AGRICULTURE & CLIMATE CHANGE

Hiring: Climate Policy Coordinator
Organization: National Farmers Union
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (preferred in-person; possibility of remote if required)

Climate Policy Coordinator
with the National Farmers Union
(Deadline for application: Monday, June 12, 2023)

Canada’s National Farmers Union (NFU) is a voluntary, direct-membership, non-partisan, national farm organization made up of thousands of farm families, farm units, and farm workers from across Canada. Our members produce a wide variety of food products, including grains, oilseeds, livestock products, fruits, and vegetables. Founded in 1969, the NFU advocates for policies that promote the dignity, prosperity, and sustainable future of farmers, farm families, farm workers, and their communities. The NFU is a leader in articulating the interests of Canada’s farmers and rural residents and in advancing policies that benefit their interests. (For more information about the NFU, please see “about us” on our website)

The NFU is seeking a highly organized, responsible person with a passion for agricultural and climate issues and government policy development. We are seeking a Climate Policy Coordinator to work with farmers and governments to develop and advance programs to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, foster climate adaptation, build resilience, and increase the long-term sustainability of the sector. This position involves a mix of research and writing, on the one hand, and working with farmers and others to organize and mobilize, on the other. The successful applicant will assist in policy development, communications and media work, education and outreach, and government relations. The Climate Policy Coordinator will support and learn from senior NFU policy staff and officials and also work independently.

The position we’re seeking to fill

The Climate Policy Coordinator will be part of a team led by the NFU’s Director of Climate Crisis Policy and Action. The Climate Policy Coordinator will:

1. Conduct research and analyze data in order to support policy development

• Work in collaboration with NFU officials, staff, and Climate Committee members as well as with experts and academics outside the NFU
• Research and write evidence-based reports that support and advance NFU policy objectives
• Stay informed on national and regional developments in order to brief NFU officials and analyze emerging issues
• When appropriate, provide frank and critical feedback to government regarding their programs and policies
• Integrate diverse perspectives, including diverse scales of agricultural operations, regional differences, and varying farm types and production methods
• Advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in policy development and outcomes

2. Engage with governments to advance the NFU’s goals and objectives regarding agricultural emissions reduction and climate adaptation

• Work with NFU staff, officials, and members to design and implement government relations action plans
• Support NFU officials in engaging with government officials
• Utilize organizing tools to inform and mobilize NFU members on key issues
• Support farmers to represent the NFU and participate in government relations
• Represent the NFU on government advisory committees

3. Develop communications tools and resources to advance NFU aims

• Collaborate in drafting news releases
• Distill complex issues into two- and four-page flyers to support education and mobilization
• Identify, develop, and implement tools and strategies to advance policy aims
• Make presentations to meetings, conferences, and government committees
• Help organize and promote the NFU’s webinar series NFUniversity
• Assist in other communications processes, as needed
• Organize national and regional meetings that bring together climate-focused farmers, academics, researchers, and experts

The candidate we’re seeking

The following qualifications, skills, and experience will support success in this position. If you have many of the following qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

• An understanding of federal and provincial government policy landscapes, including policies related to agriculture, climate, GHG emissions reduction, or the environment
• An understanding of on-farm agricultural production practices
• Experience in researching and writing reports, analyzing data, dealing with journal articles and scientific sources, and synthesizing information
• Experience developing, refining, communicating, and advancing policy priorities
• Experience organizing farmers or other citizens to advance political aims
• Experience in working with farmers and/or agricultural issues
• Strong, clear, compelling, and diplomatic verbal and written communication, including a concise writing style
• The ability to listen carefully, identify common ground, build consensus, and change direction, where necessary
• Well-developed ability to build positive relationships with government officials
• Experience in organizing meetings and conferences
• Ability to travel in order to attend meetings and conferences
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, independently manage workflow, and forward-plan in order to balance and meet overlapping deadlines
• A strong commitment to social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• A strong commitment to democratic governance structures such as that of the NFU, which promotes the voices and full participation of women, youth, BIPOC farmers, 2SLGBTQ+ farmers, and others
• Strong computer skills and an ability to analyze numerical data, prepare graphs, etc.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, conscientiousness, and a deep commitment to evidence-based analysis
• Proficiency in both official languages would be an asset

The employment terms we’re offering

This is a full-time position for at least 2.5 years, with significant possibilities for continuation beyond that time (dependent upon funding) and for advancement.

The starting salary is $65,000 to $70,000 per year commensurate with qualifications and experience. Health and dental benefits are also provided. The position offers three weeks of paid vacation per year as well as paid time off between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Work location is flexible but a willingness to consider relocating to the Saskatoon area—the location of our National Office—is a strong asset. Regardless of location, some working from home and flexible hours will be offered.

How to apply

To apply for the position please email 1. a cover letter; 2. a resume; 3. references; and 4. an example of your writing style (samples that showcase agricultural, climate-related, or policy-related content preferred) to the Hiring Committee at hiring@nfu.ca using the subject heading “NFU Climate Policy Coordinator Applicant” followed by your name.

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.

The deadline for application is Monday, June 12, 2023 at 5:00 PM Eastern time. We anticipate conducting interviews the week of June 19.

The NFU is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applicants of diverse race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, religion, ability, sexual orientation, and gender expression.

The NFU will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodations during the interview process, please include them with your application.

We thank all applicants for their time and interest, however, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.