NZC Programme Officer

The Diocese of Leicester is committed to reducing the overall diocesan Carbon emissions by 2030; aiming to reduce the emissions from energy consumption year on year and to incorporate sustainable working practices across all of our operations.
Are you passionate about sustainability and supporting churches to be open for future generations? We are looking for somebody relational, committed to carbon reduction and adaptable to be our Net Zero Carbon Programme Officer to work with our parishes and their communities, helping to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure church buildings remain sustainable as a place of worship and a resource for the local community.

This is a new fixed-term post made possible by a grant from of The Church of England through their Net Zero Carbon Capacity Building Programme.

In this rewarding role, you will:

• develop positive relationships with key stakeholders within the Diocese, in particular with Parochial Church Councils supporting them in making informed and planned decisions to reduce carbon emissions in their churches and church halls
• play a key part in enabling the delivery of the NZC targets within Diocesan Environmental Programme (2026-29), by data collection, analysis, reporting, and contributing to setting the annual targets for the programme.
• contribute to delivering communications, training, advice and education needed to progress towards reaching Net Zero Carbon.

What we are looking for

• A relevant degree, equivalent qualifications or relevant experience
• Practical experience and/or knowledge in managing buildings, with a focus on sustainability.
• An understanding of and commitment to working with churches and halls with a range of building construction types to improve their energy efficiency and work towards Net Zero Carbon.
• Knowledgeable and passionate about environmental issues and climate change.
• Understanding of and confidence working with numerical & technical data.
• Experience in successful problem solving and project management
• Excellent skills in interpersonal relationships, negotiation and written and visual communication and presentation
• The capacity to build relationships with colleagues, parish clergy and volunteers, and other stakeholders in the diocese to engage them in working towards Net Zero Carbon for church-owned buildings
• The capacity to work and make decisions independently.
• Good IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and databases.
• Ability to travel regularly across the Diocese and work flexibly, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Sympathy with and commitment to the values and mission of the Church of England and the Diocese of Leicester.
• Desirable
• Experience of working with heritage or listed buildings
• Building services professional, relevant degree or professional qualification/s in heritage management, sustainability or project management
• Knowledge of Church of England legislation applicable to Church Buildings

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a new area of work within a collaborative and experienced team.
• Hybrid working with a Leicester office base
• An opportunity to work with a variety of different communities across Leicestershire, each with its own needs.
• Make a tangible difference to local communities and to caring for and sustaining the environment through supporting the reduction of carbon emissions.
• Generous pension (10% employer contribution) and annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays).
• Opportunities for training, development and professional growth.

For an informal conversation about the role see contact details in general info document.

Closing Date:
Sunday 20th September

Shortlisting date:
Wednesday 23rd September

Interview Date:
Thursday 8th October

We particularly welcome applications from UK Minority Ethnic / Global Majority Heritage candidates, who are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

The Diocese of Leicester, part of the Church of England, is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community. We follow the Church of England's Safeguarding Policies and relevant statutory guidance. We believe that safeguarding is everybody's business.

This post is subject to a Basic DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK. The Diocese is unable to offer a Certificate of Sponsorship.