About the job

Summary

The UK Government announcement of the Clean Green Initiative at COP26 recognised the importance of sustainable infrastructure systems which enable economic development, as well as ensuring a healthy environment and improving people’s quality of life. The initiative supports the rollout of sustainable infrastructure and revolutionary green technology in developing countries, helping to tackle climate change and boost economic growth.

UK companies are amongst the best in the world in planning, developing, delivering, maintaining and adapting sustainable infrastructure systems. International work undertaken by UK companies will be critical to the success of the Clean Green Initiative and help enable key challenges over the coming decades, particularly climate change, to be addressed.

As the Government department responsible for Trade and Investment, DIT has an important role to play. We support UK companies to grow sustainably and, ultimately, to take their knowledge, expertise and delivery to the global market.

This role will lead a new workstream within the expanding DIT Infrastructure Team to ensure that UK companies are engaged in the Clean Green Initiative and secure maximum benefits to all involved. It provides an excellent opportunity to engage and influence across different sectors and shape an important cross-government initiative as well as contributing to leadership of infrastructure. It will include managing the DIT programme, working closely with other parts of the UK government together with partners across the private and third sectors and international counterparts.

Job description

This is a new and exciting role within an expanding team focussed on promoting sustainable infrastructure to meet global challenges around decarbonisation and adaptation of infrastructure systems. DIT is an excellent employer that encourages a healthy work/life balance providing for flexible working hours and job shares etc. We value all aspects of diversity & inclusion amongst our teams and are a disability confident employer.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Working with the leadership team of the Manufacturing, Energy and Infrastructure cluster and more widely to lead DIT input to the Clean Green Initiative. This will involve engagement with senior officials, ministers and company executives and include the recruitment and management of a team of civil servants (1xEO, 1xHEO) support, where relevant, from consultants and private sector specialists and design and distribution of programme funding.

• Developing a clear plan, including an appropriate evidence-base to prioritise the use of programme resources and pursue opportunities, and leading delivery of the DIT contribution to the Clean Green Initiative, ensuring UK companies and third sector bodies are fully engaged, to secure commercial outcomes and maximise the overall benefit.

• Ensuring a joined-up approach is developed with other parts of DIT (including wider sectors, International Strategy and Engagement, Trade Policy Group, UK Export Finance and marketing and communications teams) FCDO and other colleagues across Whitehall.

• Representing DIT and HMG in delivery of partnerships, and negotiating new opportunities, to achieve the best possible export and investment potential. Engaging ministers and senior officials in support of the team’s agenda.

• Building and maintaining excellent relationships with industry leaders, trade bodies, potential and existing investors and exporters, researchers and professional bodies, as well as working with overseas networks, in support of trade and investment delivery to ‘make’ markets where UK infrastructure companies can add greatest value.

• International travel is likely to be required by some, but not all, members of the team.

The role will be based in either Edinburgh or London. You will be asked to express a location preference during the application process.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.

Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Appointments will be made to candidates in merit order based on location preferences.

Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting.

Responsibilities

We are looking for:

• A strategic thinker with an interest in infrastructure / climate / environment, the ability to see the big picture, think laterally, and find ways to meaningfully push an agenda forward.

• A strong, responsive and adaptable leader who is comfortable working at pace and with ambiguity, can overcome setbacks and motivate those around them.

• An excellent communicator and influencer with the ability to shift stubborn views and ‘find ways through’ to enable delivery of key objectives.

• An effective manager who uses appropriate project and people management approaches to deliver despite competing deadlines and priorities.

Essential Criteria

Capability in:

• Leading diverse teams.

• Working and successfully influencing across Whitehall and internationally.

• Working with Ministers, senior officials and private sector executives.

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge and experience of infrastructure and climate change (including professional / technical qualifications) and/or working internationally will be helpful but is not essential.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace