The London Borough of Hackney is seeking a sustainability and climate change officer to join its team in London.

12 months fixed-term contract opportunity.

Are you a sustainability specialist or built environment professional looking to specialise in securing zero or low carbon developments?

Hackney Council is looking for a sustainability and climate change officer to work alongside our principal sustainability and climate change officer to deliver the Council’s net zero carbon ambitions within planning and to help to address the climate emergency in Hackney.

Hackney has a dense and complex built environment and we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development for the benefit of Hackney’s communities. We are looking for someone with ambition, creativity and commitment to ensure that new development in the borough is designed to meet the highest environmental standards.

As sustainability and climate change officer you will promote best practice that embeds energy and carbon considerations in the planning process. You will participate in guidance and policy making and negotiate positive design changes as part of the development management process. In particular, you will provide technical support to the planning team, negotiating with developers with an awareness of the competing pressures that inevitably shape development in Hackney. The role will also include opportunities for collaboration with other parts of the council as well as partner organisations to help deliver the commitments in our climate action plan and tackle the climate emergency.

The successful candidate must have an analytical approach to working, excellent organisational skills and exceptional written and oral communication skills. Degree level qualification in architecture, town planning, urban design or other relevant post graduate qualification such as in the field of sustainable architecture, environmental, sustainability or energy and carbon planning is required – for further details please refer to the job description and person specification. Experience of working in the UK built environment with a focus on energy and carbon would be desirable but not essential.

There is no better place to work in London than Hackney; we have great pride in our borough, our communities, and our services. Hackney is one of London’s most vibrant and diverse boroughs. It’s one of the most sought after areas to live in London with good schools, parks and local amenities, as well as great transport links and vibrant and diverse communities.

As a Council, our most outstanding asset is our staff, who are highly dedicated to serving our residents and committed to our goals as an organisation.

If you want to work in a place where you can represent our values so we achieve the best for our residents, please click on the apply button below.

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Therefore, we do not accept supporting statements or CV’s.

To proceed with your application, you will need to create an account and submit your application.

As part of the application process, you will need to complete a number of competency based questions. These questions allow you to demonstrate your suitability for the role and provide examples of your skills, knowledge and experience outlined in the job description.

We understand the benefits of using AI in the workplace. However, if you are thinking of using this tool to submit your application, we ask you to think about what value it will add. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

This application process replaces a supporting statement.

Closing date for applications: 15 March 2026 (22:59)

Interview and assessment date: 24 to 27 March 2026

We are also working towards our vision, which is to be a place for everyone; where residents and staff can be proud; a place that celebrates diversity and where everyone can feel valued, included and involved. In order to achieve this, we look for people who are: Proud; Ambitious; Pioneering; Open; Proactive; Inclusive.

Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.

The Council has a dedicated employment support service (Hackney Works), which offers Hackney residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you are thinking aout applying for a job, please contact the Hackney Works team to find out what support is available.

London Borough of Hackney

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Sustainability and climate change officer