JOB TITLE Climate Action Programme Lead Officer
POST NUMBER 014575
WEEKLY WORKING HOURS 37
SALARY RANGE £51,802 to £53,878 pa – pro rata for hours worked
TYPE OF CONTRACT Fixed Term – 6 months maximum
LOCATION Stevenage
ABOUT THE ROLE
- This is an exciting time for Stevenage Borough Council. Following the declaration of a Climate Emergency in 2019, adoption of a Climate Change Strategy in 2020, and the launch of our online Climate Action Plan tracker in 2024, the Council is driving forward plans to become net zero by 2030.
- We are seeking a Climate Action Programme Lead Officer to join our Climate Action Team. This key role involves understanding, tracking, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through data analysis, reporting, strategy development, and project management. The role will also support evidence-based decision-making on climate mitigation.
- The postholder will lead the development of a robust GHG Reporting Strategy. This involves working cross-departmentally to gather and analyse climate data, establish governance frameworks, and set up systems for annual Scope 1 and 2 emissions reporting, along with selected Scope 3 emissions. A key aim is to implement an automated or semi-automated reporting process to ensure long-term consistency and usability.
- The role also involves collaborating with internal teams to assess carbon storage and sequestration in Council-owned natural habitats, identifying, mapping, and evaluating carbon sinks such as woodlands, wetlands, and green spaces.
- Additional responsibilities may include supporting carbon offset analysis, evaluating policy options, and exploring how carbon markets can help meet net zero targets.
- The role requires close collaboration across Council teams and with partners to develop carbon accounting methodologies, track and forecast organisational emissions, and report progress.
- The postholder will support internal strategies development, performance monitoring, and climate mitigation communications as required.
- We are looking for someone with strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and a solid foundation in carbon accounting and environmental data analysis.
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented professional with a passion for climate action and technical expertise in carbon accounting. You will bring a blend of analytical capability, project management experience, and the interpersonal skills needed to work collaboratively across teams and with stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex data clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proven experience in climate change, carbon accounting, or sustainability roles, ideally within the public sector or similar settings.
- Comprehensive understanding of GHG emissions relevant to local authorities.
- Practical knowledge of the GHG Protocol and the Local Government Association carbon accounting tools, including Scope 1, 2, and key Scope 3 categories.
- Experience working with energy and utilities data, including collection, cleaning, analysis, and interpretation for reporting.
- The ability to independently lead projects, develop methodologies, and deliver to deadlines.
- Confidence in engaging internal and external stakeholders, including operational teams, technical staff, and senior leaders.
- Experience or familiarity with carbon sequestration, land use emissions, and nature-based climate solutions (desirable).
- Understanding of carbon offsetting mechanisms and carbon markets, including the ability to assess credible offset options in line with best practice.
- A collaborative and proactive problem-solving approach, with the flexibility to support wider corporate climate initiatives.
- A relevant qualification in environmental science, sustainability, climate change, geography, or a related discipline is desirable, but equivalent experience and demonstrated competency will also be considered.
OUR BENEFITS
• Pension Scheme: We offer a career average pension scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
• Flexible working: available upon request, subject to operational requirements.
• Part time and Job share opportunities - all our full-time vacancies are open to job share unless otherwise stated.
• A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave, maternity, paternity, adoption and parental leave.
• 25 days holiday rising to 31 days (depending on Local Government service)
• An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues
• Season ticket loans and discounts for public transport
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Stevenage Credit Union: secure savings, free life insurance and access to cheap loans.
• Employee Discounts: via monthly paid membership of the Civil Service Sports Council (CSSC)
• Discounted Health and Fitness membership
• Trade Unions: For a small fee, all employees have the opportunity to join a Trade Union.
HOW TO APPLY
All applications must be made on online - please visit https://jobs.stevenage.gov.uk/StevenageBorough/Home
For an informal discussion about this role please contact
Name Fabian Oyarzun
Job Title Head of Climate Action
Phone Number 01438 242242
Email fabian.oyarzun@stevenage.gov.uk
Closing date for receipt of applications: 02 July 2025
Interviews will be held week commencing: 07 July 2025
Please note that if we receive a large volume of applications for this role, we reserve the right to close this vacancy ahead of the published closing date
Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, volunteers and recruitment candidates to share this commitment. SBC shall take all reasonable steps to employ staff who are safe to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults. For posts identified with regular contact with these groups applicants will be required to undertake a Value Based Interview. The council supports the legislative requirements for employing and maintaining safer staff and the guidance specified by Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board
Stevenage Borough Council is committed to Equal Opportunities for All. For further information please click https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/about-the-council/equality-and-diversity
