Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) is looking for someone who is ambitious, personable and passionately committed to true Indigenous Climate Justice to serve as its Policy Coordinator. This position requires a deep understanding of the intersectional approaches of climate justice and Indigenous rights. This position supports ICA to achieve our policy team and overall organizational goals of advancing Indigenous sovereignty, climate justice and self-determination.
This is a remote, work from home, online working position with priority given to Indigenous people who live in so-called Canada.
At ICA we inspire action through the development of tools and opportunities created with, by and for our communities, with the goal of uplifting Indigenous voices, sovereignty, and stewardship of the lands and waters for future generations.
Together we seek to build a world with sovereign and thriving Indigenous Peoples and cultures leading climate justice for all. For more information go to our website at https://www.indigenousclimateaction.com/
POSITION SUMMARY
Indigenous Climate Action is seeking a confident, motivated individual to fill the role of the Policy Coordinator. The Policy Coordinator will primarily be responsible for building and maintaining collaborative relationships, conducting strong policy analysis, and providing strategic advice on complex policy issues as it relates to Indigenous-led climate policy.
The Policy Coordinator reports to the Manager of Research and Policy. In addition, the Policy Coordinator may be required to contribute to writing, analysis and coordination across multiple projects and initiatives. They will play a key role in developing policy tools and resources, supporting strategic ICA’s political engagement strategies, and ensuring that all policy work is grounded in community priorities and Indigenous knowledge systems.
The position requires demonstrated competency in the following areas:
- Online communications and organizing
- Verbal and written communications
- Organizational, analytical, and time management
- Public speaking
- Climate justice and Indigenous peoples rights, cultures and histories
- Environmental justice and practices of anti-oppression
- Working independently and remotely
The Policy Coordinator duties are as follows:
Policy Research & Analysis
- Monitor and analyze relevant national (and sometimes international) climate policies, agreements and negotiations relevant to Indigenous rights and climate justice.
- Identify opportunities and risks for Indigenous communities in emergent policy issues
- Support and/or lead in the development of public position papers and critiques of emerging climate and Indigenous rights policies.
- Support the development of accessible and engaging policy reports, briefings and submissions.
Collaborations and Partnerships
- Review and facilitate intake of requests for policy collaborations with ICA and provide strategic advice on these requests.
- Support, lead, and/or participate in a variety of committees/working groups related to climate and Indigenous rights both internally and externally
- Work in collaboration with Inform and Connect Pod to develop for the dissemination of ICA position papers and critiques of emerging policy.
- Identify and explore opportunities for engagement with Indigenous communities, grassroots groups and knowledge holders in shaping ICA’s policies priorities, while also amplifying and supporting Indigenous-led efforts.
- Help maintain database(s) of relevant policies, reports and contacts.
Policy Engagement and Strategy
- Provide strategic advice to ICA’s Leadership team on emerging climate and Indigenous rights policy issues.
- Lead and/or support in hosting engagement sessions with Indigenous peoples, communities and Nations
- Lead and/or support in briefing notes and materials to support ICA’s participation in National and International forums on climate change and Indigenous rights (i.e., UNFCCC, UNPFII, etc.).
- Remain abreast of current issues and trends.
- Support Communications team in development of policy specific content.
- Contribute to ICA’s public messaging on policy issues (i.e., blog posts, speaking engagements, actions).
- Support Indigenous participation in National and International climate policy spaces.
- Create and maintain positive partnerships and relationships with key partners, Indigenous communities, Nations and people.
Internal Support and Well-Being
- When necessary, support the Development team in funding related applications and reporting.
- Collaborate with the ICA team where appropriate (i.e weekly staff meetings, team specific calls, other emergent items)
- Report to the National Steering Committee when required.
- Other assigned duties.
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, sovereignty and self-determination in relation to climate justice.
- A post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g., education, social sciences, political science, or political economy) OR a minimum 4 years of demonstrated experience in policy research, analysis or advocacy.
- Extensive knowledge of federal/provincial/territorial organizational climate and Indigenous rights policies and issues.
- Strong relationship-building skills for balanced diverse perspectives and expectations, and the ability to communicate constructive advice, with both the internal team and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills to prepare and present clear advice through briefing materials, in response to action requests, and in meetings.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple timelines in a politically reactive environment. Demonstrated agility in anticipating and adapting to changing priorities.
- Commitment to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of yourself and others.
- Commitment to decolonial, anti-oppressive values and Indigenous-led approaches.
- Experience working with Indigenous-led organizations and structures that challenges systems of colonization, white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism.
- Member of an Indigenous community and fluency in an Indigenous language an asset.
The position is full-time and entails a 30-35 hour work week. However, some travel and evening/ weekend hours may be required. The successful candidate must be willing to be flexible and work hours required to meet ICA expectations. A Criminal Record Check along with Child and Adult Abuse Registry checks may be required conditions of employment. ICA can assist with this process if need be.
SALARY: $55,000 to $68,000 annual salary depending on qualifications
START DATE For Position: Open
CLOSING DATE For Applications: Open
Qualified persons of Indigenous Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the position. We will only contact those selected for an interview.
