Environmental Advisor, IGF

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for advancing the application of leading sustainable development practices as they affect mining and communities in mining areas. The IGF was formed in 2005 and currently has 85 member countries, providing a global forum among governments, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society groups.

IISD has served as the Secretariat for the IGF since October 2015. The Secretariat’s functions include organizing the IGF annual general meeting, working with the executive committee and member governments in finalizing and executing a program of work, providing and supporting services to members, building partnerships among key organizations, conducting focused analytic work, and supporting effective communications among IGF members. A strong emphasis of the IGF is to enhance governance capacities at the national level in the mining sector, including best practices in regulatory and policy instruments.

Job Overview

The IGF is looking for an environmental advisor to support our new initiative on critical minerals. The environmental advisor will be crucial in assessing the environmental and social impacts of critical minerals extraction and processing. This role involves work related to ESG analysis, environmental and social impact assessment, policy development, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure sustainable and responsible mining practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage own time and inputs into projects so as to deliver outputs on time and to budget;
• Undertake research and writing in key areas of critical minerals and environmental management and mining governance, including biodiversity, climate change, water management, and waste and tailings management;
• Support guidance document implementation, including technical assistance and capacity-building programs for members;
• Support the design and delivery of IGF events, training, and sustainability forums;
• Participate in member outreach and networking activities as required;
• Participate in international project missions, arranging elements of missions as appropriate. Assist in communicating the work of the program and its components to a broader audience, including attendance at events and development of outreach materials such as reports, blogs, and brochures;
• Support the IGF in the preparation of donor and annual reporting;
• Keep up to date regarding emerging issues related to the IGF program;
• Collaborate with IISD staff, affiliates, partners, and consultants in the design and implementation of projects.

Job Description:

• Environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs): Review ESIAs of critical minerals extraction and processing activities.
• Sustainability strategies: Develop and recommend strategies to minimize the environmental footprint of mining operations, including effects on biodiversity and water, emissions reduction, mine waste and tailings management, land rehabilitation and related impacts on local communities.
• Policy development: Assist in the formulation and implementation of environmental and social policies and regulations to promote sustainable mining practices.
• Stakeholder engagement: Engage with local communities, government officials, industry stakeholders, and international partners to address environmental concerns and build consensus on best practices.
• Research and analysis: Stay informed on the latest environmental research, technologies, and trends in the mining sector to provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Capacity building: Provide training and support to enhance the environmental management capabilities of local stakeholders and mining companies.
• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, summarizing environmental findings, recommendations, and progress.

Qualifications:

• Education: Advanced degree in environmental science, resource management, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: 5–10 years of experience with exceptional analytical and research skills and experience or exposure to the mining sector.
• Language: Fluency in English is required. French or Spanish competence is an advantage.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of environmental regulations, sustainability practices, and the environmental impacts of mining activities.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex environmental concepts to diverse audiences.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders across different sectors and regions.
• Adaptability: Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with international development organizations or governmental agencies.
• Familiarity with social aspects of mining and mineral supply chains.

Reporting Relationship

The Environmental Advisor, IGF reports to the Director, IGF or their designate.

Location: Eastern Canada-based (Toronto, Ottawa).  Exceptional candidates elsewhere will be considered if their time zones are aligned with Eastern Canada.

Salary:  CAD 67,000 - CAD 76,000 per annum (based on qualification and experience)

Type of Employment: Full-time

Start date: Immediate opportunity

Duration: 2- Year Term

Application deadline: September 9, 2024 at 4 PM CST or until the position is filled

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based without any sponsorship from IISD.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A one-page letter of motivation
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

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 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants’ advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.