• One-year term position to May 31, 2012, with potential for extension
• Application Deadline: May 4, 2011
The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) has a growing portfolio of work in the field of climate policy, adaptation and risk reduction, and sustainable agricultural and water resource development. IISD wishes to engage a Project Officer to support the Institute’s ongoing work in these areas.
Specific:
The Project Officer shall participate in research, management and communications associated with projects undertaken within IISD. It is anticipated that these projects will be primarily associated with the activities of IISD’s research and project implementation focused on climate change adaptation and sustainable land use planning. The Project Officer will:
• carry out substantive research, prepare written and oral reports, and provide project support related to the following issues as required:
— climate risk management, including the analysis and management of climate and climate change data, agronomic modeling and water management, with a particular focus on developing countries;
— provision of technical assistance in support of identification and assessment of sustainable land use management practices in Canada and internationally; and
— development of policies for promoting adaptation to climate change and risk reduction strategies in developing countries.
• Organize meetings and public consultations, work with partner organizations and write project documents according to the needs of initiatives within the program.
• Manage activities in cooperation with other IISD personnel, including but not limited to implementing specific projects, undertaking shared research, and management of external relations.
• Support IISD’s public engagement and outreach activities, such as the development of communication materials and website content.
In his/her role as a staff member of IISD, the Project Officer shall:
• Assist with the maintenance of IISD’s institutional presence in Winnipeg, including the maintenance of relationships within the government, non-governmental and private sectors.
• Maintain contacts with domestic and international project partners.
• Identify and initiate new projects through IISD’s project planning and review mechanism; develop proposals and raise funds for new project initiatives.
• Represent IISD at national and international forums.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
The Project Officer should possess the following qualifications:
• Master’s Degree in science or engineering (e.g., bioengineering, ecology, agricultural sciences) or an interdisciplinary program (e.g., natural resources management, environmental studies).
• Minimum two years of relevant work experience.
• Technical and analytical skills that include:
• Established quantitative analysis skills involving large data sets;
• Experience in basic principles of hydrology, agronomy and water quality;
• Familiarity with crop growth modelling software such as DSSAT or CropWat;
• Understanding of climate science and meteorology;
• Competence with geographic information systems (GIS).
• Substantive knowledge related to climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture and water management policy and practice, with an emphasis on issues of concern to developing countries.
• Familiarity with sustainable development theory and policy issues.
• Fluency in a second language is desirable, with preference to Spanish and/or French.
• Strong writing, communication, interpersonal and networking skills, including experience with public participation processes.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Systems thinking, creativity and drive balanced with demonstrated capacity to exercise tact, discretion and good judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with limited guidance and as a member of a team.
• Availability to travel within Canada and internationally.
Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization in Canada.
Applications:
Please send a CV (no longer than two pages) as well as a one page covering letter.
IISD is committed to equal opportunity. Compensation is competitive and will be commensurate with experience.
Although we appreciate receiving all applications, only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Closing Date: May 4, 2011
Reply in confidence to:
Attn: Director, Human Resources and Administration
International Institute for Sustainable Development
6th Floor, 161 Portage Avenue East
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0Y4
Fax: (204) 958-7710
E-mail: info@iisd.ca
