Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer (Fixed Term)

The Church Of England; Leicester Forest East; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Diocese of Leicester in the Church of England network is seeking a Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer. The role focuses on reducing emissions, supporting churches to be sustainable, and engaging volunteers and parish groups to deliver evidence-based carbon reductions.

You will build relationships with parish Councils, coordinate data collection and analysis, and contribute to communications and training to advance the programme across Leicestershire.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in environmental science, sustainability, geography, building surveying, or related field.
• Good foundation in energy efficiency principles and building sustainability.
• Strong digital skills to collect, organise and analyse data (carbon footprint/energy use).
• Excellent interpersonal skills to explain concepts and work with volunteers, clergy and parish groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with key Diocese stakeholders and Parochial Church Councils to reduce emissions in churches and halls.
• Support delivery of NZC targets (2026-29) via data collection, analysis, reporting, and target setting.
• Contribute to communications, training, advice and education to progress toward Net Zero Carbon.

Skills

Environmental sustainability

Relational

Adaptable

Interpersonal skills

Organised

Data analysis

Education

Degree in environmental science 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 is interested 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.

Closing Date: Monday 30th November

Shortlisting date: Wednesday 2nd December

Interview Date: Tuesday 8th December

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

The Diocese of Leicester, part of the Church of England, is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. We follow the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policies and relevant statutory guidance. We believe that safeguarding is everybody’s business.

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.