Science and Policy Engagement Strategist
Job title: Science and Policy Engagement Strategist
Program: Ontario Northern Boreal
Compensation: $20,000 (per 5-month term)
Position type: Contract
Term: July 2021 – December 2021 (potential to extend)
Start date: 1 July 2021
Position location: Flexible
Reports to: Dr. Constance O’Connor and Dr. Cheryl Chetkiewicz
Application deadline: 04 June 2021
Position Summary:
WCS Canada is seeking a science and policy engagement strategist to fulfill a contract for its Ontario Northern Boreal (ONB) landscape conservation program. The Strategist will be responsible for the development and implementation of two overlapping science and policy engagement strategies.
The first strategy includes communications and policy engagement about the regional assessment in the Ring of Fire in northern Ontario, including projects emerging in the area. The second related strategy will focus on communicating about the value and importance of peatlands for climate change mitigation and biodiversity, and policy options to achieve effective conservation of peatlands in Northern Ontario.
Implementation of both engagement strategies will include partnering with WCS Canada communications staff to collaboratively design and launch a website, and develop innovative social media outreach materials to engage with various audiences, including interested Indigenous communities.
Position Objectives:
1) Develop two engagement strategies related to the following areas:
I. Develop targeted communication products and policy responses on the regional assessment in the Ring of Fire in Northern Ontario including individual projects in the designated area.
II. Compile and communicate the value and importance of peatlands for climate change mitigation and biodiversity (inclusive of policy options for conservation of peatlands in Northern Ontario).
2) Collaborate with WCS Canada communications staff, scientists and other experts to design and launch a website and to develop social media communication materials.
Principal Responsibilities:
1) Develop two engagement strategies related to:
a. Regional assessment, project-level assessment, and related policy proposals in the Ring of Fire region in northern Ontario; and
b. The value of peatlands for climate change mitigation and biodiversity, and policy options to achieve conservation of peatlands
2) Develop targeted communications based on engagement, including plain language and science communications. Audiences include First Nations, industry, governments, and general public among others.
3) Coordinate with WCS Canada communications staff to design and launch a website and social media profiles.
4) Work with WCS Canada scientists and other experts to compile and synthesize information on the value and importance of peatlands in terms of carbon storage as well as other ecosystem services and as intact habitat for a variety of wildlife species
5) Work with WCS Canada scientists and other experts to synthesize information on policy options and necessary implementation steps to achieve effective conservation
6) Summarize information in engaging formats, including written work, infographics, short videos, etc.
7) Present the information on a website and on social media
8) Coordinate with WCS Canada communications staff to promote the website and share the information through various WCS Canada social media channels
Required Qualifications:
· Background in policy and science related to peatlands, boreal ecosystems, cumulative effects, or related field
· Demonstrated knowledge in communications and media techniques and methods
· Experience with producing effective policy and science communication materials
· Technical expertise with:
o Graphics software
o Video creation and editing software
o Web page creation and editing software
· Demonstrated working knowledge of:
o Canadian policy and regulatory frameworks including impact assessment, regional assessment, and cumulative effects
o Indigenous-led conservation in Canada
o Northern boreal ecosystems and threats to these ecosystems
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
· Excellent written and oral communication skills, including preparing content for diverse audiences (e.g., communities, policy, scientific publications)
· Adaptable and responsive to feedback from collaborators and others
· Self-motivated and capable of working remotely
· Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and interdisciplinary work environment
To Apply:
Please email your cv/résumé, cover letter explaining your qualifications for the role, and a relevant writing sample demonstrating your communications and policy expertise to tdias@wcs.org.
WCS Canada is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization, this includes providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any special needs may make a request for accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you accordingly. Such requests should be communicated to Tina Dias (contact below).
Position Inquiries:
Dr. Constance O’Connor, Ontario Northern Boreal Lead
807-285-9125
coconnor@wcs.org
Application Inquiries:
Tina Dias, Human Resources and Finance Administrator
416-850-9038 ext. 30
tdias@wcs.org
Deadline for applications: 04 June 2021
About WCS Canada:
WCS Canada was established as a Canadian conservation organization in July 2004. Our mission is to conserve wildlife and wild places by improving our understanding of, and seeking solutions to, critical problems that threaten key species and large wild ecosystems throughout Canada. We implement and support comprehensive field studies that gather information on wildlife needs and then seek to resolve key conservation problems by working with a broad array of stakeholders. We also provide technical assistance and biological expertise to local groups and agencies that lack the resources to tackle conservation concerns. WCS Canada is independently registered and managed, while retaining a strong collaborative working relationship with sister WCS programs in more than 60 nations, including an integrated North America Program. The Wildlife Conservation Society (www.wcs.org) is a recognized global leader in conservation and for more than a century has worked in North America promoting actions such as bison reintroduction, pioneering field studies, parks creation, and legislation to protect endangered wildlife. WCS Canada strives to uphold our core values or respect, accountability and transparency, innovation, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and inclusion. We value staff and community partners from all backgrounds and cultures with different skills, abilities, and perspectives; we ensure that everyone has an opportunity to fully contribute to our mission. For more information, see www.wcscanada.org.
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