Community Climate Action Officer

Monaghan County Council is inviting applications from suitability qualified persons for the position of Community Climate Action Officer (Grade VI) (Specific Purpose Contract) for inclusion on a panel from which temporary vacancies during the lifetime of the panel may be filled.

The Role

The Community Climate Action Officer within Monaghan County Council is a core resource requirement for local authorities to lead on climate action, the successful candidate playing a key role in advocating for climate action and sustainability. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work with local communities to promote local positive climate action as supported by the Climate Action Fund programme.

The Community Climate Action Officer will be involved with assisting and motivating communities, PPNs or businesses to identify relevant projects/initiatives, which will contribute to meeting Ireland’s climate targets and building awareness of the climate impact.

The Community Climate Action Officer will be required to work with other departments within the Council, to build relationships with citizens in the community, publicise events, making people aware of new initiatives and provide information that may be required to fully avail of the Council’s wide range of services in relation to climate action.   

The Community Climate Action Officer will be required to initiate expressions of interest for funding, evaluate the eligibility of applications and play a key role in partnering with communities/PPNs whose projects were successful in receiving funding. The development of progress reports and overseeing expenditure are also key components of the role.

The successful candidate will have the ability, drive, and vision to engage and support the public to take climate action. The individual will support to empower those beginning and those already participating in climate action. 

The ideal candidate will

• Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Have both the ability to work on one’s own initiative as well as experience of effective project team management.
• Have a positive outlook and enjoy working with people.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Community Climate Action Officer shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned in relation to employment and as may be appropriate to any function of the Climate Action Section and shall carry out such instructions as may be given in relation to the performance of their duties.

The duties will include but are not limited to:

• To support their line manager to ensure work programmes are implemented to deliver on the Council’s corporate and operational plans, including planning, prioritising work, and allocating resources. 

• To develop and maintain productive working relationships, including providing information and assistance when required. 

• To research, analyse and communicate information on specific climate action issues and policies as appropriate, including compiling, preparing, and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc.

• To assist with implementation of the Local Authority Climate Action Plan as per government guidance.

• To assist with the development and implementation of Decarbonisation Zone Action Plan as per government guidance.

• To represent the local authority on committees and at meetings and to report on progress on their respective section as required. 

• To provide support and administrative assistance in the delivery of Community Climate Action projects as required. 

• To be involved in the day-to-day financial management of capital and operational expenditure in the section or department. 

• To initiate expressions of interest for funding, evaluate the eligibility of applications and play a key role in partnering with communities/PPNs whose projects were successful in receiving funding 

• To participate in corporate management activities and responsibilities appropriate to the grade. 

• To undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibility, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time by the Line Manager.

These duties are indicative rather than exhaustive and outline the main functions and responsibilities of the post of the Community Climate Action Officer and may be subject to change in the future. The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above and to take instruction from and report to an appropriate officer or such designated officer as may be assigned from time to time by Monaghan County Council.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POST

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

Each candidate shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.      Citizenship:

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

(a)         A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

(b)         A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

(c)          A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

(d)         A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa: or

(e)         A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or

(f)          A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

4.      Education, Training and Experience

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

(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.

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

Essential Requirements:

It is essential for each candidate to have: -

• Knowledge of current local government issues, priorities, concerns and future direction 
• Relevant administrative experience at a sufficiently high level 
• Ability to work within a team effectively 
• Experience of compiling, preparing, and presenting reports, presentations, correspondence etc. 
• Effective financial and budget management skills
• Knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems

Desirable Skills and Experience

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience in community engagement
• Project Management Skills
• Experience of organising and managing events

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. Oversees qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

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.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are outlined in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Essential Requirements

Knowledge, and understanding of role/of Local Government

Knowledge and understanding of role

• Demonstrates understanding of the role of Community Climate Action Officer in the context of wider local authority service delivery.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government.

• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues, future trends, and strategic direction of local government.

Delivering Results

Problem Solving and Decision Making

Demonstrates the ability to act decisively and make timely, informed, and effective decisions.

Operational Planning

Demonstrates the ability to establish high quality service and customer care standards.

Communicating effectively

• Demonstrates the ability to recognise the value of and requirement to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.

Management and Change

Networking and Representing

• Demonstrates the ability to develop and maintain positive and beneficial relationships with relevant interests.
• Demonstrates the ability to sustain a positive image and profile of the local authority.

Personal Effectiveness

Resilience and Personal Well Being

• Is enthusiastic about the role and motivated in the face of difficulties and obstacles.
• Demonstrates appropriate and positive self-confidence.
• Manages their time effectively, focusing on essential tasks and responsibilities.
• Operatives effectively in an environment with significant complexity and pace.
• Is honest and trustworthy in all dealings

PRINCIPAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

The Competition

Monaghan County Council invites applications from suitably qualified persons, who wish to be considered for inclusion on a panel for the post ofCommunity Climate Action Officer (Specific Purpose Contract) from which temporary vacancies during the lifetime of the panel may be filled. The position shall be wholetime, temporary and pensionable.

The post holder shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an employee of a local authority, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an employee of a local authority or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of the local authority, or which might be inconsistent with the discharge of his/her duties as a local authority employee.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. Holders of the post shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. An allowance may also be payable in respect of travel expenses and subsistence.

The salary scale for the post is: -

€56,754, - €58,108, – €59,758– €62,862 – €64,716, - LSI 1 €67,020, - LSI 2 €69,337

Entry point to this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage. Appointees who are not existing public servants will enter at the minimum point of the scale.

Probation:

Where a person who is not already a permanent employee of a local authority is appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

(a)              there shall be a period after such appointment takes effect, during which such person shall hold such position on probation;

(b)             such period shall be twelve months, but the Chief Executive may, at his discretion, extend such period;

(c)              such person shall cease to hold such office at the end of the period of probation, unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such person is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty:

The successful candidate’s normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week. Flexible working arrangements apply. The Council reserves the right to alter the hours of work from time to time. The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the duties may involve working outside of normal office hours.

Annual Leave

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Health

For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority.

Superannuation:

Membership of the Local Government Superannuation Scheme or the Single Public Service Pension Scheme is compulsory for all employees. Details will be provided to the appointee prior to appointment.

Superannuation contributions

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

Widows & Orphans/Spouses & Childre’s scheme

All persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority will be required in respect of the Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension Scheme to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

New entrants from 1st January 2013 – Single Public Services Pension Scheme

For new entrants under the Single Public Service Pension Scheme, effective from 1st January 2013, superannuation contributions are as follows: 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration and 3% of pensionable remuneration. Pension and retirement lump sum will be based on career-average pensionable remuneration; pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory.

Retirement:

There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 70 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.

The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.

Garda Vetting/Child Protection

The successful candidate(s) will be subject to the Garda Vetting Procedures and will be required to complete Appendix V of the County Council’s Child Protection Policy.

Residence

The successful candidate(s) shall reside in the district in which his or her duties are to be performed, or within a reasonable distance thereof.

Training

Successful candidates will be required to attend and participate in training programmes as may be decided by the local authority from time to time and to apply their learning in the course of their working activities.

Driver’s Licence

The holder of the post shall hold a current full clean driving licence in respect of category B vehicles or equivalent in the EU Model Driving License. The successful candidate will be required to provide their own transport in the course of their duties and maintain the vehicle to the satisfaction of the local authority. Monaghan County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on the insurance policy.

Offer of appointment

Monaghan County Council shall require any person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than one month from the date on which the offer is made. If he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council shall not appoint him/her.

References

All appointments are subject to receipt of satisfactory references