Scottish Climate Intelligence Service Local Lead

Job Description

The IS is working with the Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, the Sustainable Scotland Network, COSLA and Scottish Government to establish a Scottish Climate Intelligence Service which will build capacity within Scottish local authorities to improve decision making for area-wide emissions reduction by providing the data and tools, and building the skills and confidence in using them, to deliver better climate outcomes and realise the social and economic benefits of a zero carbon Scotland.

The purpose of the Local Leads role is to support the Capacity Building side of the Scottish Climate Intelligence Service (SCIS), working closely with the Capacity Building Manager and wider team, to deliver practical insight and support at local level. The role will work closely with a group of local authorities comprising Aberdeen City, Moray, and Scotland’s island councils: Shetland, Orkney and Na h-Eileanan Siar, providing a local assessment service and supporting capability and capacity building. This will support local authorities to understand the data presented on the data platform and how to use this to help reduce area wide emissions.

The Local Lead’s service is locally focused and driven by the local authorities’ needs. They will provide tailored support whilst drawing out common themes and connecting to the Data Team and Programme Management Office to facilitate knowledge sharing and support continuous development of the service. Local authorities will be supported to understand the data from the national emissions dataset and how to use this to take evidence-based decisions on projects to maximise carbon reduction.

The appointment will be until 31 March 2027 with the likelihood of re-appointment subject to continuation of funding, a satisfactory performance assessment and the role meeting the continuing requirements of the Scottish Government, COSLA, the Improvement Service, ECCI and SSN.

Information

Skills and knowledge

Applicants must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly and use evidence and data to influence change.

Strong training and capacity‑building skills are essential, alongside the ability to build effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including councils and partner organisations.

The role also demands excellent collaborative and organisational skills, a proven track record of managing and delivering projects, and the creativity and innovation needed to drive improvement and development.

Location: West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6FF. It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working, and this flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager.

Duration: Up to 31 March 2027 (with likely extension beyond this date subject to funding)

Hours of contract: 36 hours (full time) or part time will be considered.

Advert closing date: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Interview Date

A competence based interview will take place on Monday 15th June and Tuesday 16th June. (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'.

Additionally, you may also find it beneficial to watch our Working at the Improvement Service Video and read our current Business Plan 2025-26.

 

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.