An opportunity to help complete the current Penicuik Carbon Challenge project and to embed resources in the community to maximise the long-term benefits. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal, team working and administration skills, as well as a determination to respond to the climate emergency.

Purpose of the job

To consolidate, manage, deliver and report on the final 6 months of ‘Penicuik Carbon Challenge’ that aims to raise people’s understanding of the climate emergency and what they can do towards low carbon, zero waste living. You will be part of a team of 2 half time project officers delivering the project. The other project officer is responsible for zero waste and food waste.

Roles and Responsibilities

You will be responsible for producing and facilitating programmes of events and activities, manning the project hub at 34 John Street, recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, recruiting session workers, developing marketing and social media campaigns, and working with local partners.

• Engage the EH26 community in our activities and programme to help meet our proposed targets.
• Consolidate, coordinate and lead all project activities that engage the community in positive opportunities to learn about climate change and food choices.
• Deliver a range of workshops and events.
• Promote the project aims, activities and outcomes, using press, marketing, website and social media.
• Manage volunteers and session workers to help meet the project aims.
• Develop and maintain relevant programmes and project materials.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local people, a wide range of partners, groups, community organisations and schools.
• Engage with our community in a way that empowers local people to take ownership of their learning and adopt low carbon behaviour changes.
• Attend local events and groups to promote the work of the project and programmes of activities.
• To monitor, evaluate and report on project activities to the Climate Challenge Fund.
• Find ways of making the project themes and activities continue after the funded period by working in partnership with other local organisations and partners.
• Interact and support other activities of Penicuik Community Development Trust to ensure the project is embedded and mutually supportive.

General responsibilities

• To promote and encourage the understanding of climate change and food choices.
• To comply fully with the PCDT’s ethos, policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
• To work and communicate effectively with other PCDT team members (volunteers, Board,) and CCF project staff, volunteers and sessional workers to achieve goals.
• To work constructively and effectively with partners, groups and organisations.
• To undertake other duties in line with the job purpose.

Person Spec

You will have a passion for engaging communities in climate change. You will have excellent organisational skills, the ability to work with a range of people of all abilities, volunteers, work well in a team and use your own initiative. Experience of planning and delivering practical carbon reduction activities is an advantage.

Essential (E) / Desirable (D)

Qualifications

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience in the sector (D)

Knowledge/Expertise

• Experience of/Passion for environmental projects and sustainable living (E)
• Experience of community engagement in delivering local community projects and/or running workshops. (E)
• Experience in either local food or climate change projects at a local level involving community (D)
• Experience of recruiting, training, working with and motivating volunteers (D)
• Experience of working with session workers (D)

Other

• Sound interpersonal and people skills showing sensitivity to a wide variety of groups. (E)
• Sound monitoring & reporting skills. (E)
• Competent with IT (Excel, Word, email, websites) and social media(E)
• Adaptable & flexible. (E)
• Energetic and proactive (E)

Reports to: Dr Chris Sydes (PCDT Board Member)

The post-holder will be subject to a PVG check.