Sustainable Energy Communities Mentor

Role Description

Job Title: Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Mentor

Number of Hours: 21 hours per week (some evening & weekend work)* 

Contract Type: Initial two-year contract. Continuation subject to funding.

Reporting to: CLDC LEADER Co-ordinator 

Role Description:

Clare Local Development Company (CLDC) is seeking an experienced, motivated, and community-oriented person to work as a Sustainable Energy Communities (SEC) Mentor. This role is key to supporting community groups across Co. Clare as they build their capacity, plan energy projects and move towards energy independence and sustainability.

The CLDC SEC Mentor, who will report to the LEADER Co-ordinator, will guide communities through the SEAI SEC programme—supporting their journey from initial registration to developing and implementing a robust Energy Master Plan. The role will entail working directly with community leaders, technical advisors and CLDC Development Officers to support communities to understand energy use, improve their energy efficiency, explore renewable energy opportunities, and access SEAI funding and other resources to achieve their energy objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Act as the primary point of contact between SEAI and assigned SECs.
• Support SECs to organise, structure, and manage their energy-related goals and projects.
• Assist communities in completing baseline energy assessments and developing Community Energy Plans.
• Provide clear, jargon-free guidance on sustainable energy concepts, technologies, and funding mechanisms.
• Connect SECs with relevant stakeholders including local authorities, energy consultants and SEAI technical support.
• Deliver workshops, presentations, and training sessions as needed.
• Assist SECs to apply for and manage grants and understand compliance requirements.
• Track and report on SEC progress, challenges, and achievements.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among SECs in Co. Clare.
• Cooperate and work collaboratively with other CLDC programmes and staff teams to optimise community engagement and impact. 

Person Specification:

The person should have:

• A relevant third level qualification.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable energy, energy efficiency and community engagement.
• Experience working with community groups, public bodies, or voluntary organisations.
• Ability to translate technical energy concepts into clear, practical language.
• Self-motivated and well-organised, with a collaborative mindset.
• Administration skills including a high level of IT literacy and experience of web-based platforms.
• Familiarity with SEAI’s SEC Programme, Community Energy Plans and funding streams is an advantage.
• Access to a car and a full driving licence.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills – both written and verbal
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Strong time management and organisation skills
• A flexible team player
• Deadline focused and ability to work well under pressure

Salary level for this role will be commensurate with the level of skill/experience of the successful candidate and aligned to the CLDC Development Officer salary scale.

This job description is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position and is not inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform.

*CLDC is open to revising the working hours for a successful candidate who is currently a family carer.