We are seeking a well organised, committed and proactive person, who is interested in people, to join our small and supportive team. If you enjoy variety, but are always aware of making sure things get done, and want to make a real difference in a small environmental charity, we would love to hear from you.

This role leads on the administrative and office functions of APRS, Scotland’s countryside charity, which employs three people. As a small charity, making a big impact, this role will allow you to grow and take on responsibility. Our small size means that we can be fleet of foot and take opportunities so there is always variety and challenge. But, above all, this role needs a steady hand and an eye for detail, ensuring that we deliver our reporting, governance and finance requirements, and manage our relationship with supporters, so that we can effectively deliver on our mission.

We are seeking a person who enjoys being part of a team but can also work independently, and with a focus on what matters for the smooth running of the organisation.

It’s our centenary next year and so this is a really exciting time to be joining APRS. We have ambitions for the future, and this post plays an absolutely central role. So if you are looking for rewarding work, with good colleagues, in an environmental charity; and you want to make a difference to Scotland’s landscapes and countryside – please get in touch.

Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG) is charity working on a local scale to benefit people and the environment, which has been in existence since 2000. We run a wide range of projects to help people to reduce their environmental impact and bring our communities together. We have delivered projects covering energy efficiency, active travel, local food, reducing waste/encouraging recycling, repair cafes and composting and have developed a community hydro electric scheme in Glenachulish. LEG works in partnership with many local, regional and national organisations to reduce duplication and increase our reach and effectiveness.

Due to the community hydro scheme, it has now become possible to employ a manager to lead the organisation and increase its effectiveness. The Manager will oversee the general day to day running of the organisation with oversight of staff and overall responsibility for promotion, networking and development. They will be expected to lead new projects.

LEG is currently in transition as a 3 year project on waste finishes. This leaves 4 part time members of staff and some very active volunteers. LEG occupies an open plan office at An Drochaid in Claggan and a cabin and container at Claggan Park. We are exploring the possibility of bringing the whole operation together under one roof and the successful candidate would be a key player in this development.

Specific responsibilities of the role

• Overall responsibility for organisation, while leaving lead staff to work on their own projects

• Liaison with the board in developing strategy and prioritising activity

• Staff management including reviews of lead staff and recruitment

• Fund raising and budgeting in conjunction with volunteer treasurer and book keeper

• Develop and lead new projects including supporting project officers with funding applications,monitoring and reporting as required.

• Represent LEG in the local communities and at appropriate regional networks.

• Oversee the organisation’s policies and procedures

General responsibilities

• Lead the organisation

• Work as part of the LEG team to promote and encourage understanding of environmental issues and opportunities in Lochaber.

• Promote the work of LEG within the local community and encourage membership.

• Engage with LEG members and the public in a positive and constructive way

• Communicate effectively with the team and board.

• Work constructively with project and organisational partners.

• Comply with the organisation’s ethos, policies and procedures and relevant legislation.

• Run team meetings as required.

• Undertake other duties in line with the job purpose.

Person Specification

Essential

• Good organisational skills, self motivated with good time management

• Able to make decisions when necessary

• A friendly, inclusive and welcoming manner

• The ability to lead a team

• Ability to motivate and encourage others both within and outwith LEG

• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• Flexibility and the ability to adapt according to the needs of the organisation

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills including use of email, Microsoft Excel and Word

• A commitment to being environmentally friendly and a good background knowledge of environmental issues

Desirable

• Experience of a managerial role or some aspects of this job

• A personal interest in some of our projects; active travel, waste reduction, local food production or energy efficiency and renewables

• Ability to drive and possession of a driving licence

• Ability to commute using low carbon methods

• Knowledge of social media, newsletter and website editing

Are you looking for your next challenge and want to make a difference in your new role? Changeworks is looking for a Business Development Lead to identify, develop and secure opportunities to support our work to decarbonise Scotland’s homes.

The Business Development Lead will join a positive, engaged and proactive team who are committed to increasing Changeworks’ impact, accelerating and improving retrofit and alleviating fuel poverty. This key role will secure organisational income by writing, coordinating and submitting tenders and funding bids. You will build excellent stakeholder relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including prospective partners and customers.

You will have in-depth fundraising experience with proven expertise securing funding for projects and services. It is essential to have experience in leading competitive tenders and developing winning proposals as well as securing different sources of income. You will be skilled in constructing clear and effective funding applications, project proposals and tender documents.

About us

Changeworks is a great place to work. We hold Investors in People Platinum accreditation (something only a few organisations in Scotland have), and we were nominated for employer of the year by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce this year. Our staff overwhelmingly would recommend us as an employer too.

The Climate Emergency has resulted in ambitious national targets to reduce carbon emissions from the built environment and reduce rates of fuel poverty. This has driven a significant increase in the number of pilot and large-scale interventions delivered by Changeworks and external organisations in this area. These include area-based domestic energy efficiency retrofit and decarbonisation projects and programmes.

We are a growing organisation, and this role is crucial to the delivery of our ambitious objectives. We want to decarbonise homes in Scotland on a massive scale, and that needs talented individuals like you to help us deliver on our objectives. You’ll receive full training plus coaching and mentoring.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including flexible working, bike to work scheme, an excellent pension scheme and 26 days paid holiday plus 9 public holidays per year.

At Changeworks, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone.