Environment & Climate Change Intern

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) invites applications for an Environment & Climate Change Intern to join our dedicated and talented Strategy & Impact team in our mission to create business solutions to poverty!

MEDA’s work is built on a foundation of Mennonite business roots and faith-based values, within the global context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We believe business solutions are effective interventions to address poverty. Through a market-systems approach and strategic partnerships, MEDA enables access to finance and provides business and technical expertise to build transformative agri-food market systems that create decent jobs, allowing traditionally excluded groups to become active participants in a sustainable economy. MEDA welcomes all who share our values and want to join us in our mission. To find out more about MEDA, please visit our website at www.meda.org.

Position Summary

The position is responsible for providing support on 1) the Environmental Sustainability Initiative which is being implemented within MEDA in partnership with the Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Sustainability Initiative (RSI), b) research, writing and technical support that will feed into ECC’s framework and new business development strategies, c) organizing content for the ECC webpage update on MEDA.org and contributing to writing blogs, and d) updating ECC-related presentations and tools (including GIS activities).

• Job Status: Contract Spring/ Summer 2023: Estimated duration of 16 weeks (dependent on funding*)

• Start Date: May 2023

• Location: Waterloo, ON / Hybrid / Remote-work**

*This opportunity is contingent upon approval by the 2023 Canada Summer Jobs Program which is an initiative of the Government of Canada’s Summer Work Experience Program. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping young Canadians and their communities. It provides funding to organizations to create summer job opportunities for youth aged 15 to 30 years. Please review eligibility requirements and ensure you meet all the criteria prior to applying.

**Preference for given for Waterloo, however, candidates in other Canadian locations may be considered.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Environmental Sustainability Initiative

• In support of the Initiative lead, provide coordination support to the implementation of the Environmental Sustainability Initiative.
• Coordinate meetings, data collection and facilitate workstream meetings.
• Work with selected country offices (5 or 6 in total) to communicate key information and guidance on the initiative and workstreams.
• Prepare and provide regular updates to the Initiative team and share updates with the Executive Leadership Team and wider MEDA community, when applicable.
• Populate, organize, and maintain the Initiative SharePoint page.
• Prepare, review and revise reference documents and guidelines for environmental sustainability and climate change program management, design and implementation, lessons learned, frameworks, etc., and maintain library of this knowledge on SharePoint.

ECC Framework and New Business Development Strategies

• Provide primary and secondary research on the ECC topic and context, such as relevant local and international regulations, constraints related to the ECC topic, opportunities and solutions or mitigation measures.
• Support the writing of project proposals, project implementation plans, environmental sustainability and climate action analyses and strategies, annual work plans and market assessments and value chain analysis reports.
• Support with GIS activities

ECC Webpage & Blogs

• Organizing content for publication on ECC page of MEDA.org.
• Coordinating with ECC Team and Marketing and Communications on web content.

Update Selected ECC Presentations and Tools

• Review and revise corporate framework for Environment and Climate Change as needed.
• Provide support and conduct primary and secondary research for the Environmental Management Systems (EMS), such as strategies for mainstreaming environmental management and sustainability throughout projects, addressing climate and development trends, and considering other donor requirements, as and if applicable.
• Support in promoting environmental and climate change mainstreaming within MEDA community, including participating in and facilitating training.
• Support with geographic information system (GIS) activities.
• Identify opportunities to update policies or strategies for environmental sustainability and climate action.

Any other duties and/or requirements as assigned

This job description may be reviewed, revised and updated as required to meet department and/or organizational objectives

REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Enrolled in or recent graduate of a program in environmental sustainability & business, climate change & development, sustainable agricultural, health & environment, environmental management, or related field.

Canada Summer Jobs Requirements:

• Be between 15-30 years of age at the start of the employment;
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (international students with work visas are not eligible); and,
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations

Technical:

• Understanding of poverty in the Global South, environmental sustainability, climate change and business development. Ability to identify private sector opportunities to engage on environment and climate change issues and opportunities. Experience with GIS is a strong asset.

Additional Qualifications:

• Appreciation and support of MEDA’s mission, vision and values
• Understanding and appreciation of business principles, international development and MEDA’s approach of creating business solutions to poverty
• Proficiency working in Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint and Teams
• Strong relationship building skills and proven verbal and written communication skills
• Independent, motivated, and self-directed

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 22, 2023 @ 4:00 pm EST

MEDA is an equal opportunity employer and accommodations are available during all phases of the recruitment process. We ask that any applicants requiring accommodation make their needs known in advance.