Scottish Climate Intelligence Service Capacity Building Manager

Job Description

Do you want to help local authorities across Scotland deliver meaningful climate action?

The Scottish Climate Intelligence Service, a partnership between the Improvement Service and the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, is looking to recruit a Capacity Building Manager to support the work of this newly-established programme. 

The purpose of the Capacity Building Manager is to lead the Capacity Building side of the SCIS, working closely with the SCIS Co-Directors, Local Leads and wider team, to deliver practical insight and support at local level. 

This includes the development and delivery of training, workshops and research which supports local authorities to understand the data presented on the data platform and how to use this to help reduce area wide emissions. A key part of the role is the line management of 6 Local Lead officers who are working closely with groups of local authorities, providing a local assessment service and supporting capability and capacity building.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and deliver training programme for a range of key stakeholders
• Work in partnership with local officers, and other relevant partners to shape and understand priorities
• Coordinate and work with the SCIS Data Team and Local Leads to identify common challenges and solutions
• Support operational delivery and team development

We are looking for someone with:

• Capacity building and change management skills
• An understanding of climate change issues, particularly in regard to area emissions
• Ability to quickly develop strong working relationships with key stakeholders
• Experience in line management, ideally of a team

The appointment will be until end March 2026 (depending on when recruited) with the possibility of re-appointment subject to continuation of funding and a satisfactory performance assessment and the role meeting the continuing requirements of the Scottish Government, COSLA, the Improvement Service, ECCI and SSN.

Information

Location:

West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6FF, with travel throughout Scotland as required.

It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working. This flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Duration: To 31^st March 2026 (with likely extension beyond this date subject to funding)

Hours of contract: 36 hours

Advert closing date: Monday 5th May

Interview Date

A competence based interview will take place via MS Teams on 19th and 22nd May (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email a week in advance of the interview).

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'.

You may also find it useful to read our current IS 2025-26 Business Plan 

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services. 

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities. 

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy. 

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.