Penicuik Carbon Challenge Project Officer (Climate Change & Food)
- Part time
- £26,000 pro-rata
- Penicuik and local community locations
- Closing 29th September 2021
- Advertised from 15th September 2021
- £13,000 - 19 hours per week on a flexible basis to include regular Saturdays and some evening work. Fixed term to 31 March 2022.
- + 6% contribution to pension scheme. 4 weeks’ holiday, plus 10 public holidays, per annum (pro rata)
Role
An opportunity to help complete the current Penicuik Carbon Challenge project and to embed resources in the community to maximise the long-term benefits. The successful applicant will have excellent interpersonal, team working and administration skills, as well as a determination to respond to the climate emergency.
Purpose of the job
To consolidate, manage, deliver and report on the final 6 months of ‘Penicuik Carbon Challenge’ that aims to raise people’s understanding of the climate emergency and what they can do towards low carbon, zero waste living. You will be part of a team of 2 half time project officers delivering the project. The other project officer is responsible for zero waste and food waste.
Roles and Responsibilities
You will be responsible for producing and facilitating programmes of events and activities, manning the project hub at 34 John Street, recruiting, training and supporting volunteers, recruiting session workers, developing marketing and social media campaigns, and working with local partners.
- Engage the EH26 community in our activities and programme to help meet our proposed targets.
- Consolidate, coordinate and lead all project activities that engage the community in positive opportunities to learn about climate change and food choices.
- Deliver a range of workshops and events.
- Promote the project aims, activities and outcomes, using press, marketing, website and social media.
- Manage volunteers and session workers to help meet the project aims.
- Develop and maintain relevant programmes and project materials.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local people, a wide range of partners, groups, community organisations and schools.
- Engage with our community in a way that empowers local people to take ownership of their learning and adopt low carbon behaviour changes.
- Attend local events and groups to promote the work of the project and programmes of activities.
- To monitor, evaluate and report on project activities to the Climate Challenge Fund.
- Find ways of making the project themes and activities continue after the funded period by working in partnership with other local organisations and partners.
- Interact and support other activities of Penicuik Community Development Trust to ensure the project is embedded and mutually supportive.
General responsibilities
- To promote and encourage the understanding of climate change and food choices.
- To comply fully with the PCDT’s ethos, policies and procedures and relevant legislation.
- To work and communicate effectively with other PCDT team members (volunteers, Board,) and CCF project staff, volunteers and sessional workers to achieve goals.
- To work constructively and effectively with partners, groups and organisations.
- To undertake other duties in line with the job purpose.
Person Spec
You will have a passion for engaging communities in climate change. You will have excellent organisational skills, the ability to work with a range of people of all abilities, volunteers, work well in a team and use your own initiative. Experience of planning and delivering practical carbon reduction activities is an advantage.
Essential (E) / Desirable (D)
Qualifications
• Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience in the sector (D)
Knowledge/Expertise
- Experience of/Passion for environmental projects and sustainable living (E)
- Experience of community engagement in delivering local community projects and/or running workshops. (E)
- Experience in either local food or climate change projects at a local level involving community (D)
- Experience of recruiting, training, working with and motivating volunteers (D)
- Experience of working with session workers (D)
Other
- Sound interpersonal and people skills showing sensitivity to a wide variety of groups. (E)
- Sound monitoring & reporting skills. (E)
- Competent with IT (Excel, Word, email, websites) and social media(E)
- Adaptable & flexible. (E)
- Energetic and proactive (E)
Reports to: Dr Chris Sydes (PCDT Board Member)
The post-holder will be subject to a PVG check.
Application notes
Please email your CV and a covering letter of no more than 2 sides of A4 detailing your skills and experience in relation to the person spec to Dr Chris Sydes: chris.sydes@gmail.com
Closing Date: Wednesday 29th September by midnight
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 5th of October in Penicuik, you will be contacted on Friday 1st October if you are being invited for interview.
