Programme Manager (UK), Built Environment

at  Institute for Human Rights Business

The Institute for Human Rights and Business (IHRB) is the leading international think tank on business and human rights. IHRB’s mission is to shape policy, advance practice, and strengthen accountability in order to make respect for human rights part of everyday business.

OVERVIEW

We are looking for a Programme Manager to drive our Built Environment (BE) programme in the UK and across the wider region. This role offers a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration, policy, and practice to ensure that corporate activity in the built environment respects human rights, particularly non-discrimination, inclusion, the right to adequate housing, physical and mental health, and construction workers’ rights.
If you have in-depth knowledge of the built environment or real estate sector, a passion for achieving rights-based social change, and a proven track record of influencing real estate investors, developers, and construction companies, this role is for you.
The programme has recently published Advancing Just Transitions for the Built Environment, which presents global research on human rights in the green transition, offering actionable examples and recommendations. We are now moving to operationalise these recommendations, working collaboratively with civil society, front-running businesses, and policymakers.
As Programme Manager, you’ll also support initiatives such as promoting the Dignity by Design framework (currently being piloted in Bergen and Utrecht), developing the Built Environment Academy and other emerging initiatives, as well as being part of a wider IHRB team working on issues including migrant workers, shipping, commodities, just transitions, and more.

KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Substantive knowledge: Good understanding of the intersection of the climate and human rights agenda in the built environment, the relevant UK policies, and in particular, the role and responsibilities of business in this.
• Business influence: Demonstrable experience of influencing a range of built environment businesses (real estate investors, developers, and construction companies) on issues of social impact / human rights, and a deep understanding of the effective leverage points for change.
• Stakeholder engagement: Network of relevant built environment stakeholders in the UK, and ability to build and manage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Policy influence: Proven track record of working to influence policies relating to the built environment, human rights and decarbonisation.
• Programme management: Demonstrable experience of managing programmes with multiple partners, including delivering on time and within budget.
• Research: Demonstrable experience of undertaking research, analysing data, identifying case studies, and producing compelling outputs such as commentaries, position papers, and policy briefings.
• Event management and facilitation: Demonstrable experience of organising collaborative, inclusive multilateral dialogue events which build trust and alignment.
• Communication skills: Proven track record of conveying complex information in a compelling manner, both in writing and orally, to different audiences.
• Commitment to human rights: Commitment to and understanding of human rights and social justice.e.
• Remote working: Experience in working with a hybrid or remote team

BONUS SKILLS & EXPERIENCE (NOT NECESSARY BUT MAY BE ADVANTAGEOUS)

• Qualification: Further education certificate / diploma in a relevant field (design, engineering, architecture, real estate, law, human rights)
• Substantive knowledge: Knowledge of associated sectors / industries, for example material sourcing, supply chains, etc.
• Business and Human Rights: Knowledge of business and human rights; expertise in ESG or other reporting frameworks for built environment businesses.
• Fundraising: Experience in securing grants from trusts, foundations, or major institutions.
• International: Knowledge of the wider policy framework relating to the built environment and/or business and human rights (EU Taxonomy, CSDDD, EPBD). Network of relevant built environment stakeholders across Europe or globally

TIMELINE & PROCESS

Click Apply and upload your CV and cover letter. In your cover letter you should address your suitability for this role based on the relevant skills and experience outlined in this job description.

In your covering email, please state:

• If you are applying for the full time role or part time role
• Your earliest possible start date
• Where you saw the vacancy advertised

THE ROLE

Title: Programme Manager, Built Environment
Reporting to: Head of Built Environment
Start date: As soon as possible
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) or part time (30 hours per week)
Location: Remote/Home-based, in the UK. Candidates must have permission to work in the UK.
Duration: Permanent, with 3-month probationary period.
Pay: £47,000-£57,000 subject to level of experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Working closely with the Head of Built Environment, other Built Environment team colleagues, and the wider IHRB team, the Programme Manager will advance the respect for human rights in the UK and Europe’s built environment through:

THIS IS A RE-ADVERTISEMENT, PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT RE-APPLY. WE ARE PROCESSING APPLICATIONS AS THEY ARE RECEIVED AND WILL CLOSE THE VACANCY ONCE WE HAVE IDENTIFIED THE SUITABLE CANDIDATE. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN THE ROLE, THEREFORE, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE.

Deadline for applications: 11 November 2024, 9.00am UK time.
We plan on undertaking one or two rounds of interviews, via Zoom/video call. A job offer will be subject to the receipt of at least two satisfactory references.
As part of our ongoing commitment to an accessible recruitment process, applicants with disabilities are encouraged to contact IHRB to discuss any support or assistance they may have during the application or recruitment process. Please contact Kathy McLeish via email - recruitment@ihrb.org - in the first instance.
IHRB is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. This means we will not discriminate against candidates or employees based on their protected characteristics.
Applications from unsuccessful candidates will be held on file for 6 months after the end of the recruitment process