Climate and Sustainability Manager

Education Authority; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate leader to drive climate and sustainability initiatives. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead the development and execution of a comprehensive Climate and Sustainability Strategy, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation while promoting innovative solutions across diverse projects. Your leadership will guide teams in achieving ambitious climate goals, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and implementing effective environmental management practices. Join a forward-thinking organization committed to making a positive impact on climate resilience and sustainability within the education sector.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Professional development opportunities

Health and wellness programs

Pension scheme

Annual leave entitlement

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Experience in leading climate and sustainability initiatives.
• Proven track record in environmental compliance and management.
• Strong ability to manage multi-disciplinary teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of climate strategies.
• Manage compliance with climate-related regulations.
• Oversee data analysis and reporting for climate performance.

Skills

Climate Mitigation Planning

Environmental Management

Carbon Emissions Reporting

Sustainability Strategy Development

Data Analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science or related field

Membership in a relevant professional body

Tools

Environmental Management Systems

Data Platforms for Carbon Reporting

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

EA SERVICE:Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QSHE) Service

REPORTS TO: Senior Quality, Energy and Sustainability Manager

RESPONSIBLE FOR: The post holder will have direct line management responsibility for up to 5 members of staff and will have overall leadership responsibility for the strategic and operational management of climate mitigation and adaptation planning, climate literacy, carbon emissions reporting, environmental management and implementation of sustainable initiatives, to drive climate performance improvement across a large number of diverse and geographically dispersed projects to meet the requirements of the Climate Change Reporting Bodies Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024. The post holder will also have overall leadership responsibility for 30 or more technical staff and will manage internal and external multi-disciplinary teams, to deliver on all aspects of climate and sustainability projects. The post holder will work closely with the Head of QSHE, QSHE Senior Managers, the QSHE Technical Project Manager, QES Senior Managers, other senior EA colleagues, to include the EA Corporate Leadership Team, Principals, external partners and multi-disciplinary teams to deliver the EA’s climate change ambitions and legislative requirements. This includes responsibility for providing advice and support to the Voluntary Grammar and Grant Maintained Integrated sector as required.

JOB PURPOSE

The overall purpose of the role is to lead and be responsible for the development, co-ordination, implementation and evaluation of EA’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan, providing a road map for reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and improved climate resilience across Schools and the EA Estate.

The post holder will have overall responsibility for the provision of an effective and efficient climate and sustainability management service which complies with statutory requirements and relevant legislation, across the EA’s diverse estate.

The post holder will have a critical role within the EA as a recognised authority in climate mitigation and adaptation planning, climate literacy, carbon emissions reporting, environmental management and implementation of sustainable initiatives, to drive climate performance improvement across Schools and EA services.

The post holder will manage the transformational change in climate education and data management and will implement new structures, strategy, policy, procedures and processes as required to meet legislative requirements and ensure that climate change is embedded in decision making in the programme of work across the Schools and EA Services.

The post holder will work in collaboration with other services, external partners and senior management to ensure the EA’s climate ambitions are joined up and appropriately aligned to the achievement of the EA’s overarching goals.

The post holder will oversee data collation, analysis and reporting to support the work of the Energy Bids Manager, Net Zero Buildings Manager and external stakeholders to inform decision making, optimise investment, reduce carbon emissions and promote behavioural change in climate and sustainability within schools, across the EA Estate and fleet.

The post holder will serve as a recognised authority in designing, developing, implementing and maintaining complex business processes in relation to climate and sustainability on behalf of the QES Service. They will also work on complex assignments, prepare performance evaluations and write reports in relation to EA’s climate objectives.

The post holder will work with EA colleagues, Schools across all sectors, Department of Education (DE), Suppliers, External Stakeholders including APSE to ensure continuous service improvement and delivery on key performance priorities.

The post holder will advise and support the QES Senior Manager in the development of the strategic direction for their service and will work closely with the Head of QSHE, QSHE Senior Managers, other senior EA colleagues and the EA Corporate Leadership Team to ensure that all climate and sustainability priorities are clearly identified and communicated in line with Service requirements.

The post holder will be expected to provide strong leadership and direction to ensure the significant ongoing change and harmonisation process to create and implement a fit for purpose climate and sustainability function. In acting as an integral member of the QES Team, the post holder is required to fully contribute to all climate and sustainability issues related to the Corporate Plan, operational Business Plan, service Development Proposals, savings proposals and Risk Register to ensure that the Directorate operational plans support the overall strategic direction of the EA and the achievement of its objectives in line with its vision, mission and values.

As part of DE’s Transformation of Education and the EA’s Transformation Programme, it is recognised that the QES service and the services which it provides will play a key role both within the Facilities Management Division, across the Operations and Estates Directorate and the wider EA in securing external funding to deliver transformational change in energy decarbonisation.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The post holder has the following service-specific responsibilities:

Support the QES Senior Manager in leading responsibilities listed below:

• To develop, co-ordinate, implement and evaluate EA’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan, including supporting programmes and procedures, to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, improve climate resilience across Schools and the EA Estate, align with EA’s climate ambitions and support the attainment of carbon emission reduction targets in the NI Climate Change Act 2022.
• To manage and actively promote understanding of EA’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan across all services.
• To manage EA’s compliance with the Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 and provide statutory returns on climate performance, including climate change mitigation and adaptation reports as required by the Climate Change (Reporting Bodies) Regulations (NI) 2024.
• To lead on the innovative use of new technologies, data platforms and carbon emission reporting models, to ensure that climate data streams are accurate, captured efficiently across all EA services and monitored against internal and external targets.
• To manage the transformational change in climate literacy across the EA and implement new structures, strategy, policy, procedures and processes as required to ensure that climate change is embedded in decision making across all EA Services.
• To co-ordinate and provide insight into the development and delivery of necessary climate and sustainability actions across EA departments, in line with strategic corporate objectives, identifying and progressing any capacity building to support delivery.
• To provide expert technical and professional advice to all EA services to ensure programmes and strategic projects support climate and sustainability objectives.
• To be responsible for the design and implementation of transformational change in climate and sustainability initiatives to drive forward climate performance improvement across Schools and EA services.
• To establish systems, structures and processes both manual and IT based, for monitoring, recording and evaluating scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions across all EA Services.
• To lead, monitor and report progress against national, regional and EA climate targets and coordinate responses to relevant regional and national consultations.
• To develop strong partnerships at regional, sub-regional and local levels with a range of external partners and stakeholders including government departments or agencies, businesses and other bodies in the delivery of major climate and sustainability programmes with positive outcomes.
• To co-ordinate climate and sustainability audits across the EA, consult with relevant service managers and implement recommendations to minimise climate impacts.
• To implement an Environmental Management System aimed at improving environmental compliance and performance across EA services.
• To monitor the EA’s environmental performance via external environmental benchmarks.
• To be responsible for identification of new and innovative cost saving opportunities to support Business Cases across a range of climate and sustainability projects.
• To manage multi-disciplinary teams, internally and externally as required, to deliver on all aspects of climate and sustainability programmes.
• To collaborate with other services, external partners and senior management to ensure EA’s climate and sustainability agenda is joined up and appropriately aligned to the achievement of key performance indicators (KPI)s and the EA’s overarching goals..
• To engage staff at all levels to change and improve working practices and promote behavioural change to embed climate and sustainability into decision making across all service areas.
• To ensure that climate and sustainability actions are embedded in relevant EA policies and service plans.
• To develop guidelines and provide advice on how to implement programs to support climate and sustainability across the schools and EA Estate through staff training programmes.
• To lead on climate and sustainability actions and performance in the QES Business Plan and Risk Register, in line with the QSHE and Directorate Plans and EA strategic priorities.
• To be responsible for researching current and proposed legislative requirements relating to climate and sustainability and ensuring compliance.
• To serve as a recognised authority in designing, developing, implementing and maintaining complex business processes in relation to climate and sustainability on behalf of QES Service.
• To work on complex assignments, prepare performance evaluations and write reports.
• To improve governance, accountability, strategic management and reporting arrangements for sustained longer-term success in climate and sustainability.
• To provide clear, strategic leadership to staff to ensure the climate and sustainability team has a highly skilled, flexible and motivated workforce.
• To ensure that corporate climate and sustainability priorities are delivered to a high quality, provide value for money, support the delivery of Departmental policy and are consistent and integrated in approach across all areas of the EA.
• To keep abreast of climate and sustainability related policy developments at local, national, and international levels.
• To develop skills in Climate related areas such as Carbon Accounting, Sustainability Reporting, Carbon Credits and Carbon Trading opportunities.
• To work closely with the EA’s Procurement Service to support the delivery of procurement processes from specification to contractual negotiation and appointment.
• To ensure compliance with all best practice guidelines, legislation, regulatory inspection matters, Departmental directives and other statutory requirements.
• To respond to enquiries and complaints from School Principals, Contractors, Board members, MLAs, MPs and other public representatives on all issues relating to service delivery, including correspondence such as AQs and FOIs.
• To publicly represent and act on behalf of the EA in engagement and negotiation with Contractors, School Principals, Boards of Governors, senior Civil Servants, MPs, MLAs, Utility providers, industry groups and leaders in private sector organisations on high-level, complex matters including those relating to policy.
• To support the QES Senior Manager with staff training and development.
• To support the QES Senior Manager with recruiting, managing, mentoring and developing placement students, graduates and interns.
• To deputise for the QES Senior Manager as required.
• To co-ordinate and prepare EA Board and Committee papers as required.
• To co-ordinate responses to Assembly Questions, Freedom of Information requests and complaints relating to the work of the Directorate as requested.
• To support the QES Senior Manager to fulfil the EA’s statutory responsibilities under for example GDPR, Equality and Climate Change legislation.
• To contribute to emerging service developments and service reviews as required.
• To liaise with the HR directorate regarding recruitment and selection processes, and participate in selection panels as required.

