Senior Sustainability Adviser

Position: Senior Sustainability Adviser 
Closing Date: Monday 2nd September 2024
Salary: £37,336 – £40,221 per annum
Working hours: 35 hours per week (NB we are currently piloting a 4-day week
with reduced hours on full pay)
Contract: Permanent
Interview Date: W/C 9th September 2024

JOB PURPOSE:

This is an exciting opportunity to support Northern Ireland’s public sector to deliver on its
sustainability commitments. Reporting to the Executive Director, you will lead Sustainable NI’s
membership programme, providing technical and strategic support to help councils and public
bodies comply with their statutory sustainability and climate change duties, overseeing
projects and programmes designed to accelerate progress in the sector.

MAJOR DUTIES:

1. Coordinate the Sustainable Development Forum including the organisation of meetings, events
   and site visits.
2. Provide sustainability support and guidance to public bodies on matters relating to carbon
   emission disclosure, sustainability reporting, strategy and action plan development,
   sustainable procurement and capacity building.
3. Develop tools, resources and training materials to drive sustainability and climate action
   in the public sector.
4. Deliver training events, workshops and presentations on sustainability and net zero. 
5. Identify opportunities to increase memberships and improve services.
6. Project & programme management including managing staff and budgets linked to projects.
7. Research and develop policy positions in relation to climate change, green growth and the
   circular economy and prepare high-quality government consultation responses accordingly.
8. Develop and maintain relationships with key sustainability representatives across the
   public sector, developing opportunities for collaboration and co-ordination across the
   membership.
9. Lead and manage a programme of communications to profile the work of Sustainable NI members
   and promote Sustainable NI to new and existing audiences, including developing content for the
   e-Bulletin, website, and social media. 

The post-holder will be required to be flexible and may be asked to perform tasks that are not
specifically listed in the job description, but which are commensurate with the role.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

With an excellent track record in sustainability delivery, you’ll be knowledgeable, confident,
proactive and enthusiastic about helping organisations transition to more sustainable ways of
working and operating. The successful candidate will have a high level of integrity and
positivity together with energy and drive to meet and exceed expectations.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• A third-level degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. environmental science, public policy,
  geography) or demonstrable compensatory relevant experience.
• A minimum of 3 years relevant experience. 

You must be able to demonstrate your experience in your cover letter by providing specific
personal examples of relevant experience including all of the following:

• Supporting the development, delivery and periodic review of climate change, sustainability
  or ESG strategies and plans.
• Management and development of environmental projects and initiatives to advance
  sustainability.
• Promotion and raising awareness of sustainability issues and programmes.
• Knowledge and understanding of the holistic nature of sustainability including local,
  national and global challenges.
• Awareness of recent and emerging environment policies and strategies at a national level as
  well as international best practice.
• Securing income for an organisation, project or programme.
• Working with internal and external stakeholders, demonstrating good negotiation and
  persuasion skills. 
• Information analysis demonstrating ability to critically evaluate and summarise evidence
  from a range of sources.
• Writing and presenting reports clearly and confidently for a range of audiences. 
• Excellent personal organisation skills with the initiative to proactively identify and
  overcome problems to achieve results.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• An additional postgraduate qualification e.g. Masters
• Membership of a relevant professional body e.g. IEMA
• Experience of working in or with the public sector
• Experience of developing and delivering training

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A 4-day working week on full pay (NB: our 4-day week is currently in a pilot phase and will
  take effect upon successful completion of a 6-month probationary period)
• Hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave increasing by one day per year up to 30 days, plus statutory holidays
• Wellbeing leave entitlement
• Employer pension contribution of 7.5% of salary
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Sustainable travel perks scheme and volunteering days