MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Connect with communities and community organisations across Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber to understand local priorities, opportunities, issues and barriers, and levels of climate crisis awareness
• Research and prepare guides on examples of best practice for community-led climate action projects, with a particular focus on nature, biodiversity and land use
• Assist community groups and organisations with the design, development and delivery of climate action projects, including projects connected to nature, biodiversity and land use, and through engagement and data collection help them secure the funding, support and collaboration required to achieve their aims
• Develop knowledge of nature, biodiversity and land use in a community climate action context, drawing on training, research, good practice and the expertise of partners, and share learning across the Hub and its membership
• Promotion of any grant programmes operated by the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub. Advising community groups and organisations on the support available through our grant programmes.
• Follow up and liaise with community groups and communities in receipt of grants and support from the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub to form case studies, resources on best practice and identify potential collaborations and scaling-up of projects
• Empower, encourage and support communities across the area to contribute to policy at both local and national level on climate change, environmental and social issues. Liaise with key strategic partners and stakeholders locally, regionally and nationally.
• Help build capacity within communities through the delivery of training, events, peer to peer learning, networking and training events
• Widen participation by engaging new communities and strengthening existing climate action activity
• Represent the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub within key networks, including those operating across Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber, Highland Community Planning Partnerships, and relevant nature, biodiversity, land use and strategic community-based networks
• Provide area oversight for Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber by maintaining strong local relationships, coordinating Hub engagement, identifying gaps and opportunities, and ensuring activity and intelligence are recorded and shared with the wider team
• Contribute towards the Highlands & Islands Climate Hub strategic thematic workstreams, taking a particular role in the development of work relating to nature, biodiversity and land use
• Provide quality monitoring and evaluation and regular reporting on progress to the Hub’s CRM and Project Management systems
• Liase with the Hub Comms and Senior Team to ensure consistent brand messaging, alignment of outreach strategies with community initiatives, and provide valuable insights for effective communication with target audiences
• Any other tasks as required to contribute to delivery of the Hub core functions

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Experience of community development, ideally in relation to climate change, environmental action or place-based work
• An interest in nature, biodiversity and land use and a willingness to build knowledge in these themes. Existing specialist expertise is not required
• Knowledge of community organisations in Highland and the structures that exist at community level, including Community Planning Partnerships and the nature of work across the community and voluntary sector. Knowledge of Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber would be an advantage
• Knowledge of climate change, environmental and social issues and the challenges these pose to communities throughout Highland, together with an interest in the links between climate action, nature and land use
• A good track record in generating new ideas and innovative approaches to community development and empowerment

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to connect and foster collaborative and empowering working relationships with community groups, public and third sector partners
• Flexibility and a proactive attitude with the ability to motivate and empower others
• Good time management and organisational skills
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Demonstrating a commitment to continuous professional learning and development to enhance and maintain a comprehensive skillset
• Passionate about climate change, climate and social justice and the empowerment and power of communities
• Able to work under own initiative and as part of a team

QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstratable experience and/or qualification in sustainability and climate change, community development, community planning, social policy, social science or a related field.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Highlands & Islands Climate Hub is an equal opportunity employer. Please tell us if you have access needs for the recruitment process and we will try to meet your needs.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Regular travel across Skye, Lochalsh and Lochaber, and wider travel within Highland when required, is an essential element of working for the Hub. Further travel to national events and opportunities is required or available less frequently and may lead to occasional overnight stays. All business-related travel and accommodation costs are covered by the employer. Staff are expected to have access to reliable public transport and/or hold a current driving licence and be willing to include business use on their insurance policy.

A PVG check will be carried out and must be passed.

All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references first being obtained. Referees will be contacted following conditional offer of employment at interview stage.