Leadership/Management

The post holder will be expected to:

• Line manage employees in the QES service based within the climate and sustainability Team.
• Provide specialist support in developing operational capabilities, identify skill requirements, assist in the development of training programmes and undertake training and assessment of staff.
• Lead and support employees in the team in the effective and efficient operation of services.
• Undertake such training as may be required for his/her own personal and professional development.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND POLICY INFLUENCE

The post holder will be expected to:

• Contribute to and where appropriate, lead the development and implementation of specific climate change targets relating to the EA Corporate Plan and Operations and Estates Directorate’s Business Plan.
• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive service Development Plan.
• Work collaboratively with other Managers within the QES Service to ensure that priorities are translated into manageable objectives and communicated to relevant teams within the Service, as appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with other Managers within the QES Service to devise and implement effective systems to monitor, measure, control and report on the work of relevant teams within service to take account of changes in the internal and external environments which may impact on and influence
• Provide reports that can inform policy and strategic direction using formative and summative information which will guide future models of service delivery in relation to the service area.

CORPORATE LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

The post holder will be expected to:

• Contribute to the strategic planning, implementation and on-going monitoring of the service area.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory frameworks.
• Establish, maintain, manage and review effective data systems.
• Co-ordinate, deliver or contribute to training and support with regards to specific service areas as required.
• Facilitate the induction of new staff and ongoing professional development of all staff in relation to the core objectives, expected outputs and outcomes in relation to the service.
• Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the EA as required.
• Ensure that employees within the QES Service have an awareness of the corporate culture, values and processes which underpin organisational development.
• Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff in accordance with their skills and abilities, the needs of the EA and service specific priorities.

SERVICE DEVELOPMENT AND QUALITY ASSURANCE

The postholder will be expected to:

• Assist the EA in the development of policies and plans in line with overall strategic policy and objectives.
• Ensure effective and rigorous quality assurance systems are in place to maintain high standards.
• Ensure effective engagement, capacity building and monitoring arrangements with other teams within the QES Service.
• Participate in review processes to enable the development, review and compliance of all quality assurance policies and procedures.
• Foster and facilitate the development of staff skills in relation to negotiating and collaborating with schools and other professionals.
• Liaise and work co-operatively with colleagues in other sections of the EA to ensure consistent and coherent approaches towards training and services in relation to language and communication support.
• Manage staff to perform to their potential, promote their professional development and give support when required.

