Associate Director UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire

UKRI has published an ambitious Environmental Sustainability Strategy, setting various commitments including the transformation of UKRI to operational Net Zero emissions by 2040.

To achieve this, a programme was formed that will deliver this strategy and works with the wider sector to reduce the impact of research activities on the planet.

We are seeking to appoint an Associate Director for this programme. This role is pivotal in coordinating the workstreams within this UKRI programme and takes responsibility for critical elements of the programme. 

Key Responsibilities are:

• Management of the overarching progress of the UKRI Environmental Sustainability Programme.
• Direction and expert advice to the different workstreams to progress and/or overcome issues and managing risks.
• Managing the UKRI Carbon Reduction Fund in close coordination with Council leads and UKRI Finance.
• Support the Programme Director in establishing/ reviewing / revising the programme strategy and detailed planning for the next stage(s) of the programme.
• Consulting and collaborating with internal and external networks to develop and deliver projects including managing stakeholder expectations.
• Managing activities in relation to carbon emission data collection, validation and reporting (working with the respective Council leads)
• Procurement and implementation of the carbon tracker, which will inform on historic, current and future emission levels / trajectory to Net Zero for UKRI. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director of the programme to undertake and advise on the activities required for the development of options for carbon budgeting and respective data gathering.
• Deputising for the Director of the ESP on the Delivery team meeting and/or other meetings as required.
• The post holder will be managing the budget on the decarbonisation work and report to the Programme Director on in-year expenditure, contingencies and annual profiles. The post holder will be assessing requests for change and propose approach to the Programme Director for decision.
• The post holder will be working to drive professional development for sustainability professionals across the UKRI, driving the improvement of environmental sustainability work across all aspects of the UKRI. 

Expertise/ Experience required:

• Degree level qualification or comparable experience in an environmental science or sustainability field. 
• Chartered member of a professional body recognised by the Society for the Environment
• Experience and expertise in the transformative activities relating to environmental sustainability.
• Excellent reporting skills with experience of managing environmental sustainability information to drive improvement.
• Excellent communications and interpersonal skills – able to effectively drive and recognise continual environmental improvement through environmental sustainability interventions.
• Demonstrable knowledge of UK environmental law and UK Government reporting standards and ability to interpret emerging requirements.
• Practical knowledge of sustainability standards and reporting frameworks e.g.: ISO14001, ISO50001, The Carbon Disclosure Project, Carbon Trust Standard, Global Reporting Initiative. 
• Financial / budget management experience.
• An excellent level of IT literacy and good working knowledge of Microsoft packages.
• Experience of working with the research & innovation sector and knowledge of relevant UKRI strategy, business, policy, expert domains and stakeholders and in environmental or sustainability auditing experience and/or qualifications e.g., ISO 14001, 50001 lead audit qualification would be beneficial 

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org

Advert information