Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) seeks to appoint a Net Zero Lead.

This new role within BEFS Team involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero through its own work, and – crucially – connecting existing sector work and research; building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach, ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero, and in tackling the Climate Emergency.

We envisage that this role will evolve and respond to a changing political climate as needed, engaging with the legislative process and working towards ensuring that the sector is equipped to respond to the Climate Emergency in the long term.

Key responsibilities include:

• Work with BEFS Team to map and coordinate all existing Net Zero work, across all business BEFS areas
• Undertake sector (and beyond) mapping of Net Zero activity
• Advocate for Net Zero solutions presented by the existing and historic built environment, through sector coordination, cross sector, and portfolio working
• Align with and support OPOF delivery priorities, working closely with BEFS Director and Team on developing a Route Map to Net Zero
• Connect and amplify existing research and data, identifying skills, research and data gaps
• Drive and coordinate the use of existing data and research as well as commissioning new where required; working collaboratively to present a coherent evidence base
• Undertake and enable research and strategy including looking at international good practice
• Stakeholder working and relationship building; enable innovative and collaborative approaches
• Undertake regular horizon-scanning through contact with Government and key stakeholders; support BEFS work to convey the current context, challenges and opportunities across sector back to Scottish Government
• Project development and fundraising: identify, develop and shape projects (from initial idea to project brief) which will inform/evidence advocacy and delivery activity
• Participate actively as part of a small and busy team, supporting and working with colleagues across all of BEFS work

Person specification

Essential

1. Ability to demonstrate breadth of sector knowledge and the wider policy landscape relating to Net Zero and the historic and existing built environment
2. Demonstrable technical knowledge relating to the Climate Emergency and Net Zero in relation to the historic and existing built environment
3. Strong analytical skills, with an ability to distil information and stakeholder opinions, across a broad range of topics/disciplines in the built environment sphere
4. Knowledge and experience of the historic and wider built environment sector, including key stakeholders and lead organisations
5. Experience of working in a public facing role and the ability to connect with stakeholders and build consensus, seeking opportunities for collaboration and joined up working
6. Experience of project management and delivery
7. The ability to think and work strategically
8. Highly self-motivated, able to work flexibly, balancing priorities as necessary
9. High attention to detail, with strong written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation experience
10. Advanced use of IT packages including Office 365 and Adobe etc.

Desirable

1. Degree or post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in built environment-related discipline (e.g. planning, conservation, surveying, archaeology, architecture) or public affairs.
2. Experience of stakeholder engagement/facilitation skills.
3. Confidence with online/remote working technologies and programmes such as Teams, Zoom. Knowledge/familiarity of other programmes such as Miro, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, WordPress and MailChimp are also an advantage.

BEFS expects all applicants to support the values, ethos and objectives of BEFS, demonstrating credibility and integrity, and proactively committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.

What we offer:

• Salary: £38,000 FTE
• 30hrs per week (4 days); permanent role, subject to organisational funding
• Home working with irregular meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
• Benefits package including pension, flexible leave, and more.