s work
· Work closely with Public Sector Team Lead, Planning and Delivery Team Leads to identify suitable projects from SEC’s, REC’s, Sustainability Plans and EMPs
· Collaborate with the Support Office, Communications and Marketing Team, and Technical Team.
· Foster and maintain team spirit within the Agency
· Communicate complex technical information to non-specialist stakeholders.
Quality and Compliance
· Adhere to the company’s Quality Management System requirements, including performing work according to process documents, procedures, and maintaining necessary records
· Understand and apply quality and environmental policy statements in all aspects of work
· Ensure that the needs and requirements of the company’s customers are understood and delivered
· Enhance the company’s internal processes and management system by reporting corrective actions, updates, and improvement ideas
· Continuous improvement on advancements in retrofit materials, methods, and regulations.
Additional Responsibilities
· Perform additional duties as assigned by the CEO/Lead Team, depending on the organisation’s workload
· Contribute to achieving the company’s objectives
The Ideal Candidate
Each Candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms for the position have:
· 2H1 Graduate (Level 8) Degree in Energy Engineering/Sustainable Energy/Environmental Science/Mech, Elec, Civil, Arch, Building Services, Environment etc.)
· Knowledge and understanding of Climate Action Plan goals
· Energy awareness education
· You are a natural ‘people person’ and are comfortable presenting our work in a variety of situations, from small community events to large conferences
· Community engagement experience
· Minimum 2-5-years’ experience in at least two of the following sustainable areas:
· Sustainable Energy Management (energy efficiency, renewable energy)
· Energy Auditing
· Renewable Energy Support scheme
· Training compilation in the energy area
· Excellent Interpersonal & Client communication skills
· Strong IT and analytical skills; Microsoft Excel, Project etc.
· Team player with a ’can-do’ attitude, who strives for results
· Eligible to work/move freely within the Schengen Travel area
· A valid driving licence
Desirable Experience / Qualifications
· Active membership of a professional organisation (Engineers Ireland, IGBC, IEMA)
· Registered Energy Auditor/BER Assessor
· Experience in applying for national or EU funding
· Project management
· Experience in Microsoft Project
· Facilitation skills/workshop development
· Experience in energy efficient design of buildings or building services.
· Knowledge and understanding of County Development plans and county council functions
How to Apply?
Please complete the Application Form available on http://www.southeastenergy.ie/careers and return to Joanne Brennan at [email protected] with a subject line ‘Climate Action Development Section Lead”
Applicants are also invited to include details of their relevant experience and to indicate their earliest available start date. A curriculum vitae (CV) may be included; however, it will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
References: Referees will only be contacted with the prior consent of the applicant.
Data Protection and Confidentiality: All applications will be treated with strict confidence and processed in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Application Deadline: Applications received after the closing date may not be considered.
South East Energy Agency is an equal opportunities employer.
A panel of suitably qualified candidates may be established from which future vacancies may be filled. Placement on a panel does not constitute an offer of employment
Pay: €50,000.00-€58,000.00 per year
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Kilkenny, County Kilkenny: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
