Canada: Policy Analyst, Resilience (Winnipeg)

May 31, 2021 | International Institute for Sustainable Development
View Original

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 Analyst will provide research, project management, and communication support for IISD’s Resilience Team and its work related to climate change adaptation within Canada and internationally.

Responsibilities

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

• Undertaking substantive reviews and background research on policies, plans, and practices related to climate change adaptation, biodiversity, and nature-based development.
• Preparing notes, papers, briefs, and presentations that accurately synthesize and assess findings, as part of projects led by other IISD personnel, in the areas of climate change adaptation, including but not limited to municipal adaptation planning and nature-based solutions for adaptation.

• Developing communication products, such as issue briefs, blogs, and case studies, supporting website content development, and hosting of webinars.

• 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 and strengthen IISD’s involvement in related networks and initiatives in Canada and globally.

• Organizing and documenting meetings of various sizes, including identifying and inviting participants, developing agendas, facilitating sessions, and producing meeting reports.
• Contributing to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.
• Working collaboratively with partners in government, the private sector, and research and non-governmental organizations, as well as with consultants.
• Tracking issues related to climate change adaptation in Canada and other countries.
• 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.

• Representing IISD at provincial, national, and international forums.

Required Skills

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

• Knowledge of climate change adaptation, climate risk management, and/or resilience-building.
• Experience in municipal policy and planning processes and/or the role and management of ecosystems for adaptation and nature conservation would be considered an asset.
• Strong research skills and analytical capacity, and ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
• A motivated self-starter with an ability to work independently and to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.

• 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.
• Be results-focused, with an ability to work quickly and accurately to meet tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including the ability to coordinate meetings and events.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills.
• Capacity to develop budgets and track expenditures.

• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications, and experience in handling web-based communications and management systems.

Qualifications

The Policy Analyst should possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field of the social or natural sciences (e.g., geography, political science, urban planning, sociology, economics, ecology).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in the field of 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 would be considered an asset.
• Prior experience working with Indigenous communities would be considered an asset.
• Availability to travel from time to time within Canada and internationally.
• Must be currently eligible to work in Canada.

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 Analyst position.

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