This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Do you have a successful track record in leading, engaging, integrating and developing diverse teams of stakeholders and senior leaders towards coherent climate action?

We are looking for an operational leader to lead a complex & agile programme of partnership initiatives & collaborations driving societal change across the Yorkshire & Humber Region, inspiring and enabling system level change locally, nationally and internationally.

The climate crisis is the most significant challenge the world faces. The science is clear and, at the University of Leeds, we are highly focused on impact – it is our most important contribution to make a positive difference in the world. As a research-intensive university, we are perfectly placed to help deliver unparalleled collaboration at scale across institutions and nations. Our strategy focusses on creating and working with community, culture and impact, combining our global outlook with a keen awareness of the importance of local, regional and national impact. Our Climate Plan is at the heart of what we are doing to support climate change mitigation and adaptation, locally and globally, while also contributing to a healthier, greener and fairer place to live, work and study.

Originally developed as part of the Place Based Climate Action Network, the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission was created to catalyse evidence-based, collaborative action to address these crises by linking the global outlook and big-picture science to on-the-ground impact at a local, regional and national scale. The Operations Director, a new position, will play a central role in driving this activity by leading the prioritisation and implementation of the Climate Commission’s work.

About the Commission

The Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission (YHCC) is an independent advisory body working with public, private and third sector (i.e. NGOs and community-based) organisations across the region. Through the approach laid out in its Climate Action Plan, the YHCC works across four pillars of climate action: supporting rapid decarbonisation; promoting climate resilience; protecting and restoring nature; and facilitating just (i.e. a fair and inclusive) transitions across the region.

The independent Chair is supported by four political Vice Chairs that represent each of the sub regions of Yorkshire. Over the last 18months, the YHCC has adopted a membership model, creating Associates and Affiliates who also support the Commission’s work in a range of ways. The YHCC draws on its Commissioners expertise through a number of routes: leading flagship projects; chairing & contributing to core groups; or providing strategic overview of the work of the Commission as a whole.

The YHCC is in an exciting phase of work, having launched nine flagship projects aimed at realising systems level change in areas such as decarbonising the energy sector; place-based interventions for climate adaptation; enabling investment and transitioning the way we use and manage our land and water to benefit us all and support nature’s recovery.



About the role

The YHCC is supported by the Climate Commissions team hosted by the University of Leeds. The Climate Commissions’ team support both the YHCC and the Leeds Climate Commission and is funded by a mix of private and public sector donations, research grant funding and funding from the University of Leeds Climate Plan. This role is wholly funded by donations from partners who want to see strong climate action and leadership driving positive change for the people and environment of Yorkshire and the Humber. You will be accountable to the Climate Commissions’ Director who provides strategic oversight and leadership for both Commissions.

You will represent the YHCC and the University of Leeds through building relationships with senior local, sub regional and national policy makers. You will build and work effectively with existing private and third sector collaborations to support businesses and organisations, from micro-enterprises to large anchor institutions, to take effective climate action. You will build relationships with researchers across the institution, Yorkshire’s Universities and beyond to ensure the Commission’s work is drawing on the best and contributing to current, research.

You will also champion and embody the principles of a fair and just transition, ensuring that the work of the Commission is focussed on supporting the most affected and the most vulnerable, as well as ensuring that seldom heard communities are able to engage with and influence policy development and implementation.

Because the University both host and provide considerable funding to support the Climate Commissions’ team, you will also support the Director to provide clear progress reports to the University’s Climate Principles Programme Board on the YHCC’s work and progress as required.

You will actively develop your expertise relating to climate change, biodiversity loss and just transitions, including the latest scientific information, the changing policy environment and impacts on the ground, drawing on knowledge within the region, nationally and internationally.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Rosa Foster

Email: r.foster1@leeds.ac.uk