Sustainability Project Assistant

Joining the David Attenborough Building Sustainability Team, working for CCI Services Ltd and in collaboration with Cambridge Conservation Initiative and the University of Cambridge. nata

We are looking for an enthusiastic Sustainability Project Assistant to support the next phase of the David Attenborough Building Sustainability Programme. The role is offered as a part-time, fixed-term contract until March 2026, with the possibility of further extension. The role would be for a total of 85 days p/annum (1.5 - 2 days per week).

Background – About Us

The David Attenborough Building is a global hub for nature conservation practitioners, researchers and academics, located in the centre of Cambridge. It houses the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI), a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and ten biodiversity conservation organisations; research areas for the University’s Department of Zoology; the Museum of Zoology; a lecture theatre; and a public café.

‘Sustainability’ at and within the David Attenborough Building is defined holistically – the building aims to make a net-positive impact in environmental, social and economic terms. The building was refurbished between 2014–15 to create a low-energy, adaptable and efficient structure, whilst preserving the integrity of the original Brutalist design. Improving the sustainability of the building was an important aspect of the refurbishment and remains a vital consideration in managing and further improving the building and its environment. As the building provides a home for eleven globally important conservation partners, it is important that the operation and design of the building reflects the mission of the CCI and demonstrates global leadership.

The David Attenborough Building Sustainability Programme is organised around ten ‘sustainability impact areas’: Biodiversity and ecology; Carbon reduction and energy efficiency; Collaboration and communication for sustainability; Education and outreach; Health and wellbeing; Purchasing and procurement; Sustainable food; Transport and mobility; Waste management; and Water use.

We require an enthusiastic, organised and proactive Project Assistant who can quickly understand programme objectives and work to deliver against Sustainability Strategy targets, sharing successes and updating building users on a regular basis. Working alongside and under the oversight of the Sustainability Project Manager, the successful role holder will plan and deliver against targets from a range of sustainability impact areas.

Overall aims of the David Attenborough Building Sustainability Team

• Enable the delivery of the building’s Sustainability Strategy

• Report progress to building users on a regular basis, through a range of media

• Report programme progress to top management and the Sustainability Working Group as required

• Support the David Attenborough Building in demonstrating sustainability leadership.

Specific aims of this role

To develop the project plan and timeline for key targets within the Sustainability Strategy, and track progress.

To support the delivery of the annual Sustainability Action Plans in specific areas. Actions may include to:

• Monitor and report on utilities data (electricity, gas and water), using submetering available through an externally managed SystemsLink energy management system and other internal data management tools

• Design and implement a waste management-related engagement programme

• Design and produce communications materials for a range of audiences, from formal reports to senior management to sharing key data in engaging ways with building users

• Enable the David Attenborough Building to support systems for reducing emissions from commuting and business travel

• Engage with building representatives around sustainable procurement

• Collaborate with building users and specialists to review and improve existing biodiversity initiatives around the building, and seek opportunities to increase these further

• Support the development and delivery of a range of visible, ‘quick win’ changes within the David Attenborough Building, such as improving signage and visibility of sustainability initiatives and interventions

• Support the implementation of an environmental management system for the David Attenborough Building Report regularly to Sustainability Project Manager on progress and collaborate on key projects and initiatives.

Person Specification – About You

We are looking for an organised, proactive Project Assistant with a keen interest in sustainability, ideally with existing experience in environmental management. An understanding of CCI, its partner organisations, the Museum and Department of Zoology, and the wider University of Cambridge more generally would be an advantage.

This role is primarily concerned with progressing the David Attenborough Building’s operational sustainability rather than conservation, but an interest in conservation and experience of working on the communication of this or other sustainability issues would be welcome.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to work hybrid/remote and to visit the building as needed, such as to carry out energy and waste audits or face-to-face engagement activities.

What we are looking for:

• Knowledge and interest in a range of sustainability issues

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Degree or other relevant qualification, or experience in a relevant subject

• Enthusiastic about collaboration and engagement.

• Experience of energy, building management and/or environmental management systems an advantage

Further detail

Pay: £145+ per day (8 hours), to be invoiced by the role holder monthly.

Contract Duration: Until 31st March 2026 with the possibility of further extension.

The assignment is for 85 days across the contract, which tends to be 1.5 - 2 days per week.

The position will be overseen by Gemma Birley, David Attenborough Building Sustainability Project Manager. The programme will be supported by Natalie Allerton, Head of CCI Services.

Training will be available where required, such as in relation to the Building Management System and producing energy management data and reports.

To Apply

Please email a cover letter and CV to Sustainability@cciservices.co.uk

Any questions relating to this role can also be sent to Sustainability@cciservices.co.uk

Closing date for applications 3rd January 2025. Please note that applications will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis and with consist of two stages:

• Initial interviews will be carried out via Teams (30mins)

• Second Stage Interviews will be carried out in person at CCI in Cambridge (45-60mins) and will consist of a building tour, intro to the sustainability programme and a short (10min) presentation from the candidate (with or without slides) answering the following question:

How would you encourage occupants of the David Attenborough Building to follow sustainable practices in their use of the building?