OUR PLACEMENTS

Back

Closed CLOSING DATE: 30/04/2017

Shapinsay Development Trust

Graduate Social and Economic Researcher – Hydrogen

Undergraduate Degree, Postgraduate Degree

Closing Date:
30/04/2017
Skill:
Science and environment
Region:
Orkney
Salary
£22,000 per annum
Length:
12 months
Ref code
VBWECULSCB

Placement summary

Shapinsay Development Trust (SDT) was formed to secure the future of the resilient island community of Shapinsay, one of the Orkney islands. We now have an exciting vacancy for a Graduate Researcher to undertake a 12 month placement project. The successful candidate will be required to undertake research to determine the social and economic benefits of our hydrogen electrolyser to the community. 

Job description

Project Description

Shapinsay Development Trust is one of the partners of the BIG HIT project, a collaborative project with twelve partners from Denmark, France, Italy, Malta, Spain and the UK, to build innovative green hydrogen systems in isolated areas. SDT’s aims to assess the impact of placing an electrolyser on our island in order to supply hydrogen within our island, and the wider Orkney area.

The successful candidate will undertake research and establish a baseline process to help determine the social and economic value of this hydrogen project.

The preferred start date is 3rd July 2017, however this is flexible and depending on the successful candidate’s availability.

For informal enquiries regarding this position please contact Nic Thake, Service /Projects Manager, T: 01856 711733, E: [email protected].

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Placement Objectives

To establish a mechanism for measuring social and economic value and impact of our community projects.

Role Description

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

  • undertaking research and surveys to determine social and economic impacts of all projects;
  • establishing a mechanism for social value assessment of all projects;
  • measuring the social impact and social value added to the community by SDT and our renewables enterprise, Shapinsay Renewables Ltd
  • creating a financial model which can be used to assess the social and financial benefits of producing hydrogen in Shapinsay through the involvement in the BIT HIT project.
  • assisting with the creation and delivery of a training programme to key staff and trustees.

Qualifications

Minimum Degree related to Finance, Economics or Environmental Economics. Other subjects may be considered provided the candidate has the required skills. 

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

  • An understanding of environmental economics
  • Familiarity with pricing externalities
  • An intellectual eagerness to develop the capture and understanding of Social Value
  • An intellectual willingness to look beyond market based solutions
  • The capacity to present their work to a wide range of audiences
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Commitment to project completion

Desirable Skills

  • An understanding of the uniqueness of an island community
  • Excellent collaborative skills
  • An outline knowledge of Social Enterprise in Scotland
  • A belief in innovation and a desire to innovate
  • A willingness to work as part of the wider SDT team

Benefits

Company benefits

  • Access to Shapinsay Development Trust (SDT) facilities and services including use of the Electric Car, the Out of Hours boat and recreational and training events at the Boathouse.
  • Access to SDT training programmes available to all staff including HSE and First Aid training etc.
  • Access to events and support available via Trust memberships – e.g. Orkney Renewable Energy Forum and Scottish Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association.
  • It is envisaged that the graduate will be included in BIG HIT dissemination events. This would involve travel within UK (Sheffield, London and Edinburgh) and possibly to Brussels too.
  • The graduate will be able to utilise SDT’s links with the University of Highlands and Islands and with Herriot Watt University’s International Centre for Island Technology department in Orkney.
  • Attendance at relevant Social Value, Social Enterprise, Third Sector and renewable energy events within Orkney.
  • Engagement with Orkney Islands Council as a member of the BIG HIT consortium.

Placement benefits

As part of the ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, you will have access to a tailored graduate business skills training course. ScotGrad placements also offer a unique opportunity to connect with a vast network of graduates and ScotGrad alumni. All graduates appointed through the programme are encouraged to use the ScotGrad LinkedIn group to communicate with other ScotGrad participants, learn about any professional development opportunities, including any relevant networking events and build up a professional network.

Additional information

Balfour, Shapinsay

03/07/2017

Company information

SDT was formed by the residents to be a vehicle through which the islanders can collectively help to maintain and improve their lives on the beautiful, peaceful island of Shapinsay. All Shapinsay residents over the age of 18 can apply for membership of the Trust. The Directors of the Trust are elected from within the membership of the Trust by the members.

SDT pursues a multi-strand approach to address the needs of community including the development of sheltered housing, an enhanced wellbeing and care package and faster internet. Many of these projects offer and linkage and synergies with stakeholders across Scotland, the UK and Europe. 

Other

Company website: http://www.orkneycommunities.co.uk/shapinsay