GBP 7495 Sustainable Education Assistant
Job Summary
Based within the Sustainability Team at the University of Exeter, you will support the development and delivery of key aspects of the Sustainable Education Action Plan and key education targets in the University’s Environment & Climate Emergency Policy Statement. Key aspects of the role include managing the Responsible Futures project and supporting the university’s Transformative Education agenda.
This role is part of the Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) scheme and offers full time hours (36.5 p/w) from December 2024 for 23 months. This role offers hybrid working where you can work remote and from Northcote House, Streatham Campus.
Key Dates
Closing Date: 10th Nov 2024
Interview Date: Nov 2024
Start Date: Dec 2024
End Date: 23 month contract
Salary: £25,007 per annum
Purpose of the Role
This role will support the development and delivery of key aspects of the Sustainable Education Action Plan.
Responsible Futures is a whole institution change programme and accreditation mark run by SOS UK for universities and their student unions to embed sustainability across all aspects of student learning. The accreditation criteria encourage partnership working for sustainability between students and staff at the university and are assessed through a student-led audit. They cover all aspects of what is required to make sustainability core to university life. They require not only evidence of sustainability in the curriculum, but also that sustainability is promoted at all levels of the university.
The Transformative Education (TE) initiative involves seeking to embed sustainability across the formal curriculum, by adopting UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) teaching and learning approaches. The TE framework consists of 3 interconnected pillars of sustainability, inclusivity, and racial and social justice.
This role will also focus on promotion of the annual SDG Teach In and on developing climate literacy training for staff.
The role will require regular interaction with:
- Advocate Climate Taskforce (ACT) sustainable education advocates who manage the overall programme of sustainability education work
- Line Manager within the Sustainability Team
- Transformative Education Team
- Sustainability Team
- Education Thematic Forum
Duties and Responsibilities
- Overall management of the Responsible Futures project and accreditation, including managing evidence collection for the Responsible Futures audit and chairing the Responsible Futures working group.
- Collaborative Project Work with Transformative Education, including co-facilitation of Sustainability and ESD workshops, and assisting with the creation and maintenance of resources.
- Promotion of the annual SDG Teach In.
- Supporting development of climate literacy training for staff and students.
- Engagement with the student unions at our Devon and Cornwall campuses, and with student societies.
- Engagement with SOS-UK.
- Supporting the recruitment and management of student campus partnership (SCP) interns.
- Working with academic staff and Professional Services staff.
- Reporting on progress to the Education Thematic Forum and the Sustainability Team.
Training and Development - What Skills and Experience will this Opportunity Provide?
- Experience delivering sustainability projects and initiatives, particularly relating to education for sustainable development.
- Project management experience.
- Workshop facilitation experience.
- People management experience.
- Experience working in a professional sustainability team, providing the opportunity for exposure to a wide range of sustainability matters and projects.
You will be asked to complete the university’s mandatory online training in:
- Prevent Duty - Inclusive, Cohesive and Safe Universities
- Equality and Diversity Introduction
- Health and Safety Introduction
- Information Governance
You will also be asked to complete the University’s Environment and Climate Emergency Induction Training.
Support Available
- Regular meetings with the line manager, the Sustainable Education Advocates and the Transformative Education team.
- Workplace buddy or mentor.
- On the job training.
- The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
The Benefits
You will have access to a wide range of benefits, rewards and recognition from the University including:
- Flexible/hybrid working
- Generous pension
- A holiday allowance of 39 days per year
- Totum Card (student discount)
- Salary Exchange Schemes such as the Cycle to Work Scheme
- Discounted membership to the university's sports facilities including cricket centre, indoor/outdoor pools, squash courts and fitness centre’s.
- The university offers extensive support to staff, including a structured Professional Development Review and Wellbeing Service plus 1:1 support from the Internships Team.
- All Graduates are offered a ‘how to make the most of your internship’ guide.
- You will have access to the university’s Career Mentor Scheme and career consultancy opportunities.
- You will have access to the university’s extensive suite of online training which includes Excel, presentation skills, and negotiation skills.
- You will be invited to quarterly networking and professional development events through ‘The Graduate Network’ exclusively for GBP’s and their line managers.
