Good Growth
Good Growth is responsible for delivering and implementing the Mayor’s environment, transport and economic strategies and for the effective implementation of the London Plan. The Directorate is also responsible for regeneration (where the programme is not housing led), enterprise, growth, capital projects and design work.
The Air Quality team is based within the GLA Connectivity, Air Quality, Transport and Infrastructure team (CAQTI). This is a rare opportunity to work with colleagues who are committed to making a difference to the lives of Londoners and future generations.
The postholder will be responsible for supporting the Head of Air Quality in setting the strategic direction of the air quality work programme, including policy and strategy development and the delivery of a range of projects and programmes in relation to that portfolio, providing technical expertise and resource management.
Principal accountabilities
Shape and manage a portfolio of environment work and lead the delivery and development of Mayoral projects and programmes.
Manage multi-million-pound projects and programmes that are carried out either internally and externally, either for the Authority or by the Authority on behalf of other organisations, including procuring and managing consultants and contractors.
Attend senior level meetings and provide advice, written and oral, to the Mayor and his staff, senior managers, Members of the Assembly, and Functional Bodies, GLA staff, government departments, London-based and national organisations on environmental matters, making recommendations on policy and strategy options.
Build new and maintain existing partnerships to assist in delivery of initiatives to implement the Mayor’s policies and programmes including negotiating funding, leading for the GLA on relationship management with key stakeholder groups in relation to the environment portfolio.
Respond to press enquiries and lead responses to questions and correspondence to the Mayor and from Assembly members, Government departments and other organisations in the public, private and voluntary sectors.
To take a proactive role in corporate planning and contributing to the overall performance management frameworks of the GLA as a whole and the Directorate.
Manage a team of Principal and Senior Air Quality Officers and deputise for the Head of Air Quality as required.
Realise the benefits of London’s diversity by promoting and enabling equality of opportunities and promoting the diverse needs and aspirations of London’s communities.
Person specification
Technical requirements/experience/qualifications
Demonstrated background and experience in any of the following sectors at a senior level: air quality, environmental management, sustainable transport or planning policy.
A track record of managing multiple projects and project teams successfully, and delivering results on target and within budget.
Evidence of management experience, including line management, corporate planning, budget reporting and presenting at senior leadership meetings.
Evidence of success in undertaking project-based work and preparing clear and concise reports, presentations and briefings on complex and sensitive issues in a political environment for a range of different audiences.
A track record of stakeholder management experience within a politically complex environment.
Behavioural competencies
Problem Solving is analysing and interpreting situations from a variety of viewpoints and finding creative, workable and timely solutions.
Level 4 Indicators of Effective Performance
Seeks multiple perspectives to understand the breadth and depth of complex issues.
Produces strategies to solve organisation-wide problems, considering the practical and political concerns associated with the implementation of solutions.
Enables the GLA to continuously improve and innovate in the long term.
Problem solves jointly with others to stimulate innovation.
Turns ambiguous or difficult situations into opportunities.
Doesn’t stifle creativity and fail to engage others in resolving organisational issues.
Doesn’t fails to anticipate future organisational problems.
Building and Managing Relationships is developing rapport and working effectively with a diverse range of people, sharing knowledge and skills to deliver shared goals.
Level 4 Indicators of Effective Performance
Identifies and engages a diverse range of influential contacts within stakeholder and community groups, and partner organisations.
Builds alliances to establish mutually beneficial working arrangements, openly sharing knowledge and insights.
Actively challenges and addresses ‘silo attitudes’ to encourage effective relationship building inside and outside the GLA.
Understands the complexities of political dynamics and uses this to manage relationships and resolve conflict effectively.
Identifies clear win-win situations with external partners.
Doesn’t build relationships with limited contacts, or those from local or similar stakeholder groups.
Managing and Developing Performance is setting high standards for oneself and others, guiding, motivating and developing them, to achieve high performance and meet the GLA’s objectives and statutory obligations.
Level 3 Indicators of Effective Performance
Motivates and inspires others to perform to their best, recognising and valuing their work and encouraging them to learn and reflect.
Sets clear direction and expectations and enables others to interpret competing priorities.
Agrees and monitors challenging, achievable performance objectives in line with GLA priorities.
Manages performance issues effectively to avoid adverse impact on team morale and performance.
Promotes a positive team culture that respects diversity and deals with barriers to inclusion.
The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA competency framework.
This role is based at London Fire Brigade’s Head Office (Union Street SE1 0LL).
GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.
Application Process & Additional Information
Please note all applications for this vacancy must be submitted via our online recruitment system. We do not accept CVs alone for this role.
If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:
Up to date CV.
Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.
Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘Additional Documents’ section of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.
Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g. “CV – applicant name – 012345).
Applications submitted without a Personal Statement will not be considered.
London’s diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part-time work as this role is open to job share.
In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, an interest-free season ticket loan, interest-free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.
On this recruitment campaign, as part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination.
Reasonable adjustments will be made to working arrangements to accommodate a person with a disability who otherwise would be prevented from undertaking the work.
Application closing date: 13 December 2024 at 23:59
If you have a question about the role or would like to discuss it informally, please feel free to contact Sarah Morris at Sarah.Morris@london.gov.uk to arrange a call.
We will make every effort to give you as much notice as possible, however some interviews/assessments could be organised at short notice.
Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening.
Secondment Opportunity
If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying.
On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period.
Successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role.
At least 18 months’ service with the GLA.
If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.
If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment. For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.
IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on fixed term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.
If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application.
Closing date: 13 December 2024 at 23:59.
Interview date: TBC – W/C 13 January 2025.