Background
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which exists to celebrate and share the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Since 1983, we have welcomed millions of visitors into conversations with the world’s greatest and most exciting emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Iconic figures such as Margaret Atwood, Alain de Botton, Oliver Burkeman, Noam Chomsky, Seamus Heaney, Kazuo Ishiguro, Toni Morrison, Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, and Benjamin Zephaniah have appeared on our stages over the years, alongside a wide range of debut and early career authors.
Across the hundreds of events in our Adults, Young Adults, Schools, and Children’s programmes, the Book Festival offers audiences aged from 0 to 100 an active opportunity to engage with new and different perspectives on the world, create lasting memories through storytelling, fill their minds with fascinating knowledge, and discover the creative secrets of writers and artists.
We strive to be a safe and supported environment for people to have difficult discussions and lively debates in an atmosphere of curiosity and consideration, where different opinions can be respectfully shared. We are proud to platform voices and stories which are often overlooked, and are committed to breaking down barriers to access for those who may not initially consider themselves as a Book Festival audience.
Beyond August, the Book Festival is a year-round force for literary engagement. Working with partners in the local community – including schools, libraries, prisons, hospitals, and other community hubs – we foster a lifelong love of reading, embrace the life-changing potential of creativity, and develop engaged, informed audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
2025 was a bumper year for the Festival, with significant growth in site visits, ticket sales, and new audience members, all of which we aim to build upon in 2026, particularly through delivery of a new website and ticketing system, as well as grassroots audience development initiatives, and data-informed marketing campaigns.
The team
The Book Festival has a permanent staff of 25 throughout the year, expanding over the spring and summer to a peak of around 150 staff during the Festival. All staff members play a role in the ongoing development of the organisation through several full team planning and debrief meetings during the year.
The Development team is made up of 7 roles: Development Director, Sponsorships & Partnerships Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships Officer, Development Manager (Trusts & Foundations), Development Manager (Individual Giving), Events & Digital Marketing Officer, and Development Assistant.
The role
Purpose of Role
To provide essential administrative and supporter care support across the Development Team, ensuring efficient use of the CRM system, excellent service for donors, members and supporters. This role is central to maintaining accurate data, delivering outstanding supporter care, and supporting income generation across the whole Development Team.
Digital Marketing Officer
- Part time
- £27,200 – £31,900 pro-rata
- On site: Edinburgh
- Closing 13th January 2026
Background
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is a charity which exists to celebrate and share the power of writers, their ideas, and the words they craft to illuminate, challenge, and inspire.
Since 1983, we have welcomed millions of visitors into conversations with the world’s greatest and most exciting emerging writers, thinkers, artists, and performers. Iconic figures such as Margaret Atwood, Alain de Botton, Oliver Burkeman, Noam Chomsky, Seamus Heaney, Kazuo Ishiguro, Toni Morrison, Arundhati Roy, Salman Rushdie, and Benjamin Zephaniah have appeared on our stages over the years, alongside a wide range of debut and early career authors.
Across the hundreds of events in our Adults, Young Adults, Schools, and Children’s programmes, the Book Festival offers audiences aged from 0 to 100 an active opportunity to engage with new and different perspectives on the world, create lasting memories through storytelling, fill their minds with fascinating knowledge, and discover the creative secrets of writers and artists.
We strive to be a safe and supported environment for people to have difficult discussions and lively debates in an atmosphere of curiosity and consideration, where different opinions can be respectfully shared. We are proud to platform voices and stories which are often overlooked, and are committed to breaking down barriers to access for those who may not initially consider themselves as a Book Festival audience.
Beyond August, the Book Festival is a year-round force for literary engagement. Working with partners in the local community – including schools, libraries, prisons, hospitals, and other community hubs – we foster a lifelong love of reading, embrace the life-changing potential of creativity, and develop engaged, informed audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
2025 was a bumper year for the Festival, with significant growth in site visits, ticket sales, and new audience members, all of which we aim to build upon in 2026, particularly through delivery of a new website and ticketing system, as well as grassroots audience development initiatives, and data-informed marketing campaigns.
