Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer (fixed term)

Church of England; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working (Leicester office)

Generous pension (10% employer contrib

25 days annual leave plus bank hols

Job summary

The Diocese of Leicester is recruiting a Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer to lead data collection, analysis and reporting to deliver the NZC targets within the Diocesan Environmental Programme (2026-29). You will build relationships with Parochial Church Councils and volunteers to reduce carbon emissions across churches and church halls.

The role requires a degree in environmental science or related field, strong digital skills, and the ability to work flexibly, including some evenings and

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in environmental science, sustainability, geography, building surveying, or a related field.
• Good foundational understanding of energy efficiency principles and building sustainability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with volunteers, clergy and parish groups.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage workload and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Develop positive relationships with key Diocese stakeholders and Parochial Church Councils to support informed decisions to reduce emissions.
• Support delivery of NZC targets within the Diocesan Environmental Programme (2026-29) through data collection, analysis, reporting and target setting.
• Contribute to delivering communications, training, advice and education to progress toward Net Zero Carbon.

Education

Degree or equivalent in environmental science / sustainability / geography / building surveying or related field

Job description

Join the Diocese of Leicester as our Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer. Are you excited by the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to reducing carbon emissions and to making buildings more sustainable?

We are looking for somebody who isinterested in environmental sustainability,relational and adaptable to support the people who care for our churches to

• reduce the carbon footprint of their buildings and
• to contribute to churches remaining sustainable as a place of worship and a resource for the local community.

The Diocese of Leicester is committed to reducing the overall diocesan Carbon emissions by 2030; aiming to reduce the emissions from energy consumption year on year and to incorporate sustainable working practices across all of our operations. This is a new fixed-term post made possible by a grant from The Church of England through their Net Zero Carbon Capacity Building Programme.

In this rewarding role, you will

• develop positive relationships with key stakeholders within the Diocese, in particular with Parochial Church Councils supporting them in making informed and planned decisions to reduce carbon emissions in their churches and church halls.
• play a key part in enabling the delivery of the NZC targets within Diocesan Environmental Programme (2026-29), by data collection, analysis, reporting, and contributing to setting the annual targets for the programme.
• contribute to delivering communications, training, advice and education needed to progress towards reaching Net Zero Carbon.

What we are looking for

• A degree or equivalent qualification in environmental science, sustainability, geography, building surveying, or a related field (or equivalent transferable experience).
• A good foundational understanding of energy efficiency principles and a genuine interest in developing knowledge of building sustainability.
• Good digital skills, with the ability to confidently collect, organise and support the analysis of data, such as carbon footprint or energy-use information.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain environmental concepts clearly and build positive relationships with volunteers, clergy and parish groups.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage workload, meet deadlines and take initiative.
• Sympathy with the values and purposes of the Church of England and with the values and priorities of the Diocese of Leicester and a desire to see the work flourish.
• Ability to arrange own transport to travel across the Leicestershire to visit parishes, and ability to work flexibly including some evenings and weekends on a "time off in lieu" basis.

Desirable - Additional Experience

• Any volunteer, academic or work experience relating to historic, heritage or community buildings.
• Familiarity with the A Rocha Eco Church scheme or similar community-led environmental initiatives.
• A basic understanding of project coordination or event planning.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a new area of work within a collaborative and experienced team.
• Hybrid working with a Leicester office base.
• An opportunity to work with a variety of different communities across Leicestershire, each with its own needs.
• Make a tangible difference to local communities and to caring for and sustaining the environment through supporting the reduction of carbon emissions.
• Generous pension (10% employer contribution) and annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays).
• Opportunities for training, development and professional growth.

We particularly welcome applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority Heritage candidates, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

This post is subject to a Basic DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK. The Diocese is unable to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship.