About IISD :The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent, award-winning think tank committed to accelerating solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. IISD’s mission is to inspire informed decisions and meaningful action that benefit both people and the planet. Our work highlights the potential that arises when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities unite. IISD’s team consists of over 270 experts worldwide, representing a variety of disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work impacts over 100 countries globally.

About the Role

IISD’s Resilience Program consists of a multidisciplinary team of researchers who collaborate with governments, civil society, communities, and businesses to address climate- and conflict-related risks. The Program focuses on three key areas: People, Planning and Governance, and Nature. The work in these areas aims to prepare for uncertain futures, ensure that different genders and social groups benefit from resilience investments, and utilize ecosystems to help manage risks. The Program also hosts the Secretariat for the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Global Network, which aims to accelerate adaptation planning and action in developing nations.

Within the Resilience Program, the Environment, Conflict, and Peacebuilding (ECP) team examines the intricate links between environmental issues and conflicts. While environmental factors alone rarely cause violence, they often contribute to conflicts in various ways, obscured by issues like ethnic tensions or power struggles. The team focuses on addressing these connections across the three pillars (People, Planning, and Nature) to support peacebuilding efforts in conflict-affected and high-risk areas.

Job Description

The Policy Advisor will support the development, implementation, and communication of research and technical assistance related to the Resilience Program’s ECP portfolio. They will help shape the strategic direction of the ECP team and the broader Resilience Program by identifying opportunities, challenges, and solutions in the areas of environment, climate change, resource management, and peacebuilding in the Global South. This includes advancing work on adaptation planning in conflict-affected areas via the NAP Global Network and promoting conflict-sensitive, ecosystem-based adaptation in protected areas.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy (20%)
- Collaborate with the Resilience Program team to expand IISD’s ECP work in line with the team’s strategic direction and the needs of partners and donors.
- Identify challenges, opportunities, and strategies for the ECP and Resilience Program.
- Contribute to the development of new initiatives related to ECP.
- Promote a culture of high performance, continuous learning, and shared success.

Research (40%)
- Lead or contribute to high-quality research and knowledge products that synthesize IISD’s work on ECP.
- Stay informed about trends and developments in conflict, peacebuilding, climate change, and resource management, and summarize relevant findings.

Technical Support and Operations (15%)
- Support the management of ECP projects from inception to completion, including identifying funding opportunities, writing proposals, and coordinating project delivery.
- Organize virtual and in-person meetings and workshops as needed.
- Ensure project compliance with IISD’s policies and monitor risks.

Communications and Outreach (15%)
- Create materials such as blogs, presentations, and talking points to promote the Resilience Program’s ECP work.
- Represent the Resilience Program and IISD at national and international events.
- Maintain and expand networks with project partners and identify new contacts.

Business Development and Donor Relationships (10%)
- Assist with fundraising efforts, including contributing to proposals and identifying funding opportunities.

Position Details

- Location: Hybrid work model in IISD’s offices (Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg). Remote work possible in Geneva, Germany, or the UK.
- Authorization to work in your country of residence is required; IISD cannot sponsor work permits.
- Salary: Commensurate with experience and location:
- Canada: CAD 62,000 - 68,000
- Geneva: CHF 93,000 - 102,000
- Germany: EUR 54,000 - 64,000
- UK: GBP 46,000 - 50,000
- Full-time position
- Immediate start