The team
The Book Festival has a permanent staff of 25 throughout the year, expanding over the spring and summer to a peak of around 150 staff during the Festival. All staff members play a role in the ongoing development of the organisation through several full team planning and debrief meetings during the year.
The Development team is made up of 7 roles: Development Director, Sponsorships & Partnerships Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships Officer, Development Manager (Trusts & Foundations), Development Manager (Individual Giving), Events & Digital Marketing Officer, and Development Assistant.
The role
Purpose of Role
To support income generation and stakeholder engagement by delivering high-quality stewardship and engagements events, and by supporting digital marketing activity for the Development Team. The role combines hands-on event coordination with creative digital communications to strengthen relationships with supporters, members, sponsors and stakeholders, and to grow the Festival’s supporter base.
Community Connection Volunteer Co-ordinator
- Part time
- £25,794 pro-rata
- On site: Edinburgh
- Closing 5th January 2026
Street fit Scotland (SFS) is seeking a dedicated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Community Connection Volunteer Co-ordinator. This role will involve working independently and as part of a team to lead and manage and train a growing volunteer network, providing coaching, development opportunities, and nurturing connections with the local community. The successful candidate will be proactive, empathetic, and passionate about supporting people to reach their full potential.
Main Purpose of the Role
This role is central to the continued growth and development of Street Fit Scotland’s (SFS) volunteer offering. As Community Connection Volunteer Co-ordinator, you will lead with empathy, creativity, and a person-centred approach, encouraging and supporting our members to step into volunteer roles. You’ll provide inclusive, tailored support to help individuals flourish, ensuring every volunteer journey aligns with SFS’s core values of kindness and inclusion.
You’ll oversee all aspects of the volunteer function, developing meaningful roles, delivering training, nurturing development, and building a connected, supported, and empowered community.
Our main aim is to offer sessional work to volunteers when they pass the 6-month probation as we SFS values lived experience.
Key Responsibilities
As the main point of contact for all volunteers, you will be fully integrated into the heart of SFS activities, forming trusted relationships with both volunteers and wider community members. Your work will focus on meeting people where they are, understanding complex needs, offering emotional and practical support, and providing a bridge to meaningful experiences and future opportunities.
Volunteer Support & Development
- Deliver person-centred emotional and practical support to all volunteers and community members.
- Provide one-to-one and group support for community members exploring volunteering, helping them progress at their own pace.
- Design and facilitate internal training, including groupwork, inductions, policies and procedures, and skill-building sessions.
- Develop and share innovative tools and resources to support volunteer engagement and learning.
- Supervise and support the personal development of volunteers, helping them grow in confidence, responsibility, and pre-employability.
- Carry out continuous evaluation to monitor volunteer progress and impact.
- Coach and mentor members through tailored development journeys, helping individuals identify their strengths and contribute meaningfully.
Volunteer Management & Coordination
- Manage and coordinate all SFS volunteers (internal and external), ensuring people are matched to roles that reflect their skills, interests, and availability.
- Identify new opportunities for members to volunteer within SFS, co-creating role descriptions where appropriate.
- Assess individuals’ readiness and suitability for specific roles, offering additional support as needed.
- Oversee PVG processes and ensure a smooth onboarding experience.
- Build relationships with external volunteer services, such as Volunteer Scotland to recruit external volunteers, and stay up to date with relevant training and guidance.
- Attend and contribute to team meetings and service development discussions.
Community Engagement & Integration
- Participate in weekly core, stretch, and strength sessions, as well as community lunchtime drop-ins, to build relationships and encourage engagement.
- Accompany members to SFS sessions to foster community connection and shared experience.
- Support external training pathways (e.g. food hygiene, SDF training, or other personal development courses).
Operational Responsibilities
- Share responsibility for maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming community base.
- Ensure SFS equipment (computers, desks, shared spaces) is cared for and cleaned when necessary.
- Wear PPE when required and complete relevant health and safety training, including food hygiene certification.
- Be an active team player; supporting colleagues, contributing to team culture, and helping shape a positive working environment.
