View Vacancy - Senior Climate Policy Advisor - Ottawa

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Climate change, Environment & Sustainability

The British High Commission is recruiting a Senior Climate Change Policy Advisor to coordinate the mission’s work to combat Climate Change. This position sits within the Science, Climate and Energy team alongside one other Senior Climate Policy Advisor and is offered to start as soon as possible and offered on a contract basis until March 2025. 

The role involves diplomatic action to support delivery of commitments made at the 26th and 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change; as well as the recent COP on Biodiversity in Montreal. It will drive ambition from sectors in Canada which have yet to make credible climate commitments and facilitate the exchange of policy and best practice where relevant. The successful candidate will be expected to develop a strong network of contacts within the Government of Canada, the private sector and other stakeholders to provide useful insights on Canadian thinking, as well as implementing UK policy objectives. 

This is an exciting opportunity that requires a mix of project management, network-building, policy analysis, briefing, and lobbying on behalf of the UK government. Reporting to the Deputy Head of the Science, Climate and Energy Team, the candidate will work collaboratively with other policy groups within the British High Commission, the Canada network of Consulates General, British government departments and potentially other diplomatic missions in Canada and across the globe. 

The successful candidate will be required to travel within Canada focussing on Toronto and/or Montreal. There will be occasional out-of-hours work, including attendance at evening events.

The main responsibilities of the jobholder are to: 

•    Coordinate delivery of the British High Commission’s climate and nature objectives, including tracking implementation of the climate and nature commitments Canada made at relevant Conference of Parties and identifying opportunities to progress common goals or share best practices between the UK and Canada to meet these commitments. This will require working closely with economic, political, science and communications colleagues.
•    Coordinate with London-based colleagues on engagement with Canada, advising on local sensitivities and priorities; including preparing briefing for UK Ministers and senior officials.
•    Liaise with officials in the Ontario and Quebec governments on policy and operational elements of delivering climate and nature commitments. This will include advising and supporting engagement between senior officials (including the High Commissioner) and UK Ministers.
•    Plan and implement engagement with subnational and non-Government actors. This may include building relationships with working level contacts in sub-national authorities (e.g. cities, provinces), business and industry organizations, and civil society.
•    Develop and implement visit programmes for Ministers and senior officials from the UK related to our climate and nature policy. This could include planning and advising on visit agendas, coordinating with media colleagues, and supporting in events as required. 
•    Consider how joint activity/events and communications would augment implementation of goals.

Resources managed: 

You will be encouraged to develop project proposals to aid in the pursuit of UK Climate and Nature objectives. 

•    Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, for instance, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Climate and Environment Science, etc.
•    A minimum of 2+ years of experience working for an organization in a relevant field, for example, working for/with national or regional government, international organizations or agencies, preferably in climate change.
•    Strong understanding of Canadian and international climate change policy, with relevant experience including from university or previous professional work experience.
•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Experience of managing diverse and senior level relationships.
•    Proven ability to work independently and multitask. 

Language requirements: 

Language: English
Level of language required: Fluent 

•    Knowledge or experience of project management and relevant skills.
•    Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
•    Knowledge of UK climate and nature policy.
•    Experience providing written and oral briefing to senior leaders.
•    French language skills. 
Seeing the Big Picture, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
5 February 2023
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
37.5
24 months
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
Canada
Ottawa
British High Commission
1
CAD
CAD $7,028.88 / month
22 March 2023
28 March 2025

The British High Commission offers a strong package of L&D opportunities including an induction to working for us and is commited to active, constructive line management. Additional L&D opportunities will be available and encouraged, with flexibility for the incumbent to seek his/her own opportunities of interest, subject to approval by the line manager.

The British High Commission encourages consideration of flexible working practices reuqested by its staff. The British High Commission expects its personnel to work in the office at least 40% of time to encourage teamwork, innovation and shared sense of purpose. 

The position may require occasional domestic travel and some work out of normal working hours for events, for which time off in lieu will be given. 

Applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Canada.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.