Head of Built Environment/
IHRBWhat You Will Do
Key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
Programme Strategic Leadership Ensure delivery of existing donor commitments while guiding the strategic direction of the programme, in the following areas:
• Human rights grounding: Bring a strong human rights dimension into built environment
decision-making spaces, including through engagement with rights-holders and civil society
organisations (particularly those working on the right to housing, and workers’ rights).
• Harness public and private sector leverage points: With the Framework for Dignity in the Built
Environment as a touch-point, advocate for integration of rights-based approaches from the earliest stages of the built environment lifecycle onwards, including in: government legislation, planning and procurement practices; financial capital allocation and portfolio engagement; industry standards; and project-level implementation (project plans, contracts, materials selection and supply chain due diligence).
• Building Dignity Projects: Oversee and expand a model of integrating the Framework for Dignity in
the Built Environment in specific built projects, building on the two that are already underway.
• Advance a just transition: Together with partners and the IHRB Head of Just Transition, continue
building a global agenda for a just transition in the built environment, actively engaging in relevant
national and international fora and overseeing the global action research and narrative project
“Building for Today and the Future”, which involves deep-dives in eight cities globally, linked up to
regional and international advocacy.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Head of Built Environment
5 Institute for Human Rights and Business | www.ihrb.org
Operational Management and Implementation
• Expand a dynamic network of programme partners and engaged stakeholders, through effective
building and maintaining of working relationships
• Work closely and effectively with partners in the Coalition for Dignity in the Built Environment
(in addition to IHRB, these are the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Rafto Foundation and Melbourne
University School of Design)
• Responsibility for programme budget, donor relationships, deliverables and reporting
• Line management responsibility (currently Global Programme Manager and Europe Programme
Manager), and work collaboratively with other teams, including on cross-cutting themes, programme related communications and administrative support
• Oversight for the recruitment and management of consultants and local facilitators
• Ensure that the necessary systems are in place for effective programme delivery (such as contact
databases, shared project management tools, and outcomes tracking)
• Represent IHRB at programme-related events and in the media; give presentations and moderate
panels as appropriate
• Ensure alignment with IHRB’s commitment to the Just Transition and our other programmes and work effectively with other members of the virtual global team.
Fundraising
• Identify and develop new pipelines of funding support, for example from EU funds, development
agencies and foundations, to establish a sustainable fundraising plan for the programme.
What We’re Looking For
Applicants should highlight their alignment with as many of the requirements below as possible.
Essential
• At least 5 years’ proven experience of leading effective and innovative programmes that lead to social and environmental change
• Excellent people-management skills, including emotional intelligence, ability to guide and learn from team members, to provide clear personal development pathways and to ensure strong programme outcomes. Proven ability to coordinate across teams and time zones
• Experience working in or closely with the built environment sectors: planning, architecture,
engineering, construction, or related investment fields – including a deep understanding of how these industries work, effective leverage points for change, and climate and social equity challenges that the sectors face
• Knowledge of the international human rights framework and how this applies to business
• A proven track record in successfully establishing and maintaining strategic relationships and effective global partnerships
• Entrepreneurial and creative approach to problem-solving, tackling challenges, spotting and
maximising opportunities, accompanied by strong strategic prioritization skills
• Fluency in English, with excellent written and spoken communication skills including public speaking
Desirable
• Deep familiarity with the built environment policy landscape in Europe and in one other region, and established networks of decision-makers in those regions
• Experience in successfully identifying and securing funding opportunities and negotiating funding
agreements
• Demonstrable experience of successful budget and donor relationship management, and reporting
• Attention to detail and ability to maintaining a high level of accuracy in preparing and presenting
information
• Experience of moderating panels, virtually and in-person
• Experience of implementation of pilot projects
