Project Officer in the Climate & Air Team (GHG inventory specialist) ICLEI

ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is an association of 1,200 local governments in 68 countries that are dedicated to sustainable development. It has 15 offices servicing its members while developing innovative projects and events and is an international not-for-profit association and network perceived as the international representative of cities for sustainability. The European Secretariat is based in Freiburg, Germany.

The European Secretariat of ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability seeks to fill the position of a Project Officer with its Climate & Air team.

ICLEI's Climate and Air Team deals with several themes relevant to local governments across Europe, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as a sectoral focus on energy buildings, transport, and waste. The Team mainly works on projects, with results feeding into tthe development of the European Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Campaign. The focus is on offering practical support to local governments to plan, implement and monitor climate and energy activities within their own operations and in their communities.

Tasks and responsibilities:
Support cities and towns in the geographical area covered by ICLEI Europe with the development and compilation of community greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and setting up monitoring processes, assessing local energy status and opportunities, as well guiding the development of Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs).

The above task is closely linked to the development and improvement of guidance materials and tools to assist municipalities, also encouraging them to sign the Covenant of Mayors – www.eumayors.eu

Carry out training activities and disseminate information to improve awareness, knowledge and skills amongst local political decision-makers, municipal staff as well as other actors involved in local climate and sustainable energy action.

Support the development of Country Supplements to the International Local Governments Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis Protocol (IEAP) – http://www.iclei.org/ghgprotocol - and, as required, provide expertise to other relevant international climate development initiatives where ICLEI collaborates with international and European agencies.

Liaise with the CCP Europe Campaign Coordinator regarding the strategic development of relevant support and services offered to ICLEI Members and CCP participants. Actively contribute to the further development of the CCP Campaign, including strategies and activities on climate change mitigation, climate adaptation and air quality improvement - www.iclei-europe.org/ccp

Identify and actively promote opportunities to expand 'ICLEI Climate and Energy Services’ on offer to cities, towns and interested provinces / regions / states as well as energy agencies.

Project management, project acquisition, and networking - in close cooperation the Team Coordinator.

Communication and representation of ICLEI and the Team in relevant project meetings and events, working in close cooperation with the Team Coordinator and the Regional Director for Europe.

Any other duties that might be required consistent with the range and nature of responsibilities as a member of the Team.

Skills and qualifications:

• A Masters degree in a relevant subject, such as engineering or environmental sciences (technical) or another appropriate qualification that helped to develop technical skills e.g. renewable energy studies.
• At least 2 years technical work experience in the area of local climate planning and action, including compilation of a community greenhouse gas emissions inventory and/or an energy status report.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to present complex / technical information in a concise and clear manner to different audiences. An excellent command of English (reading, writing and verbal) is a specific requirement. Proficiency in additional European language(s) will be an asset.
• Good research skills in order to monitor relevant development in Europe, identify good practice, and feed the results into a framework.
• Ability and willingness to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage time, prioritise tasks and produce high quality work, often within tight time constraints.
• Competent in word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as e-mail programmes.
• Willing to travel in Europe and occasionally internationally, presenting specific projects or activities of ICLEI in formal exchange settings.

Conditions:

• Limited contract, initial duration 12 months
• Corridor contract 80-100% with a gross salary according to position in ICLEI’s salary grid (indicative: EUR to 37.200 to 40.800 per annum for 100%);
• Place of work: ICLEI European Secretariat, Freiburg, Germany
• Workings hours: 40 h/week, six weeks of paid leave per annum
• Working language: English
• Readiness for frequent travel

Applicants must – due to legal reasons – hold EU citizenship or valid EU residence permit and a valid German work permit. Applications not meeting these conditions can unfortunately not be considered.

Deadline for application: 31/12/2011

Be aware that applications are reviewed continuously upon arrival; therefore application as soon as possible is advisable.

Please apply in writing, including a CV and letter of motivation to:
jobs.europe@iclei.org

For more information about ICLEI visit:
www.iclei-europe.org