Policy Advisor; Mandarin language

About Us

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 300 experts 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.

IISD hosts the Secretariat International Support Office (SISO) of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED). Consisting of leading international and Chinese experts, researchers, and senior officials, CCICED is a high‑level advisory body with a mandate to conduct research and provide policy recommendations to the Government of China on the environment and development.

SISO supports CCICED mainly by engaging and coordinating international experts in CCICED research and activities, supporting the CCICED international chief advisor, knowledge management and dissemination, and supporting council members and special advisors in their engagement with CCICED.

• Coordinating CCICED research and activities in collaboration with the CCICED Secretariat.
• Supporting the international chief advisor by providing research updates, seeking feedback, engaging with research teams, and conducting background research.
• Engaging CCICED international partners.
• Coordinating with other SISO team members on communications, project management, financial, and logistical matters to ensure delivery of research and activities.
• Contributing to donor reporting and fundraising efforts.

The Policy Advisor will report to the Coordinator of SISO and will be part of the Economic Law and Policy Program at IISD.

• Contribute to identifying challenges, emerging issues, and solutions.
• Contribute to the development and growth of new projects and participate in the strategy implementation.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and shared learning.
• Manage own time and inputs into projects so as to deliver research outputs on time and to budget.

• Lead the delivery of primary and secondary research required for successful completion of projects, working with contractors as required.
• Deliver research and other project outputs to the required standard, including research reports, policy briefs, and technical reports. Ask for guidance and advice as required to ensure the successful delivery of outputs.
• Undertake research and assist in managing secured projects, focusing on technical rather than financial deliverables.
• Support capacity‑building activities related to the Workstream, including training sessions and workshops for stakeholders.
• Review of existing laws and policies or drafting briefings relating to the Workstream.
• Contribute to tracking and influencing normative processes for relevant institutions and prepare commentaries, reports, and paper contributions for different processes.

• Design and implement projects that support current program initiatives in collaboration with IISD staff, affiliates, partners, and consultants.
• Contribute to the preparation and coordination of project narrative reports, publications, and related materials.
• Set up and manage parts of projects as required, ensuring that delivery risks are highlighted and escalated as appropriate.
• Support project logistics, including the coordination and documentation of site visits, online and in‑person meetings, and stakeholder events.

• Work with IISD’s Communications team to ensure development of relevant communications materials to communicate the work and its components to a broader audience.
• Represent projects and program to clients and stakeholders.
• Represent projects and program at forums, conferences, and…