The Roles:
Are you passionate about sustainability and making a real impact on climate action? Southwark Council’s Environment, Sustainability & Leisure department is seeking two motivated individuals for a 12-week internship programme. These roles sit within our Climate Change team and offer hands-on opportunities to contribute to vital projects that shape Southwark’s greener future.
Southwark Council’s Internship programme is for young residents aged 16-24 who may be looking to get a great first stepping stone into the world of work!
Community Energy Fund Intern
Southwark Council has an ambitious target to become net zero by 2030 while fostering strong communities and supporting a good quality of life for all. The Southwark Community Energy Fund (SCEF) was launched in 2023 to help achieve this goal. SCEF provides grants of up to £50,000 for community organisations to deliver renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.
As the Community Energy Fund Intern, you will:
- Assist with project management and prepare documents to progress SCEF Round 2.
- Assess grant applications received during SCEF Round 2.
- Liaise with community stakeholders for current and future projects.
- Organise stakeholder events to promote community energy.
- Develop the vision and policy context for community energy initiatives.
- Lead promotion and marketing efforts for the programme.
- Support various project needs as they arise.
Climate Change Intern
As the Climate Change Intern, you will work across a variety of impactful projects depending on team priorities. These may include:
- Contributing to the development of the Sustainable Procurement Strategy, including staff training and policy guidance.
- Supporting building retrofit programmes to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions of council properties.
- Conducting research and policy development for the Council’s Climate Change Strategy (2020-2030) midway review.
- Drafting research and policy papers to align with team goals.
- Exploring green finance opportunities, including funding mechanisms like crowdfunded green bonds and grant applications.
- Assisting in the creation of staff training materials on climate and sustainability.
- Providing general support for team needs.
What You’ll Gain:
- Real-world experience in managing climate and sustainability projects within local government.
- The opportunity to work on innovative programmes that contribute to Southwark’s net zero ambition.
- Valuable networking opportunities with community stakeholders and council teams.
- Insight into the intersection of public policy, green finance, and environmental sustainability.
- A chance to contribute directly to Southwark’s vision for a fair, green, and safe borough.
We’re looking for someone who is:
- Enthusiastic about addressing climate change and supporting community-driven energy projects.
- A strong communicator who can engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.
- Analytical and organised, with an eye for detail in project management and research tasks.
- Keen to learn how local government operates and its role in driving environmental sustainability.
- Proactive and adaptable, ready to take on a variety of tasks as needed.
These role offers flexible home working blended with travel into our London Bridge office three days a week.
About Southwark:
Southwark Council is committed to creating a fair, green, and safe borough where everyone can live a good life. Our 2030 Strategy is driven by six core goals: providing decent homes, ensuring a strong economy, supporting residents’ wellbeing, and fostering a thriving environment. These goals are underpinned by our commitment to tackling inequality and empowering communities to shape Southwark’s future.
Application Process:
If you are interested in applying for this role, The Job Description and Person Specification can also be found at the bottom of this page under attachments.
We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian, and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at all levels in the Council.
Recruitment timetable
Closing Date: 11.59pm on Wednesday 8 January 2025
Drop-in session on MS Teams Monday 6 January 12-1pm: find out more about our team and ask any questions about the role or working at the Council. Email ClimateEmergency@southwark.gov.uk to register your interest and we’ll send you the Teams link.
Interview Date: Wednesday 29 January 2025
Guaranteed Interview Scheme:
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
- Those currently in care or previously in care.
- Individuals who consider themselves disabled or have a long-term health condition.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Attachments
