Net Zero Officer

Belfast Zoo; Belfast; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent council authority in Northern Ireland is seeking a dedicated professional to support its Net Zero programme, which aims to deliver significant emission reductions. The role involves collaborating with various departments, providing technical support, and leading on decarbonisation initiatives. Ideal candidates will have a background in environmental science and experience in climate programs. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the ambitious climate goals set by the council.

Benefits

Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants

Qualifications

• Experience in supporting climate programs or initiatives.
• Ability to collaborate with various stakeholders.
• Knowledge of emission reduction technologies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Net Zero programme across Council.
• Deliver emission reduction elements of the Climate Action Plan.
• Lead on decarbonisation policies and projects.

Skills

Understanding of climate policies

Technical support drafting

Collaboration skills

Education

Qualification in environmental science or related field

Job description

There is currently one permanent, full-time post.

As Protestants are currently known to be under-represented in this job group, in Belfast City Council, applications from this group would be particularly welcome.

And as young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are currently under-represented in Belfast City Council, applications from these groups would be particularly welcome.

As part of our commitment to equality of opportunity we offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

Belfast City Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

All applications for employment are considered strictly on the basis of merit.

The post holder will provide support across the Net Zero programme of work.

Support staff across Council to deliver the emission reduction elements of the Climate Action Plan and help the council to achieve ambitious carbon reduction and environmental targets.

Support the delivery of the city-wide programme of work including but not limited to retrofit, heat networks, solar PV and local community energy projects working collaboratively with the Local Energy Systems Advisor and Project Support Officer (PSO) -Climate.

Lead on decarbonisation to build the capacity of Departments in developing and delivering Net Zero policies, plans and projects. Provide technical support including drafting papers for CMT and relevant committees and responding to Consultations and FOIs as needed.

Provide inputs for mandatory public body reporting to support the Monitoring and Results (MRL) Officer in the collection, collation and analysis of climate information required for reporting purposes.

The post holder will report to the PSO-Climate and work closely with the Local Energy Systems Advisor and the MRL Officer. The post will be located within a matrix structure to facilitate cross-functional and collaborative working across the broader climate team and maintain a flexible approach and the efficient allocation of resources to enable agile working in a complex, fast-moving environment.

Represent the PSO-Climate on matters within the post’s sphere of responsibility.

About the department

The City and Organisational Strategy Department leads, supports and facilitates:

The development and implementation of the Belfast Agenda, working in partnership with a wide range of partner organisations to deliver the social, economic and environmental ambitions of the city;

Corporate Planning for the organisation, translating the Belfast Agenda into the key activities that the Council will take forward and deliver on behalf of our ratepayers;

Performance Management for the Corporate Plan and Belfast Agenda;

Organisational change and improvement, working with the Corporate Management Team and services to ensure council is a fit-for-purpose organisation with the appropriate culture, structure, capacity and skills to effectively deliver the Corporate Plan;

The Customer Focus Programme and Customer Hub, which will improve the service we delivery to our ratepayers; and

The Climate Team which will support delivery of the net zero and resilience ambitions of the council and the city.