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. IISDs 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.

About the Position

The Senior Policy Advisor, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) will oversee the development, implementation, and communication of original research and technical support for IISDs Resilience Program and, specifically, the NAP Global Network.

As Senior Policy Advisor, the incumbent will build upon their substantive knowledge in the fields of GESI and climate change adaptation to implement current projects and identify longer-term directions related to this body of work. Their work will focus on technical rather than financial deliverables.

The incumbent is expected to participate in fundraising for the general needs of the Resilience Program and the NAP Global Network, contributing both their general expertise and specific GESI expertise to proposals and existing projects

Responsibilities

Strategy, vision, and team leadership

• Work with the Director, GESI for Resilience and other program staff to contribute to IISDs thought leadership, recognizing challenges, opportunities, and solutions related to GESI in NAP processes and the NAP Global Network more broadly; help define and execute appropriate response strategies.
• Support the design, scope, content, and expansion of IISDs work on GESI and climate change adaptation in a way that aligns with the NAP Global Networks strategic direction and the overall Resilience Program.
• Be responsible for the strategic outputs of the programs work related to GESI and climate change adaptation.
• Represent NAP Global Network/IISD at national and international forums and conferences relevant to GESI and climate change adaptation.
• Manage junior staff members and consultants to meet project objectives.
• Participate in IISDs wider work to strengthen its ability to achieve its mission; work with other senior staff to build synergies across IISD.
• Promote a culture of high performance, continuous improvement, and shared learning.
  

Research and technical support

• Lead the delivery of high-quality primary and secondary research, knowledge products, communication materials, and other project outputs to the standard required for the successful completion of projects.
• Develop and work closely with a network of consultants and partners in government, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations, academia, and media to address needs around GESI and adaptation; advise on policy reform and strategy.
• Support institutional collaboration by serving as a peer reviewer, advisory committee member, or thematic expert on projects and deliverables throughout the organization.
• Remain current in both specific and general areas of expertise related to GESI, adaptation, and governance in both policy and practice.
• Track issues related to GESI and climate change adaptation at the national and international levels.
• Oversee and/or provide technical backstopping for the implementation of projects and country requests related to GESI.

Operations

• Run projects or activities within projects from beginning to end, taking responsibility for staffing, contracting, and reporting, working very closely with the project managers and program financial analysts.
• Achieve agreed project results and targets, including responsibility for the quality and timeliness of the work within the agreed budget.
• Assist NAP Global Network and Resilience staff with the supervision of more junior staff on matters related to GESI and support their professional development.
• Independently arrange and undertake project missions as required.
• Ensure project compliance with IISDs policies and that projects are actively monitored against financial, legal, and reputational risks
  

Communications

• Develop relevant materials to communicate the work of the NAP Global Network and Resilience Program related to GESI in national adaptation planning processes to target audiences in collaboration with the IISD Communications team.
• Represent the NAP Global Network to clients, stakeholders, and policy-makers, including at national and international forums, conferences, and public events.
• Share program results through webinars, workshops, conferences, and other events.
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Business development and donor relationships

• Collaborate with other IISD personnel to identify new fundraising opportunities and develop innovative project ideas and proposals.
• Build relationships with existing program funders and participate in donor engagement and networking activities as needed.
  

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant work experience in GESI in the context of climate change adaptation.
• A minimum of a masters degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g., international and development studies, political science, sociology, or interdisciplinary studies).

Knowledge and Experience

• Expert knowledge in climate change adaptation, gender equality, and social inclusion.
• Strong experience in policy analysis, engagement and influencing strategies, and providing technical assistance.
• Demonstrated track record in designing and delivering training and facilitating learning processes.
• Strong strategic thinking with a solid track record of establishing successful projects and delivering outcomes.
• Significant experience with managing contractors and conducting engagement with diverse actors and project partners.

Skills

• Working fluency in English and French.
• Ability to work independently to produce analysis and writing that is publication ready with a limited degree of oversight and editing.
• Excellent organizational, facilitation, and planning skills.
• A strong ability to work comfortably across different cultures and be inclusive and positive with different colleagues.
• Confident and engaging communication skills, including an understanding of different communications approaches for different audiences.
• Excellent computer skills, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and automated referencing software.

Behavioural competencies (Essential)

• Confidence in working collaboratively with IISD staff, affiliates, partners, and consultants.
• An entrepreneurial approach to work, taking initiative within the team and ready to develop new skills, increase responsibility, and build experience in fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously, managing workload and producing deliverables on time and within budget.
• Results-focused with an ability to prioritize and work quickly and accurately over a range of tasks.

Location: Hybrid, Canada; where IISD has offices ( Ottawa, Toronto or Winnipeg) Remote locations will be considered for qualified candidates. Must be willing and able to travel as required.

Salary: $80,000 - $100,000 CAD Annually. Salary commensurate with experience and location

Term: fixed-term Contract

Start date: July, 2025

Contract end date: March, 2025

Application deadline: Monday, June 9, 2025 at 4 PM CST

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based without any sponsorship from IISD.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A one-page letter of motivation
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

Candidatesshould also nominate three referees, at least two of whom should be related to their professional experience.

Selected candidates will be asked to submit a written test and interviewed by IISD.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process.We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer ouremployment equity questionnaireon our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.