Net Zero Lead

Creative Scotland; Remote; GBP 38,000; Full time

Job summary

An organization focused on sustainability is seeking a Net Zero Lead to coordinate and advocate for Net Zero initiatives across the built environment. This role involves mapping existing activities, supporting sector collaboration, and driving evidence-based strategies to address the Climate Emergency. The position offers a salary of £38,000 per annum with flexibility for home working. Involvement with various stakeholders and participation in a small team are essential for success.

Benefits

Pension

Flexible leave

Home working

Qualifications

• Experience in leading sustainability or net zero initiatives.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to navigate political and legislative processes.

Responsibilities

• Map and coordinate existing Net Zero work.
• Advocate for Net Zero solutions in the built environment.
• Develop and shape projects for advocacy and delivery.

Job description

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) seeks to appoint a Net Zero Lead. This new role within BEFS Team involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero through its own work, and connecting existing sector work and research; building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach, ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero, and in tackling the Climate Emergency.

We envisage that this role will evolve and respond to a changing political climate as needed, engaging with the legislative process and working towards ensuring that the sector is equipped to respond to the Climate Emergency in the long term.

Key responsibilities

• Work with BEFS Team to map and coordinate existing Net Zero work across BEFS business areas
• Undertake sector (and beyond) mapping of Net Zero activity
• Advocate for Net Zero solutions presented by existing and historic built environment, through sector coordination, cross‑sector, and portfolio working
• Align with and support OPOF delivery priorities, working closely with BEFS Director and Team on developing a Route Map to Net Zero
• Connect and amplify existing research and data, identifying skills, research and data gaps
• Drive and coordinate use of existing data and research as well as commissioning new where required; working collaboratively to present a coherent evidence base
• Undertake and enable research and strategy including looking at international good practice
• Stakeholder working and relationship building; enable innovative and collaborative approaches
• Undertake regular horizon‑scanning through contact with Government and key stakeholders; support BEFS work to convey the current context, challenges and opportunities across sector back to Scottish Government
• Project development and fundraising: identify, develop and shape projects (from initial idea to project brief) which will inform/evidence advocacy and delivery activity
• Participate actively as part of a small and busy team, supporting and working with colleagues across all of BEFS work

What we offer

• Salary: £38,000 pa; FTE
• 30 hrs per week (4 days); permanent role, subject to organisational funding
• Home working with irregular meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Benefits package including pension, flexible leave, and more.

Locations

East Ayrshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Lothian, East Renfrewshire, Edinburgh City, Fife, Glasgow City, Inverclyde, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, Scottish Borders, South Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, Stirling, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian

The deadline is Saturday 31 January 2026 at 12:30.