Entry Level Climate Change Policy Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Starting salary: 27,740 pro rata per year
Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months
Grade: 1
Location: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH (with hybrid working)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Interviews: To be held in person on Week Commencing 27 July 2026

You will work collaboratively to embed climate resilience across the organisation by supporting the delivery of the Climate Action Strategy and Climate Ready HES. You will gain skills in developing climate action projects, using climate risk data to inform decision-making on adaptation, and how to communicate climate change impacts to a wide range of audiences.

For more information about the post and information about the team, please access the full job description for this post. Please note that if you don't have Office 365 installed on your device, this can be opened using your browser.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme - 28% employer contribution
• 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
• Support for further education and personal development
• Study leave for work related courses
• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
• Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

Key Responsibilities of this role

You will work with the Adaptation Officer to:

• Support the reviewing of Climate Ready HES, using benchmarking tools to track the plan's progress and identify key gaps to inform action planning. 
• Support the strategic delivery of the Climate Change Risk Assessment 2 by contributing to reports and developing communications on key findings. 
• Collaborate with teams across the organisation to support the integration of climate change risk data into adaptation planning for Properties in Care. 
• Carry out research on a cost-benefit analysis of adaptation options for Properties in Care.
• Provide expert advice on climate change adaptation and mitigation to external stakeholders. 
• Contribute to wider Climate Change team activities, including climate change policy, responsible tourism, circular economy, decarbonisation, and sustainability engagement.
• Promote the work of the Climate Change team at corporate induction days, seasonal meets and conferences.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:

1. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland

2. How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.

Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.

Essential Criteria:

• Strong understanding of issues related to climate change, specifically climate impacts and adaptation, and sustainability principles. 

• Awareness of how to assess climate change risk.

• Good written and verbal communication, including the ability to communicate complex topics in an accessible way to different audiences. 

• Strong research and analytics skills, with the ability to gather and interpret quantitative and qualitative information and clearly summarise findings. 

• Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage time, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines. 

• Ability to work proactively, with a willingness to learn and develop new skills and knowledge. 

• Proficiency in using MS Office applications, such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.

Find out more about desirable skills and experience in our full job description.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

To submit your application online, please read our 'How to Apply' section followed by 'Apply Now' button to begin your application.