ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY & MANAGEMENT Description of the Field The environmental industry includes consulting and related engineering, scientific, and technical services, and the manufacturing of products for the conservation, protection and enhancement of the environment. Specific areas of specialization include resource conservation and environmental protection, pollution assessment, hazardous waste management, environmental planning, education, or advocacy as well as environmental law. Rising interest and concern in the state of the natural environment, particularly climate change, has led to growth of the environmental industry, both domestically and internationally, over the past two decades. Further adding to the demand is the shortage of skilled workers. As a result, there is an increasing demand for individuals who are multi-disciplinary and have varied environmental skills and training. Employers can include government departments and agencies, consulting establishments, professional associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Generally, a Master's degree is needed for breaking into the environmental industry especially into the work described above. As well, practical and field experience is often requested by potential employers. Students with degrees in international affairs must often develop a technical specialty. For instance, those interested in private consulting, may wish to consider specialized study in forestry, environmental law, or land use. In general, a good knowledge of economics will be required, since most environmental analysis has a strong economics component. This has become an international industry with an increased demand for applicants with a background in international affairs. Selected Alumni Job Titles Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainable Water Use Strategies, Environment Canada Executive Director, Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy Environmental Advisor, Montreal Metropolitan Community Analyst - Environment, Water and Sanitation, Policy Strategic Planning and Technical Services, Africa Branch, CIDA Director of Operations, Secretariat, National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy Social Development Specialist, ESSA Technologies Director of Climate Change and Energy, International Institute for Sustainable Development 1
Associate Information Officer, Secretariat of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol, UNEP Senior Energy Economist, World Bank Senior Environmental Advisor, Environment and Development Policy Branch, CIDA Senior Policy Analyst, Trade and Environment, Environment Canada Senior Policy Advisor & Lead Negotiator - International Emissions Trading, Environment Canada Sample Employment Advertisements The advertisements shown below have been selected from the jobslist notices available to NPSIA students and alumni. The positions were all advertised between 2003 and 2006 and thus represent a current view of an employment opportunity. The examples have been selected from a large number; and have been chosen as representative of a type of employer and/or a type of skill in demand. ==========+++++++[[]]+++++++========== SENIOR ECONOMIST, MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT Location: Toronto, ON; Job Category: Economics Industry: Government Salary range: $62,291 - $80,193 The Ministry of the Environment, air policy and climate change branch, seeks a motivated, creative individual to participate in developing air and climate-change policies. You will: coordinate economic and business situational analysis, and plan/develop options and recommendations for the revision of existing policies or establishment of new policies; advise on policy/program implementation; coordinate, lead or work in teams. Qualifications: thorough knowledge of environmental economic issues/regulations, new policy directions (including economic policy instruments such as emissions trading), economic analysis, market-based tools, policy directions and legislation; demonstrated leadership, planning, projectmanagement, negotiation, research, analysis, communication skills; working knowledge of the use of word-processing, spreadsheet, database management and presentation graphics software. Less qualified applicants may be considered at a lower salary. Research and Policy Analyst, Climate Change and Energy, David Suzuki Foundation Reporting: The Research & Policy Analyst reports to the Director, Climate Change Program 2
About us: Since 1990, the David Suzuki Foundation has worked to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us. Focusing on four program areas - oceans and sustainable fishing, forests and wild lands, climate change and clean energy, and the sustainability project - the Foundation uses science and education to promote solutions that help conserve nature. About the role: Contributes to the development of climate protection, clean energy and clean air policies. Includes writing, research and communication of specified policies, and developing briefs, reports, backgrounders and other materials; coordination of projects and publications. Participate in alliance building; and oversee volunteers. This is a full time position, and will commence as soon as possible. The Foundation offers a 4-day workweek and salary is commensurate with experience. Note that the position is based in our Vancouver office. RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Policy development: * Contribute to the development of climate protection, clean energy and clean air policies through research and analysis. * Review policy-related literature to maintain current knowledge of climate science, climate policies and energy policies. * Participate in briefings for decision-makers, media and others, and work effectively in meetings and committees both internally and externally. 2. Writing, Research & Report Coordination: * Monitor and analyze emerging policies and science as well as researching trends in climate protection, clean energy and clean air policies. * Develop and prepare discussion papers, technical reports, briefing notes, presentations, correspondence, communications, and backgrounders. * Supervise and coordinate the publication of reports, and other projects, as required. May include supervision and coordination of contractors in the preparation of reports. * Organize and maintain related files. 3. Planning & Coordination: * Contribute to overall campaign development including the public policy context. * Undertake and coordinate projects outlined in the Climate Change Program workplan. * Supervise and coordinate the publication of reports, and other projects, as required. * Supervise volunteers. 3
* Organize and maintain related files. 4. Communications: Identify opportunities for earned media and public education. 5. Alliance building: Attend meetings and maintain ongoing contact with other organizations active in the climate change and energy field. Integrate information and assess the significance and implications of policy positions and strategies. 6. Other related duties, as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate degree or equivalent experience At least two years of previous experience on climate change and energy issues/policies. Expertise in and knowledge of current public and business policies on climate change, air pollution and/or energy sectors. Superior strategic planning abilities; results-oriented Demonstrated written and oral communication skills. Familiarity with technical writing and ability to interpret technical material for general audiences. Confident and motivating communicator. Practical understanding of legal issues, public policy development process and socio-economic analysis. Strong project management skills-can balance reactive daily tasks with planning and stewarding longer-term projects Able to manage own workload without close supervision and works independently, making decisions and solving problems on routine and complex problems Able to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, in a flexible office environment with periods of high pressure activity Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, demonstrated alliance-building experience Computer skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, Email PROJECT OFFICER, CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENERGY, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Human Resources & Administration IISD is seeking a project officer to carry out substantive research and project support related to climate change and energy issues within Canada, particularly Manitoba. This position is located in Winnipeg. Specific duties include: Carrying out substantive research and project support activities related to adaptation to the impacts of climate change and the development of provincial and federal policies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly as they pertain to Manitoba; Assisting with the maintenance and promotion of IISD s presence in Manitoba, including the maintenance of relationships with the Manitoba government, nongovernmental organizations and the private sector; Supporting the Climate Change and Energy team s public engagement and outreach activities, such as the development and dissemination of communication materials and web site content; 4
Potential involvement in other relevant Canadian or international initiatives of IISD s Climate Change and Energy program or IISD other programs; Identifying and initiating new projects through IISD s project planning and review mechanism; developing proposals and raising funds for new project initiatives; Manage assigned projects, control budgets and supervise IISD or external staff associated with those projects; Qualifications: Masters Degree in the social sciences (e.g., political science, public administration, economics) or an interdisciplinary program (e.g., natural resources management, environmental studies); minimum two years of relevant work experience with emphasis on climate change and energy policy; familiarity with sustainable development theory and policy issues; understanding of Manitoban initiatives to mitigate and adapt to climate change; network of contacts within the Province of Manitoba; very strong writing, communication and networking skills; very strong organizational skills; systems thinking, creativity and drive balanced with considered judgment; demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team; availability to travel within Canada and internationally; fluency in languages other than English is considered an asset. 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. ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISOR, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVISORY SERVICES, EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA Location: Ottawa, ON Job Category: Environmental, Management Industry: Financial Company URL: http://www.edc.ca Our Environmental Advisory Services team has an opportunity for an individual who is resourceful and thrives in working in an exciting team environment. As an Environmental Advisor you will provide support to the corporation in a wide range of areas including conducting environmental reviews, risk assessment and identification of appropriate mitigation measures related to transactions for which EDC may extend insurance or financial coverage. This candidate will be reporting to the Chief Environmental Advisor. REQUIREMENTS: Engineering or Masters degree in an environmentally-related discipline. Knowledge of environmental impact assessment theory and practice. 3 to 5 years in environment related field. Knowledge of World Bank and/or other relevant international environmental standards. Excellent communication skills in English. Strong analytical and research skills. Strong computer, spreadsheet and internet skills. Security clearance - level to be determined Fluency in French or Spanish would be an asset 5
SENIOR ADVISOR TRADE, INVESTMENT AND ECONOMIC POLICY WORLD WILDLIFE FUND Job Description: World Wildlife Fund Canada is seeking a seasoned and enthusiastic specialist in international trade, investment, public finance and fiscal policy to assist in finding innovative ways to harness market forces for conservation. Combining technical knowledge, strategic thinking and entrepreneurial energy, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing WWF policy proposals, lobbying for their adoption, including presentations in high-level private and public sector forums, and developing practical partnerships with specific businesses. Responsibilities: Identifying and developing advocacy strategies relating to international trade policy, investment, and economic issues that offer an opportunity to advance WWF Canada's conservation goals or pose a risk to them; Research and analysis, formulating recommendations and promoting them publicly and in highlevel meetings with business leaders, investment advisors, government officials, international trade bodies, and multi-lateral institutions; Examples of projects include: designing and advocating ecological taxation reform proposals to create incentives for sustainable forest management in Canada, leveraging decisions within the investment community that align with conservation goals, and spearheading WWF's hemispheric efforts on the FTAA (Free Trade Area of the Americas) as it relates to forest conservation; Serving as a representative in Canada of the global WWF Trade and Investment Team (TICORE). Qualifications/Experience required: Formal qualifications, knowledge, experience: * A graduate degree in law, economics, trade or commerce, preferably with an international policy or environmental theme; * Five years of relevant private or public sector work experience with a focus on trade and environment policy or environmental industries; * Demonstrated experience with advocacy and the demonstrated capacity for innovative thinking on conservation issues; * Working knowledge of Canadian and international environmental policies; * Familiarity with regional trade patterns in the Americas and/or work experience in Latin America an asset. Skills and abilities required: * Excellent oral and written English communication skills; * Language skills in French and/or Spanish an asset; * Strong organizational skills; * Excellent interpersonal skills; * Excellent presentation skills; * Demonstrated ability to work on many and varied projects at the same time without compromising quality or efficiency; * Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision; * Ability to work as a team player. ==========+++++++[[]]+++++++========== Revised: January 2007; December 2003 6