Senior Climate Finance Program Manager at Environmental Defence

Senior Climate Finance Program Manager at Environmental Defence Canada

Environmental Defence Canada (EDC) is an environmental advocacy organization working with governments, industry and individuals to defend clean water, a safe climate and healthy communities.

By The Sustainability Grid Desk

Location Toronto or Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Type Hybrid, full-time, permanent

Salary $85,000–$95,000 per year

Experience 5+ years

The organization focuses on advancing policy solutions that strengthen environmental protection and address climate change.

Environmental Defence Canada is seeking a Senior Climate Finance Program Manager with expertise in climate finance reform to help advance efforts to align Canada’s financial sector with the country’s climate objectives and the Paris Agreement.

The successful candidate will contribute to policy advocacy around sustainable finance regulation, transition plans, climate disclosure and financial-sector alignment. The role combines policy research, government relations, communications, coalition building and public advocacy.

Research and produce reports and policy memos on Canada's sustainable finance taxonomy, transition plans and climate-related disclosure.

Advance policies identified in Environmental Defence's Roadmap to a Sustainable Financial System and the Climate-Aligned Finance Act.

Monitor developments in sustainable finance policy and assess whether emerging instruments, including green bonds, transition bonds and taxonomies, adequately prevent support for fossil fuel investments.

Engage in policy discussions and debates involving public agencies, think tanks and civil society organizations.

Maintain relationships with civil servants, elected officials and political staff working on climate finance policy.

Participate in briefings, committee hearings and other forums where climate finance policies are being debated.

Support the delivery of government relations and communications strategies focused on climate finance.

Produce communications-ready materials for blogs, videos, websites, press releases, op-eds, newsletters, social media and reports.

Help communicate complex climate finance issues to broader audiences and contribute to public understanding of sustainable finance policy.

Collaborate with organizations working on sustainable finance and support the wider environmental movement in building climate finance literacy.

Seek input from partner organizations during programme design and serve as an information source and content leader for multi-organization initiatives.

Monitor international sustainable finance regulations and assess Canada's position relative to global developments.

Advocate for Canada to advance sustainable finance policies that are aligned with its climate objectives.

University degree in a discipline relevant to understanding financial institution legislation, regulation and policy.

A graduate degree is preferred.

At least five years of experience as a policy analyst or in an equivalent role.

Demonstrated commitment to influencing public policy in support of environmental protection and the public interest.

Strong knowledge of climate finance and sustainable finance policy.

Understanding of financial-sector legislation, regulation and policy.

Knowledge of sustainable finance taxonomies, transition plans, climate disclosure and financial instruments such as green and transition bonds.

Experience researching and analyzing public policy and regulatory developments.

Strong research, analytical and policy-writing skills.

Experience engaging with government officials, policymakers and civil society organizations.

Ability to produce clear, communications-ready content for different audiences.

Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills.

Ability to contribute effectively to multi-organization campaigns and policy initiatives.

Highly committed to climate action and environmental protection.

Passionate about using policy and advocacy to influence systemic change.

Comfortable working across government, civil society and other stakeholder groups.

Able to monitor complex and rapidly evolving policy environments and identify strategic opportunities for intervention.

Environmental Defence Canada offers:

• Extended healthcare coverage for employees and dependents, paid by EDC
• Health spending account
• Employee and family assistance program
• Four weeks of vacation
• Half-day summer Fridays
• RRSP matching program

Canada's financial system plays a critical role in determining which industries and projects receive capital. As governments and financial institutions respond to climate risks, sustainable finance rules, disclosure requirements and transition plans are…