Canada: Policy Analyst, Resilience

Oct 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 Analyst will provide research, project management, and communication support for IISD’s Resilience Team and its work related to climate change adaptation in Canada. From time to time the successful candidate will support the Resilience Program’s broader portfolio of work on climate adaptation in developing countries.

Responsibilities

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

Research (~60%):

  • Undertaking substantive reviews and background research on policies, plans, and practices related to climate change adaptation in Canada.
  • Preparing notes, papers, briefs, and presentations that accurately synthesize and assess findings as part of projects led by other IISD personnel in the area of climate change adaptation.
  • Tracking issues related to climate change adaptation in Canada at the provincial and national levels.

Communications (~15%):

  • Developing written communication products, such as issue briefs, blogs, and case studies.
  • Supporting virtual communication events, such as webinars.

Collaboration and project management (~15%):

  • 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.
  • Helping IISD expand its engagement with funders and strengthen IISD’s involvement in related networks and initiatives in Canada.

Fundraising (~5%):

  • Supporting other IISD personnel with the identification of new opportunities and the development of new project ideas and proposals.

Representation (~5%):

  • 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 and national forums.

Required Knowledge and Skills 

The Policy Analyst will bring the following knowledge and skillset to the position:

  • Knowledge of climate change adaptation, climate risk management, and/or resilience-building, particularly as it pertains to Canada and its Prairie provinces.
  • Strong research skills and analytical capacity, and 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.
  • Knowledge of municipal policy and planning processes, the agriculture sector, and nature-based solutions would be considered an asset.
  • A motivated self-starter with an ability to work independently and to manage and prioritize multiple tasks.
  • Results-focused with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work quickly and accurately under tight deadlines
  • Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, including an 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 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).
  • A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in the field of climate change and/or sustainable development.
  • Fluent in written and spoken English. Ability to work (read, write, speak) in French or Spanish would be considered an asset.
  • Prior experience working with Indigenous communities would be considered an asset.
  • Experience in international development and working in developing countries would be considered an asset.
  • Availability to travel from time to time within Canada and internationally.
  • Must be currently eligible to work in Canada.  

Location: Winnipeg  

Term: Full-time  

Salary: $45,000–$52,000 CAD

Start date: As soon as possible  

Closing date: Open until filled

All submissions must be in English. 

Applications are expected to include a cover letter along with resumes in one PDF document.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.       

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for one year