Policy Advisor – Gender Equality and Social Inclusion

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.

About IISD Resilience

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 focuses on planning, people, and nature—preparing for a different or uncertain future, making sure different genders and social groups influence and benefit from investments in resilience, and harnessing the role of ecosystems to help communities manage risks.

The Position

The policy advisor will provide project coordination, research, and knowledge management support, with a focus on gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), for IISD’s Nature for Climate Adaptation Initiative (NCAI), as well as broader gender and nature-related work for the Resilience Program. The NCAI aims to enhance the capacity and knowledge of civil society actors in Canada and developing countries in designing and implementing gender-responsive, socially inclusive, nature-based climate solutions that produce biodiversity benefits.

The successful candidate will lead and support research on nature-based solutions and climate adaptation with a focus GESI. Further, the policy advisor will work with local partners, civil society, and government partners on a variety of gender- and nature-related initiatives in the Global South. This includes leading and supporting training and capacity building and informing the design of gender-responsive nature-based solutions. The successful candidate will also support the day-to-day operations of the NCAI, the timely delivery of activities, and progress reporting. From time to time, the successful candidate will support the Resilience Program’s broader portfolio of work on climate adaptation in developing countries and Canada. The successful candidate will be part of a multidisciplinary team, working closely with other IISD staff and affiliates.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate’s key areas of responsibility will include but not be limited to the following areas, with an estimated general indication of time allocation:

Project coordination and implementation (40%):

• Work closely with the Lead on GESI and NCAI technical leads, organizing and planning the delivery of key activities and day-to-day operations of GESI-related activities of the NCAI.

• Convene, facilitate, and contribute to virtual and face-to-face workshops, meetings, and other events of various sizes.

• Lead, design, and support training and capacity-building and inform the design of gender-responsive nature-based solutions.

• Lead and work collaboratively with partners in government, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, as well as consultants, on the delivery of GESI aspects of nature-related initiatives in the Global South.

• Contribute to the preparation of narrative and financial reports to funders.

• Recruit and oversee locally engaged and international contractors, working in close collaboration with IISD project managers.

• Provide updates internally and externally about project progress, potential barriers, and proposed solutions.

Research (30%):

• Lead and support the delivery of primary and secondary research on GESI in nature-based solutions and GESI in adaptation planning in the Global South.
• Deliver research and other project outputs to the required standard, including research reports, policy briefs, technical reports, and social media engagement.
• Follow and summarize issues, news, and events pertaining to GESI in adaptation and GESI in nature-based adaptation at the national and international levels.
• Participate in public panels and discussions to directly communicate advice to decision-makers and practitioners.
• Support institutional collaboration by serving as a peer reviewer, steering committee member, or thematic expert on projects and deliverables throughout the organization.

Communications (10%)

• Work with the IISD Communications team to ensure the development of relevant materials to communicate the work of the Resilience Program, including the NCAI- and GESI-related work, to a broader audience.
• Share research results through webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events.
• Represent the Resilience Program at national and international forums.

Engagement and networking (10%)

• Establish and actively maintain a network of partners and contacts working on GESI in adaptation and nature-based solutions and advance the strategic objectives of the Resilience Program in this area.

Business development (10%)

• Support other IISD personnel with the development of new project ideas and proposals on climate change adaptation.

Experience Sought

The experience and qualifications below indicate what is needed to succeed in the position. We understand that candidates may not have all of the qualifications listed; if you possess 75% or more of the qualifications listed as “Essential,” then we encourage you to apply.

Please note that our Resilience team works across multiple time zones. We are looking for someone with a “can-do” work attitude who is able to work autonomously while proactively engaging with other team members, particularly working in a remote and/or hybrid work environment.

Qualifications (Essential)

• A master’s degree or equivalent in international development, gender studies, political science, or another similar area.
• Availability to travel internationally (about 20% of the time).

Knowledge and experience (Essential)

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in GESI.
  • Desirable: Specific experience integrating GESI into climate change adaptation planning, nature-based solutions, and/or natural resource management.
• Understanding of and practical experience in climate change adaptation, particularly in the Global South.
  • Desirable: Relevant experience in sub-Saharan Africa and/or small island developing states (SIDS) is a strong asset.
  • Desirable: Experience working on nature-based solutions is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of and experience applying tools and approaches for integrating GESI in policies, projects, and programs.
• Experience developing training materials and delivering training in virtual and in-person environments.
• Knowledge of international development and experience working in developing countries.

Skills (Essential)

• Excellent coordination skills with an ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and liaise with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong research and analytical skills and the ability to become familiar with new topics quickly.
• Excellent facilitation skills in virtual and in-person environments.
• Confident and engaging communication skills; ability to synthesize information in plain language and tailor communications approaches to different audiences.
• Fluent in English
  • Desirable: Ability to work in French or Spanish is a strong asset.

Behavioural competencies (Essential)

• Results-focused, able to work quickly and accurately to meet tight deadlines without compromising the quality of the results.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work comfortably across different cultures and be inclusive, positive, and a good communicator.
• Curious and committed to learning, working to understand the people, concepts, and issues that drive our work. Asks questions and seeks answers.

Locations:          Canada, where IISD has offices in Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Toronto

Remote work in other locations may be considered for exceptional candidates.

**Candidates must have the authorization to work in Canada during the time of their employment with IISD. IISD is unable to sponsor work permits.**

Term:                   Full-time

Wage range:       CAD 60,000–80,000 (commensurate with experience and location)

Start date:          As soon as possible

Closing date:      September 25, 2022

Please only apply to one posting, as this role is posted to multiple cities.

Application Procedure

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

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter, one page
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire

All submissions must be in English.

Please note that only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank you for your interest in working with IISD!

Resumes will be kept on file for one year.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated can request a reasonable accommodation.

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 questions on our applicant tracking system when you apply.