About You (Person Specification)
Degree and Attainment
- You must have graduated from a UK University in the last 3 years from at least an undergraduate degree
Skills
- Competent in using the Microsoft Office suite.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to communicate complex concepts in a user-friendly way which is appropriate to the target audience.
- Good interpersonal skills, confident in meeting and working with people from a range of backgrounds and disciplines.
- Building and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Ability to work independently and to prioritise own workload.
Personal Qualities and Attributes
- Keen interest in sustainability and education
Knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding of sustainable education frameworks and practices, and of general developments in either the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Education for Sustainable Development - Education for Sustainable Development.
- Awareness of the university’s sustainability agenda and Strategy 2030
Prior Experience
- Desirable: experience of engaging individuals or communities in sustainability initiatives
- Desirable: experience of leadership or mentoring students or other young people
- Desirable: project management experience.
- Desirable: experience of facilitating workshops and/or training events.
About the University Department
The Sustainable Education Assistant is a position within the Sustainability Team. Based within the Finance, Infrastructure and Commercial Services Division, the Sustainability Team is a major contributor to delivering on the University’s Strategy 2030 commitment to ‘lead meaningful action against the climate emergency and ecological crisis.’ The team has responsibility for delivering on the University’s net zero and environmental net gain targets, and this role will be support the delivery of sustainability education commitments. The team consists of 22 members of staff with posts dedicated to circular economy, travel, energy, biodiversity, data and engagement. We are a friendly team and look forward to welcoming you.
Graduate Business Partnership (GBP) Scheme Requirements
- To undertake a graduate role through the GBP scheme, you must have either achieved your degree or be in your final year at any UK-based university.
- If you are in your final year, your working hours may be reduced to 15 hours per week (for undergraduates) or 6 hours per week (for postgraduates) to ensure you have the capacity to successfully complete your degree. More hours can be completed if your academic agrees and provides written confirmation.
- If you do not pass your degree, the GBP role will end early.
- You must have graduated in the UK within the last 3 years of your most recent degree (we will consider extenuating circumstances of potential applicants that may have prevented them from undertaking a graduate role within 3 years of graduation).
- The University of Exeter is committed to developing an environment which promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity and inclusivity.
- We are committed to creating an inclusive culture and engage with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark) and LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion)
- Learn about the university’s commitment to the Disability Confident scheme here
- At the time of starting employment, the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK and evidence must be provided in advance of the appointment. Examples of suitable evidence can be found in the Intern Guidance- Proving Right to Work the UK guide. Candidates should continue to have permission for the duration of the GBP contract. This includes British citizens, individuals with an EU Pre-Settlement or EU-Settlement Status; and those with a Graduate Route Visa.
- All graduates need to reside in the UK whilst undertaking this role.
How to Apply
- Download and complete the attached 2024-25 Internship Application Form. CVs cannot be accepted. Please make sure you have downloaded the latest copy of the Internship Application Form.
- Guidance and useful tips for completing your application are found on the Internship Application Form.
- Refer to the job details contained within the advert when writing your personal statement.
- Use the STAR approach to evidence each requirement in the Person Specification.
- You should insert the correct reference code on the application form: GBP 7495
- Please save your Internship Application Form as ‘your name - GBP 7495’
- The University is a Disability Confident employer and as such this policy applies to recruitment through GBP Scheme. Applicants who identify a disability on the application form will be offered an interview if their application demonstrates they meet the essential criteria.
- Please also include details of any reasonable adjustments you may need for an interview or to undertake the role.
- You should explain why you would like to work for the employing organisation and why you think you would be a suitable candidate for this role.
- Send your completed application (not by OneDrive) to internships@exeter.ac.uk, with the reference code: GBP 7495 in the subject bar of your email, by the closing date.
Further Guidance and Support
- (Exeter graduates only) You can refer to the My Career Zone Digital resources on application and interview preparation here.
- (Exeter graduates only) If you need support with your application, you can book an appointment with a professional Careers Consultant by emailing careers@exeter.ac.uk.
- Unless stated, interview expenses will not be paid.
- It is recommended that you check your online presence on social media to ensure it represents you well, as some employers may undertake online research of their applicants.
- If you have any questions, you can email the Internships Team at internships@exeter.ac.uk