Canada: Policy Advisor, Resilience (Ottawa)

May 31, 2021 | International Institute for Sustainable Development
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The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 120 people, plus over 150 associates and consultants, come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries.

IISD’s Resilience Program is a multidisciplinary team of policy researchers who work with governments, civil society, communities, and businesses to help them manage climate- and conflict-related risks. Its work on climate change adaptation focuses on planning, people, and nature–preparing for a different or uncertain future, making sure different genders and social groups influence and benefit from adaptation investments, and harnessing the role of ecosystems to help communities manage climate risk. The program’s work on Environment, Conflict, and Peacebuilding supports policy-makers and practitioners working in conflict-affected and high-risk areas to ensure their work is sustainable in a changing climate and supports the transition from fragility to peace.

The Position

The Policy Advisor will provide research, project management, and communication support for IISD’s Resilience Team and its work related to finance for climate adaptation within developing countries and Canada. The successful candidate will understand and be able to support initiatives that involve researching and providing support to access a range of different public and private funding opportunities to implement adaptation actions. They will be part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with IISD affiliates, consultants, and interlocutors in different parts of the world.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s key areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to:

  • Research:
    • Undertaking substantive reviews and background research on policies, plans, and practices related to finance for climate change adaptation. Potential topics include financing strategies for adaptation, innovative financing solutions for adaptation, engaging the private sector in adaptation, and integrating adaptation into investment decision making and policy and budget processes.
    • Preparing notes, papers, briefs, and presentations that accurately synthesize and assess research findings.
    • Following and summarizing news and events pertaining to finance for adaptation internationally and in Canada.
  • Communications:
    • Delivering analyses and writing reports, issue briefs, blogs, and case studies that are “publication-ready” with limited oversight and editing.
    • Sharing research results through webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events.
  • Business Development:
    • Supporting other IISD personnel with the development of new project ideas and proposals to help IISD expand its engagement with funders, national governments, and international organizations on climate change adaptation.
  • Engagement:
    • Working collaboratively with partners in government, the private sector, and research and non-governmental organizations, as well as with consultants.
    • Strengthening IISD’s involvement in networks and initiatives globally and in Canada.
    • Establishing and actively maintaining a network of partners and contacts engaged in efforts related to climate change adaptation, including individuals from governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and academia.
  • Project Implementation and Management:
    • Convening, facilitating and contributing to workshops, meetings, dialogues and other events; documenting meetings of various sizes.
    • Contributing to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.
  • Representation
    • Representing IISD at provincial, national, and international forums.

Required Skills

The Policy Advisor will bring the following set of skills to the position:

  • Good understanding of finance for adaptation, including the different sources, mechanisms, and access modalities, such as in relation to financial markets and products, innovative green finance instruments, engaging the private sector, and financial structuring of adaptation programs and projects. Knowledge of domestic public revenue streams, particularly integrating climate risks and adaptation solutions into policy and budgeting decisions, would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of climate change adaptation, climate risk management, and/or resilience-building, particularly as it pertains to developing countries and to policy and planning processes.
  • Strong research skills and analytical capacity, and the ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
  • Excellent writing skills and strong oral communication skills; capacity to clearly and succinctly communicate policy issues and research findings to different audiences via different platforms.
  • A motivated self-starter with an ability to work independently and to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Results-focused work and an ability to work quickly and accurately to meet tight deadlines.
  • Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including an ability to coordinate meetings and events.
  • Strong interpersonal and networking skills.
  • Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications, and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.

Qualifications

The Policy Advisor should possess the following qualifications:

  • A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in finance or in another similar area.
  • A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in the field of finance, climate change, and/or sustainable development.
  • Fluent in written and spoken English. The ability to work (read, write, speak) in French or Spanish would be considered an asset.
  • Knowledge of international development and experience working in developing countries.
  • Prior experience working with national governments in developing countries, with municipalities or Indigenous communities in Canada, and/or on nature-based solutions would be considered an asset.
  • Availability to travel within Canada and internationally.
  • Must be currently eligible to work in Canada.

Application Procedure

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

  • A CV (no longer than two pages)
  • A letter of motivation, one page

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQ+ to apply for the Policy Advisor position. 

This is a full-time position and will be located either in Winnipeg or Ottawa. This posting is for a position based in IISD’s Ottawa office. Please only apply to one posting, as this role is posted to multiple cities.

  • Compensation: 51,009 - 61,171 CAD per year
  • Start Date: As soon as possible
  • Closing Date: Open until filled