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Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Head of Climate Change on behalf of Luton Borough Council.
Main purpose of position:
To act as the lead officer on the delivery of the Climate Change programme set out in the Council's Net Zero Roadmap and to embed the climate emergency agenda in the delivery of the Councils Services and corporate priorities.
Inspire colleagues across the council to support the delivery of our Net Zero Roadmap, leading by example and enabling others to take action, advising Elected Members on all related issues. Plan and monitor the delivery of our corporate strategies to deliver a net zero carbon borough, drawing on the resources and brain power of colleagues from all services, councillors, partners and other stakeholders. Formulate and make a major contribution to the Department's delivery of the Council's vision, goals and core values within areas of responsibility and wider Divisional context, contributing to strategic direction and policy.
You will be responsible to:
Provide extensive strategic management, leadership, vision and direction across the Council's delivery of the net zero ambition. Make a major contribution to the recommending and co-ordinating of policy, developing, reviewing and monitoring the Division's Service Plan to ensure effective service delivery and advising the Service Director in specialist areas within remit. Work as a member of the Departmental Management Group with the Service Director, Corporate Director and Members to develop and deliver strategic direction and priorities of the Department.
Lead the vision and develop the strategy and implementation plan for the council's climate ambition as part of the 2040 goals. Liaise and be the key expert and advocate on behalf of the council, communicate with community leaders, businesses and other anchor institutions in Luton at a senior level Lead the design and execution of associated projects in line with the strategy.
To provide a consistent senior link to ensure the delivery of the net zero carbon agenda. Building strong internal and external relationships whilst promoting the prevention of silo working across the borough. Ensuring that ambitious deliverables are embraced and innovative objectives are met. This includes creating additional tools, support and guidance that decision makers, environmental professionals and businesses need to make further progress towards decarbonising buildings and infrastructure.
To liaise and negotiate with the DLUC, SEMLEP, DfT, Homes England and other government bodies at a senior level. Represent the council in the EU institutions and member-state governments, including in public events and policy debates, operating at a high political level.
To consult and liaise with other stakeholders at a senior level, including providing expert professional advice to Elected Members and local MP's on related issues. Identify, plan and monitor the delivery of our carbon reduction targets influencing council strategies and policies to achieve the net zero road map commitments.
To act as the Council's lead advisor to embed net zero carbon across all council services drawing on the expertise of colleagues within different service areas and promoting green growth ambitions and the Luton 2040 agenda as appropriate. Including but not restricted to climate change mitigation and adaptation, waste reduction and resource efficiency, energy efficiency, promoting greening and carbon sequestration, promoting modal shift and air quality improvements , embracing natural capital and restoring nature and promoting biodiversity, optimizing the health and wellbeing of people and creating long-term value for society and improving quality of life in the borough in line with the public health and no one in poverty agendas.
Skills and Experience:
- Working at Senior Management level within a relevant and associated field
- The successful programme management and delivery of climate change initiatives policies and schemes in a comparable urban setting
- Proven partnership skills including negotiation and change management skills along with the ability to communicate
- Ability to deal with difficult situations, understanding of customers (internal and/or external) and the ability to manage their demands
- Proven leadership and management of a range of services including strategic and operational delivery at pace and with effective outcomes
- Business acumen and knowledge of the external environment, best practices and local government landscape as relates to the service deliverables
- Carbon literate with a strong and detailed knowledge and understanding of how to deliver a reduction in carbon through Council services in an urban environment
- Demonstrate a track record of involvement in climate change and sustainability issues
- Able to converse with ease with members of the public and provide effective help or advice in accurate and fluent spoken English
About Us
Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.
Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.
We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Connect2Luton is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Luton is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
