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GBP 7537 Climate Change Support Officer

University of Exeter Internships
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Job Summary

East Devon District Council is looking for a recent graduate to support their team to deliver and maintain the carbon reduction measures set out in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan. You will have the opportunity to develop your skills working with a range of stakeholders carrying out administrative tasks, managing systems, and coordinating social media marketing. You will be employed by the University of Exeter and seconded to East Devon District Council which means you can access the benefits on offer from both organisations.

 

This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers full time hours (36.5 p/w) for 12 months. This role offers hybrid work where you can work remote and from offices in Honiton.

 

Key Dates

 

Closing Date: 28/11/24

Interview Date: TBC (Likely 1-week to 10 days after closing date)

Start Date: From Jan 2025

End Date: 12 months 

 

Salary: £26,257 per annum

 

Purpose of the Role

 

You will assist the Climate Change Officer to deliver and maintain the carbon reduction measures set out in the Council’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan through provision of administrative support. You will also support the Climate Change Officer and Service managers in delivering mitigation and adaptation measures contained in the Council’s climate change strategy. You will encourage and facilitate Service collaborations that contribute towards the Council’s adopted Climate Change Strategy with an initial focus on procurement and reduced energy consumption, improved energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon emissions.

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

 

  • Provide general administrative support for the work of the Climate Change Officer including responding to customer demands and enquiries both online and by phone and liaising with suppliers of goods and services. 
  • Assist the climate change officer in developing and maintaining a management information system to help monitor progress against the Council’s net carbon zero objective including troubleshooting and data inputting, attending relevant training and familiarisation events.  Participate in user acceptance testing for software upgrades and work with suppliers on finding, reporting and resolving issues.
  • Collate and present information from across all Council Services to ensure that their contributions towards the Council’s net carbon zero carbon reduction target is prioritised and delivered.
  • Work with Housing and Property Services Colleagues to target procurement and reduced consumption, improved energy efficiency and reducing Council property emissions as priority areas.
  • Assist in coordinating an internal Carbon Task Force of officer champions from all Services to operate as a Green Team.
  • Develop and maintain the Councils web pages and social media profile with respect to the climate change agenda, including topical content along with creating and responding to various social media to support the service purpose.
  • Support the Service Lead for Environmental Health in developing, implementing and running performance management reports on climate impact reduction activity across other Council services.
  • Work proactively and collaboratively with colleagues across the Council to facilitate training and collate / share knowledge associated with climate change and carbon reduction. 
  • Raise purchase orders and sundry debtor accounts, pay accounts and order goods and services in line with current financial regulations and standing orders.  Maintain an appropriate database of expenditure to assist in budgetary control and planning.
  • Review, redesign and implement appropriate changes to administration procedures which provide improvements in efficiency and improve data quality within the service. 
  • Ensure publication of relevant information to mitigate, and compile relevant information in response to, Freedom of Information requests and statutory duties in respect of climate change.
  • Support the Council’s approach to equalities and diversity ensuring that our services and policies identify, address and promote the needs of our diverse community.  This includes the need for safety of children and other vulnerable people.
  • Take personal responsibility for the relevant aspects of the Council’s Health and Safety Policy
  • Ensure awareness and compliance with the Council’s policies, Code of Conduct and Constitution.
  • Evaluate and assist in managing risk within the service.

 

 

Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?

 

  • Further develop your administration skills
  • Working with various stakeholders, you will gain experience communicating across various platforms and adapting to different audiences.
  • Gain experience managing database systems.
  • You will gain experience using social media marketing for business.
  • Project management and organisation skills.

 

Plus, you will be offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ introductory session, bespoke mentoring, and career consultancy opportunities through the University.

 

You will be asked to complete the University’s mandatory online training in:

  • Prevent Duty
  • Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
  • Equality and Diversity Introduction
  • Health and Safety Introduction and Information Governance.

 

 

Support Available

 

  • Regular meetings with your line manager
  • On the job training/shadowing
  • You will be offered 1:1 support from the Internships Team.

 

 

Through the University, you can access the following:

 

The Benefits 

 

  • Flexible/remote working 
  • Having a job that allows you to ‘give something back’ to the community. 
  • Potential awards nomination in the University of Exeter Employment Awards 
  • Travel costs covered. 
  • Reference 
  • Social activities with colleagues 

 

You will also have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:  

 

  • Generous pension  
  • A holiday allowance of 39 days per year  
  • Totum Card (student discount)  
  • Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme  
  • Discounted membership to the University's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.  
  • The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.   
  • All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide. 
  • You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities. 
  • You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills. 
  • You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’. 

 

About You (Person Specification)

 

Degree and Attainment

  • An undergraduate degree within the last three years from a UK-based university
  • Ideally you will have gained a degree in an environmental discipline or being able to demonstrate a strong interest/knowledge in this area.

 

Skills

  • Proficiency in managing documents, databases, and administrative systems.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills.
  • Proficiency in website maintenance and social media management for content creation and engagement.
  • Skills in collecting, collating, analysing, and presenting data from multiple sources.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent IT skills, including a comprehensive understanding of all Microsoft office applications

 

Personal Qualities and Attributes

  • Strong attention to detail
  • Team oriented
  • Proactive and innovative
  • Adaptable and willing to learn
  • Passion and commitment to support climate change initiative
  • Commitment to equal opportunities when carrying out your duties

 

Knowledge

  • A solid understanding of climate change issues, net zero objectives, and carbon reduction strategies.

 

 

About the Company

 

East Devon District Councils mission is to become a carbon neutral council by 2040, working within a thriving low-carbon economy and lifestyle. This will be reflected in our travel, homes, businesses, visitor experiences and communities. This is the East Devon district council interim climate action plan which sets out the priority actions we will take as a council to work towards our pledge of being carbon neutral by 2040.

Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements

 

  • To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university. 
  • If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
  • If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
  • You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
  • The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity. 
  • We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
  • Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
  • At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment.  Examples of suitable evidence can be found in the Intern Guidance- Proving Right to Work the UK guide. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
  • All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.

 

How to Apply

 

  • Download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form. 
  • Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.  
  • Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement. 
  • Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.  
  • You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7537
  • Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7537’   
  • The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria. 
  • Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.  
  • You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.  
  • Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7537 in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date. 

 

Further Guidance and Support

  • (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.   
  • (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a professional Careers Consultant by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk. 
  • Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
  • It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants. 
  • If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk