£55,119 - £57,362 per annum
Contract Type: Fixed Term, 3 Year Contract
About this opportunity
A great opportunity has arisen at Westmorland and Furness Council within our Legal Team for a Senior Lawyer to lead on the Council’s environmental work.
To be a success in our Legal Team you will have strong experience in providing both strategic and regulatory advice on the environment, natural capital and climate and sustainability to clients, and who also has skills and experience in contractual drafting and negotiation in this area. We recognise that a key skill will be adaptability and ability to collaborate and learn given the new and evolving nature of this practice area.
Example areas of the type of experience we are looking for include:
- Advising on natural capital projects in the UK;
- Advising on carbon offsetting projects in the UK;
- Drafting and negotiating commercial agreements in relation to Local Nature Recovery Strategy, Flood Resilience, BNG, Nutrient Neutrality, natural capital investment, carbon offsetting and other ecosystems services outcomes; and
- Providing advice on other climate and sustainability matters, including environmental projects, grants, contracts and other related agreements; and
- Advising on the establishment and operation of natural capital projects, including habitat banks for Biodiversity Net Gain and Nutrient Neutrality, carbon offsetting and other ecosystems services.
Other duties will include dealing with a range of matter including providing advice to officers and elected members, attending Council Meetings, Committees and working groups as required.
Nature and Climate Change are key priorities of Westmorland and Furness Council having declared both a climate and biodiversity crises. Westmorland and Furness are aiming to be at the forefront of climate mitigation, climate adaptation and nature recovery, helping our communities adapt to our changing world.
Who we are looking for…
You will be a strong team player with a proven track record of delivering to deadlines, have effective communication skills and be able to use sound judgement to solve problems. You will be used to working in a busy pressurised environment and will enjoy a challenge. A commitment to delivering the best possible service for the benefit of our residents and clients, is required. You must have good IT literacy skills and an ability to use electronic publications for the purpose of legal work and research are critical.
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Application and Interview information
In-person interviews will be required. If you have any concerns or if adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss.
Safer Recruitment
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old, that meet the essential criteria for the role.
Closing date: 24 March 2025
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below.
