Policy Advisor - Maternity Cover

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with 3 decades of experience working to solve the world’s most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise in a wide range of issues with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands‑on support to ensure these solutions are brought to life. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 professionals working from offices in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world.

About the Position

IISD’s Canada Energy Transitions program provides research, analysis, and advice regarding the energy transition in Canada. This transition includes phasing out fossil fuels, phasing in renewable energy and electrification, protecting workers and communities, and reforming financial flows to support decarbonization.

As part of the Canada Energy Transitions team, the Policy Advisor contributes to the development, implementation, and reporting of research and outputs. The incumbent will work as part of the national and subnational work streams, as required and with minimal supervision, to contribute to the delivery of projects and research.

• Contribute to identifying challenges, emerging issues, and solutions.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and shared learning.
• Manage own time and inputs into projects to deliver research outputs on time and to budget.

• 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 programs to clients and stakeholders.
• Represent projects and programs at forums, conferences, and public events.
• Maintain and identify new contacts with project partners.
• Develop, maintain, and deliver content relating to developments for online networks, including quarterly newsletter, webinars, and blogs.

• Capable of independently managing and executing research projects that support current program initiatives in collaboration with IISD staff, affiliates, partners, and consultants.
• Set up and manage parts of projects as required, ensuring that delivery risks are highlighted and escalated as appropriate.
• Participate in project missions, arranging elements of the mission as appropriate.
• Manage the organization and documentation of webinars, meetings, and public consultations as required.

• Lead the delivery of primary and secondary research required for the 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.
• Develop relationships and conduct stakeholder outreach related to national and subnational work streams.
• Review existing legislative and policy environments, analyse financial and fiscal information on activities relating to the national and subnational work streams.

• 5+ years of experience working in international, national, or provincial policy analysis and advice (e.g., a think tank, university, intergovernmental organisation, or civil society organisation) or policy‑making (e.g., government), with demonstrated involvement in sustainable development, climate, or energy transition issues.
• A master’s degree, or equivalent combination of bachelor’s degree and work experience, in international development, environmental studies, or related area (e.g., economics, geology, international development, law, or policy).

• Experience conducting primary and secondary research and strong analytical skills.
• Excellent research and writing skills, including proven experience designing and carrying out policy‑oriented research.
• Experience related to sustainable development,…