MANAGING FINANCIAL RESOURCES

The post holder will be expected to:

• Follow robust corporate governance procedures and financial control frameworks for effective management of the budget for the service and monitor expenditure ensuring propriety, regularity and value for money within the allocated budget.
• Facilitate reporting protocols that are required by the EA.

PARTNERSHIP WORKING

The post holder will be expected to:

• Enhance the development of the service by building on effective partnerships.
• Develop links across the EA’s Directorates as necessary.
• Ensure effective systems are in place for communication and consultation with service users, both internally and externally.
• Contribute to attendance at meetings both internally and with other stakeholders, in accordance with corporate goals, service targets, multi-agency action plans and in line with EA and DE requirements.

OTHER DUTIES

• Comply with EA policies and procedures in relation to the duties and responsibilities of the post.
• Any such other duties that the EA may from time to time require.

The list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive. The post holder may be required to undertake various other duties as deemed necessary and commensurate with the level of responsibility of the post. The Authority reserves the right to update the Job Description to reflect the changing needs of the Service in consultation with the post holder.

This job description is intended to provide a broad outline of responsibilities, and reflects an initial assessment of the needs of the Service. As such, it is not intended to be exhaustive, and may be subject to on-going review and refinement to ensure the Directorate’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the business. Other reasonable duties may be assigned by the Director, Assistant Director, Head of QSHE and QES Senior Manager.

In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.

To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, clickhere.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

NOTES TO JOB APPLICANTS

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.

2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.

3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.

4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.

5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.

6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.

Section 1 - Essential Criteria

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and whichmay also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment

Qualifications/ Professional Membership/
Experience

A bachelor’s degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent or higher qualification and twoyears’ experience of providing specialist advice and support to senior managers on a range of complex climate and sustainability issues and environmental management systems;

OR

have five years’ experience of providing specialist advice and support to senior managers on a range of complex climate and sustainability issues and environmental management systems.

A Member of a relevant professional body e.g. Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment or equivalent.

Provide evidence of knowledge and experience on having led on each of the following within a complex organisation:

a. Development and implementation of a Climate and Sustainability Strategy and Action Plan.

b. Development and implementation of an Environmental Management System.

c. Establishment of systems to monitor, record and evaluate scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions across diverse service areas.

d. Delivery of transformational change to drive climate performance improvement.

e. Financial and Staff management.

Demonstrable experience of regularly and directly supporting and advising Senior management on complex operational issues and statutory and legislative requirements.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Knowledge Demonstrable knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges related to the role.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Other
The successful candidate will be required:

to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;

OR

be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Section 2 - Essential Criteria

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.

Factor Essential Criteria Method of Assessment Experience

Experience of delivering significant transformational projects / initiatives/ programmes, including digital transformation programmes to achieve service-wide business objectives and meet customer expectations.

Interview/Presentation

Skills/
Abilities

In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:

The ability to champion EA strategic priorities and deliver change through a design mindset.

Skills to drive and deliver service improvement to children and young people.

Strong collaborative working skills and an ability to build genuine and productive alliances.

Excellent leadership and management skills.

Proven ability to achieve challenging targets and objectives in agreed timeframes.

The ability to analyse complex written material, identify and summarise key issues.

Interview/Presentation

Values Orientation Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here

Interview

Section 3 - Desirable Criteria

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor Desirable Criteria Method of Assessment Experience

Experience of overseeing and applying research into best practice sustainability reporting through collaboration with Universities, industry or technical working groups.

Shortlisting by Application Form

Our Values

Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.

In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background.Please note that youWILLbe expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.

Further information can be accessed atNI Director theDepartment of Justice.

APPLICANT GUIDANCE NOTES

To view the applicant guidance notes, please click here .

To learn about the many great benefits of joining the Education Authority, click here

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer.