Development Officer- Community Energy

The role

We’re looking for two Development Officers
- Community Energy to help communities across Scotland develop projects that reduce carbon emissions, improve community buildings and support the transition to net zero. You’ll work directly with community groups and charities, providing trusted advice and practical support to turn project ideas into successful, funded initiatives. From renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements to building decarbonisation projects, you’ll guide organisations through every stage of project development;

from early concepts and funding applications to delivery and completion. You’ll also play an important role in delivering the Scottish Government’s Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) and The National Lottery Community Fund programmes, ensuring projects are well planned, deliver value for money and create lasting benefits for local communities. If you enjoy building relationships, managing projects and helping communities create positive environmental change, we’d love to hear from you.

Our renewables team work with communities across Scotland to deliver practical solutions that reduce energy costs, lower carbon emissions and create resilient local places. We work collaboratively, sharing knowledge and supporting one another to deliver high-quality programmes that make a genuine difference. You’ll join a friendly and experienced team where you’ll have opportunities to develop your expertise while helping communities achieve their sustainability ambitions.

• Provide practical advice and support to community organisations developing renewable energy, energy efficiency and building decarbonisation projects.
• Manage a portfolio of community energy projects, monitoring progress, budgets, funding claims and delivery against agreed objectives.
• Assess funding applications and review project feasibility, risks and value for money as part of the CARES and National Lottery Community Fund programmes.
• Build strong relationships with community groups, partners and stakeholders, representing Energy Saving Trust at meetings and events across Scotland.
• Share learning and best practice to support continuous improvement across programmes and the wider team.

• Experience building positive relationships with community groups, charities, public sector organisations or businesses.
• Strong project management and organisational skills, including experience managing budgets, funding processes or grant administration.
• The ability to analyse project information and provide clear, practical advice, including explaining technical or funding information in an accessible way.
• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, community energy, renewable energy, building decarbonisation, retrofit or the transition to net zero.
• A relevant degree or equivalent experience, with a willingness to travel to communities across Scotland.

Energy Saving Trust is a leading and trusted organisation, dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, low carbon transport and sustainable energy use. We aim to address the climate emergency and deliver the wider benefits of clean energy as we transition to net zero. At Energy Saving Trust we don’t just offer jobs – we offer careers. For our people, being part of the effort to address the climate emergency makes working for us truly meaningful and rewarding.

At Energy Saving Trust, flexibility isn’t just a policy, it’s how we work. Most of our roles can be done remotely, and many of our people choose to work from home full-time. Prefer an office environment? We have welcoming spaces in London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Hadleigh for those who want to connect in person.

• Generous holiday (25 days + bank holidays + extra Christmas leave)
• True flexibility in how and where you work
• Strong pension & life assurance
• Enhanced family leave
• Green travel perks (EV scheme, cycle to work)
• Professional development support
• Yearly wellbeing allowance

These are just some of the benefits we offer.

Want to know more about how we make flexibility real? Check out our Benefits and Culture page