Policy Advisor, Environment & Wildlife

The Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada is seeking a full-time Policy Advisor for Environment & Wildlife in Ottawa, ON. The role involves managing projects, developing budgets, participating in wildlife policy forums, and advising Inuit leaders on international wildlife issues. Candidates should have a relevant degree or extensive experience in related fields. Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills are essential for success in this position.
Job Summary

This is a full-time permanent position with the ICC. Reporting to the Senior Science Policy Advisor, the Policy Advisor – Wildlife and Environment will be responsible for supporting, developing and expanding the organization’s activities in the areas of wildlife, environment, and biodiversity.

What you’ll be working on:

PLANNING AND COORDINATION
• Manage work plans for specific areas of responsibility;
• Assist in the development of budgets, fundraising strategies and prepare funding proposals, as required;
• Develop and make oral, written and visual presentations to other ICC staff, government officials, potential donors, and other.
• Manage projects to ensure completion of all activities as identified in the work plan.

POLICY & PLANNING

Wildlife
• Monitor and participate in a variety of wildlife and environmental policy fora including the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), ArcticNet, and others;
• Consult regionally and with other ICC offices (in Greenland, Alaska, Russia) to develop Inuit positions (technical/research and political) on species of importance and environment;
• Work closely with the Canadian national Inuit organization, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK), providing to them the international and circumpolar perspectives of wildlife issues, and to understand from ITK the national Inuit positions on these issues;
• Develop and coordinate Inuit specific international activities, projects and further Inuit research and political interests on wildlife; and
• Support and advise Inuit leaders on international issues that affects wildlife important to Inuit.

Biodiversity
• Undertake research of international importance to Inuit on matters of biodiversity;
• Coordinate the provision of ongoing advice and support to Inuit delegates to various international Biodiversity fora such as United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), IUCN, other related forums, including the Arctic Council; and,
• Work closely with the ITK Environment Department as well as the Inuit regions in Canada to ensure appropriate communication and consistency between national and international positions taken by Inuit.

What you will need:
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline: sciences, political/social science, environmental sciences, etc. with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience and/or project management in a similar role; or
• College diploma in a field applicable to ICC’s mandate (Indigenous issues, environment, food security, marine issues) and a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in a similar role; or
• Completion of Grade 12 or equivalent and a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience in a similar role.
• Valid passport to travel within Canada and internationally.

Keys to your success:
• Ability to work independently and co-operatively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Very good organization, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to understand and interpret policy, legislation, and regulation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (primarily in English; Inuktitut an asset);
• Sensitive to local, political and cultural issues.
• Working knowledge of principles and practices of business administration, including program budgeting.
• Good knowledge and understanding of Inuit issues.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), internet, and e-mail.

Other Information:
• ICC will consider a hybrid in office and work from home environment.
• Long periods of sitting at a desk in front of a computer;
• Provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 as set forth by Health Canada;
• Political sensitive issues may become stressful;
• International travel may be required;
• Frequent short notice deadlines.

Applicants who are a Beneficiary under a Land Claims Agreement will be given priority hiring. We encourage applicants to self-identify.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for their interest in ICC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

ICC is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity, disability age, or veteran status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at: jdurocher@inuitcircumpolar.com