Climate Change (Mitigation) Officer

The Climate Change (Mitigation) Officer will lead the Councils carbon reduction work and statutory mitigation duties by delivering ANDBCs Climate Mitigation Action Plan, embedding mitigation across services, and overseeing carbon accounting for Scopes 1, 2 and 3. The role will support the Climate Action Board through analysis, reporting and risk escalation, enhance the Councils Carbon Dashboard with the Data & Evidence Analyst, coordinate statutory mitigation reporting under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, and work closely with the Climate Change (Adaptation) Officer to align mitigation and adaptation plans.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities

• To manage and coordinate delivery of the ANDBC Climate Mitigation Action Plan.
• To develop and maintain an action tracker for the Climate Mitigation Action Plan.
• To maintain and report on Council-wide carbon footprint (Scopes 1 & 2).
• To develop and implement methodology to undertake Scope 3 carbon accounting.
• To support all Council departments on carbon reduction and net zero delivery by providing expert advice to integrate carbon reduction into:
• Capital projects
• Regeneration
• Planning policy and applications
• Economic development programmes
• Procurement
• To develop methodology and support services to assess carbon impacts of decisions, business cases and develop decarbonisation plans.
• To undertake carbon calculations, analysis and modelling for projects and services in line with Carbon Accounting.
• To support integration of data into the Carbon Dashboard and reporting systems.
• To develop Scope 3 data processes in partnership with other Council services.
• Responsibility for the provision of evidence, reports and recommendations to the Climate Action Board.
• To coordinate board actions, workstreams and reporting cycles.
• Contribute to development of business cases and funding bids for carbon reduction initiatives.
• Support the commissioning and monitoring of technical studies or consultancy work in collaboration with other council services.
• Provide briefings, reports and presentations to senior leadership, Elected Members and committees.
• Support organisation-wide training and capacity building on mitigation and low-carbon practices.
• Support staff awareness and behaviour-change initiatives to reduce organisational emissions.
• Undertake any other appropriate duties as may be allocated from time to time in accordance with the general nature of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification provides information on the qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills required to carry out the duties of the post. The essential criteria will be used for shortlisting and as part of the selection process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential Requirements: A third-level qualification (e.g., degree) in Environmental Science, Engineering, Energy Systems, Climate Change, Sustainability, or a related field.

Desirable Requirements: Postgraduate qualification in climate mitigation/energy field.

EXPERIENCE

Essential Requirements: Applicants must demonstrate at least two years experience relevant to climate mitigation, including examples demonstrating each of the following:

• Carbon Accounting / Emissions Reporting - Be able to demonstrate experience carrying out carbon calculations, foot printing, emissions reporting, or using tools for climate/energy data.
• Delivering Mitigation or Decarbonisation Projects - demonstrate 2 years experience of collaborative and partnership working, including influencing and coordinating input from multiple teams and stakeholders to support the delivery of carbon reduction initiatives.
• Integrating Mitigation into Services / Capital Projects - demonstrate provision of advice on how to incorporate mitigation into projects, business cases or operational planning.
• Governance, Reporting & Analysis - Demonstrate the preparation of high-quality reports, briefings or dashboards for leadership teams, boards or committees.

Desirable Requirements: Experience supporting or servicing Climate Programme Boards or equivalent. Experience with procurement-related carbon assessment or supply chain emissions. Experience developing carbon budgeting, scenario modelling or cost-benefit analysis. Experience contributing to funding applications or business cases for carbon reduction or renewable energy projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY

Essential Requirements: Technical understanding of carbon mitigation, energy systems, and emissions reduction pathways. Strong analytical and data handling skills (e.g., Excel, dashboards). Ability to communicate complex technical climate/energy topics clearly in accessible formats. Programme and project management experience. Political sensitivity and experience working with Elected Members or senior leaders. Ability to work independently, manage competing deadlines and deliver at pace.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Essential Requirements: Full current driving licence and use of a car, or access to a form of transport that allows you to meet the requirements of the role. Be prepared to work outside of normal working hours at weekends, evenings and public holidays as dictated by the needs of the service. Access to a good internet and WIFI service if working from home or on a hybrid basis.