Person Specification
Essential Skills & Experience
- Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting members at SFS Working with individuals affected by homelessness, addiction, and trauma.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, taking initiative while contributing to a supportive team environment.
- Knowledge of safe practices including adult and child protection.
- Strong demonstration of people skills, with a passion for helping others reach their potential.
- In-depth understanding of volunteers from recruitment and training to supervision and support.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect meaningfully across diverse backgrounds.
- A genuine commitment to creating inclusive, empowering spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.
- Highly organised, with strong computer skills and record management.
- Group work skills, experience of delivering workshops or sessions that involve team building exercises.
Desirable Experience
- Background in training or community education, with a focus on personal development / Experience in coaching, mentoring, or life coaching.
Additional Information
- Reports to: Michelle Reilly, CEO
- Responsible for: SFS equipment, the volunteer team, and maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming shared space
- Base: SFS Community Hub, 19 south clerk street, EH8 9JD
Values
- Empathy - listen to and understand an individual’s needs and circumstances
- Treat everyone at SFS with dignity respect and kindness
- Take a non-judgemental approach
- A commitment to anti-discriminatory practice
- Recognise and uphold boundaries
Project Delivery Manager - Scottish Seascapes
- Full time
- £30,000 – £35,000
- Remote: Home-based, UK
- Closing 4th January 2026
About Us
We are a leading UK environmental charity dedicated to protecting our ocean - defending crucial habitats, regenerating vital ecosystems and inspiring volunteers. We unite communities, governments, and industry, and champion science-based solutions for cleaner, healthier seas to tackle the climate and nature emergency.
The Scottish Seascape project lies within our ambitious Atlantic Coast Programme and is focused on the regeneration of marine habitats across Scotland’s west coast coastal and inshore waters. The project aims to deliver measurable ecological recovery through habitat regeneration and community-led stewardship.
We are currently looking for a Project Delivery Manager to join us on a full-time basis for a two-year, fixed-term contract, working 35 hours per week.
The Benefits
- Salary of £30,000 - £35,000 per annum
- 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing with service)
- Extra time off at Christmas
- 8% employer pension contributions (no match required)
- Sick pay at full pay for 8 weeks, then 8 weeks at half pay (after probation)
- Flexible working and remote-first approach
- Health and wellbeing support, plus an employee assistance programme
- A paid volunteering day to support a charity of your choice
- Cycle-to-work scheme
This is a standout opportunity for an individual with experience in marine habitat regeneration, conservation, or marine monitoring to join our passionate and values-driven organisation.
You’ll have the chance to work on a project that creates real change for the marine environment, supporting the people who care and want to get involved and helping the habitats that are important.
What’s more, you’ll be enabled to further develop your skills and expertise, growing your abilities and making sure you are the go-to expert for future marine conservation work.
The Role
As a Project Delivery Manager, you will be responsible for delivering and implementing Scottish Seascape projects focused on restoring some of Scotland’s most iconic coastal habitats.
Specifically, you will manage a range of marine habitat regeneration projects, co-ordinating regeneration activities, supporting ecological monitoring efforts, and managing partnerships. Ensuring each project contributes to our strategic goals, you will also support community engagement objectives and social impact.
Ensuring milestones and targets are achieved, you will collaborate with coastal communities and local stakeholders, building trusted partnerships and enabling local stewardship through workshops, training, and outreach in order to build capacity and awareness.
Additionally, you will:
- Support the development of funding proposals and project sustainability plans
- Contribute to wider strategic planning linked to marine restoration programmes
About You
To be considered as a Project Delivery Manager, you will need:
- Demonstrable experience in marine habitat regeneration, conservation, or marine monitoring
- Applied knowledge of marine biology and environmental science, gained by study or through equivalent experience in a related field
- Demonstrable experience in managing project budgets
- Working knowledge of Scottish marine ecosystems and environmental policy
- Experience in social impact measurement or working with social data to inform reporting and decision-making
- GIS and data analysis (preferably R) skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong relationship-building skills
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