Applications invited for new role leading the North East’s transition to net zero.
Rob Hamilton, Chief Economist at the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and Helen Golightly, Chief Executive at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, invite applications for an exciting new role leading the North East’s transition to net zero.
Are you an outstanding professional with experience in delivering net zero projects? Are you passionate about the assets and opportunities that the North East has in energy and the contribution our region could make to national and global challenges and opportunities?
Then you could be the person we’re looking for – to play a major role in shaping the future of our region.
We’re looking to appoint a Principal Officer for Low Carbon Growth and Net Zero. This is an exciting and challenging role that will provide the leadership, vision and direction for the North East region at a critical and exciting time as we race to meet our net zero targets and move towards a new mayoral combined authority in May 2024.
If you are wondering why, you should join our team – here’s a few reasons…
A Net Zero Hotspot
As a region, we are committed to delivering net zero and we have already achieved a huge amount. A recent report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), with analysis provided by CBI Economics and the DataCity, identified the North East as a net zero economy hotspot.
Net Zero North East England is a newly formed partnership across our seven local authorities the public, private and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Its purpose is to celebrate and champion net zero opportunities and successes in our region. We’re using the strength of partnership to enable change through increased innovation, improvements to our skills agenda, active prospecting for new public and private investment, and by providing open access data and evidence.
The successful candidate would have the opportunity to drive forward the vision for this partnership, with the support of a small executive team.
We have the skills, talent – and region-wide commitment – alongside the heritage and varied landscapes required to take on the challenge of net zero and, with your help, we’re ready to grasp the economic opportunity it provides.
Our Region’s Strengths
The North East boasts many assets and opportunities that were recently highlighted by the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore in his independent review of net zero, including:
- The 27,000 additional jobs the North East will likely benefit from by 2050 as part of the transition to net zero
- The North East experiencing the largest reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2020
- The transition to net zero delivering £1.9 billion of gross value to the North East economy by 2050.
- Opportunities to support the quadrupling of the UK’s offshore wind capacity, alongside the critical role which will be played by Nissan in Sunderland, and its supply chain, in supporting the country’s transition to zero emission vehicles
Seize the Opportunity
In this role, you will be responsible for driving forward the regional strategy to seize opportunities in offshore wind, including the North East’s share of 40,000 jobs linked to the UK’s growth of offshore wind and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS).
There’s also lots of exciting things happening in our region as we pioneer new low carbon heat technologies including river source heat networks, geothermal heat from mine workings and hydrogen for heat.
The North East is the best place to test emerging energy innovations in the UK. The North East Energy Catalyst unites the region’s energy innovation and demonstration organisations, making it easy for SMEs, investors and government to access them.
As Principal Officer for Low Carbon Growth and Net Zero, you would have the opportunity to lead and shape all of these opportunities.
North East England – a great place to work and live
If you’re looking for a flexible approach to work, we will be operating on a hybrid model, so we would be open to discussing this with you. However, if you are looking to relocate here, then that’s great too.
Our region is rich in culture, history, world heritage sites and dramatic countryside and coastal landscapes – all within easy reach of Newcastle International Airport.
From vibrant cities, to stunning coastal walks, once you’ve experienced what life in the North East has to offer, you’ll never want to live anywhere else.
We pride ourselves on being friendly and inclusive, so you’d be assured of a warm welcome as you help put the North East at the heart of the UK’s low carbon economy. And our flexible approach allows employees to have a great work-life-balance, with your wellbeing at its heart.
If you think you have what it takes to take on this exciting role and want to work with our dedicated and supportive team in one of the best places in the UK, apply now here.