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- Tasks: Lead climate action strategies and engage with residents on sustainability projects.
- Company: Join Richmond and Wandsworth Councils, committed to tackling climate change for Londoners.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: Deep understanding of climate change, project management experience, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: We promote equality and diversity, and offer Carbon Literacy Training for all staff.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
Do you want to be at the forefront of tackling the climate emergency? Are you passionate about and experienced in delivering climate action? Are you motivated by delivering net zero and climate resilient places for half a million Londoners?
We are looking for a Policy and Programme Lead (Climate Change and Sustainability) to drive forward and implement our ambitious climate action strategies and plans. You will need a passion for climate change coupled with deep experience and knowledge of all the interlinking aspects of climate change, and the know-how to deliver impactful change in organisations.
If you join us, you'll be:
- Programme managing the delivery of our climate action strategies and plans
- Leading our work on Climate Adaptation and Resilience
- Driving and shaping local climate and environment policy
- Developing and leading innovative projects
- Working in partnership with key institutions, organisations and neighbouring boroughs
- Engaging directly with residents on our climate change plans
About The Role
Knowing the latest climate and sustainability developments: You will need to be up to date and stay up to date on the latest policy and innovation happening across the climate change and sustainability landscape and bring that to the team and the organisation. You will be the organisation's subject matter expert on climate adaptation and resilience.
Project and Programme planning and delivery: You will be monitoring delivery of actions across our climate action plans, as well as developing and delivering impactful projects that are set out in the action plans, maximising the impact in terms of carbon savings and co-benefits.
Working in partnership: You will be working across the organisation with teams that are delivering climate change and sustainability projects, with Elected Members, as well as working with our external partners who are taking action on climate change.
Working as a team: You will be part of a team that works at pace, delivering a large range of work that is high priority for both councils and to tight timescales, but that is supportive and positive in its approach. You will also be managing one staff member.
Essential Qualifications, Skills And Experience
To be able to do this role you will need:
- An in-depth understanding of climate change and sustainability, in particular climate adaptation and resilience, and how this applies for local government
- Substantial experience in the delivery of high profile and impactful climate change or sustainability related projects and programmes
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships and work across an organisation with teams from different departments, and with external partners.
- Experience in using data to shape the development and delivery of projects and to track impact.
- Experience of managing a complex workload and responding flexibly to changing needs and priorities.
Closing Date: 07/7/2025
Shortlisting Date: 9/7/2025
Interview Date: 16th & 17th July 2025
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.
We also offer Carbon Literacy Training for all staff, to ensure that everyone has the knowledge needed to be able to take action on climate change.
Policy and Programme Lead (Climate Change and Sustainability) employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy and Programme Lead (Climate Change and Sustainability)
✨Tip Number 1
Stay updated on the latest climate change policies and innovations. Follow relevant organisations, subscribe to newsletters, and engage with thought leaders in the field to ensure you can speak knowledgeably about current trends during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the climate change and sustainability sector. Attend conferences, webinars, or local events to connect with potential colleagues and partners, which can help you gain insights and possibly even a referral for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on that demonstrate your experience in climate adaptation and resilience. Be ready to share measurable outcomes and how you overcame challenges, as this will showcase your ability to deliver impactful change.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with Richmond and Wandsworth Councils' existing climate action strategies. Understanding their current initiatives will allow you to tailor your responses in interviews and show how you can contribute to their goals effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy and Programme Lead (Climate Change and Sustainability)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Policy and Programme Lead position. Familiarise yourself with climate change and sustainability concepts, especially in relation to local government.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in climate action and sustainability projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage complex workloads and deliver impactful results. Make sure to align your skills with the essential qualifications listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for climate change and sustainability. Discuss how your background and experiences make you a suitable candidate for this role. Be sure to mention any innovative projects you've led or contributed to, and how they relate to the council's goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨Show Your Passion for Climate Action
Make sure to express your genuine enthusiasm for tackling climate change. Share specific examples of projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and how they align with the organisation's goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss the latest developments in climate policy and innovation. Familiarise yourself with recent trends and challenges in climate adaptation and resilience, and be ready to share your insights on how these can be applied locally.
✨Highlight Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing complex projects, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully delivered impactful climate-related projects. Discuss your approach to planning, monitoring, and adapting to changing priorities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This position requires working across various teams and with external partners. Prepare to talk about your experience in building relationships and collaborating effectively. Highlight any instances where your communication skills have led to successful partnerships.
