Climate change, Climate policy

Position: Climate Policy Analyst (13‑month parental leave contract)
Organization: The Atmospheric Fund
Location: Hybrid – Qualified candidates living in comfortable commuting distance from downtown Toronto should apply. TAF staff work in office an average of two days per week.

About TAF

TAF is a regional climate agency that invests in low-carbon solutions for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) and helps scale them up for broad implementation. We are experienced leaders and collaborate with stakeholders in the private, public and non-profit sectors who have ideas and opportunities for reducing carbon emissions. We advance the most promising concepts by investing, providing grants, influencing policies and running programs. We’re particularly interested in ideas that offer benefits beyond carbon reduction such as improving people’s health, creating new jobs, boosting urban resiliency, and contributing to a fairer society. TAF is a proud member of the Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) network.

For the GTHA to be carbon neutral by 2050, much needs to be done, and quickly. TAF staff are focused on enabling the acceleration and scale-up of low-carbon solutions so that we reach that goal. We’re on the leading edge of urban climate change solutions and our work makes a tangible difference. We build meaningful relationships with all kinds of stakeholders – from thought leaders advancing concepts to the people who implement change on the ground. Join our dedicated and collaborative team to contribute to the value and impact of our work.

Applying to work at TAF

We know that strong candidates bring a range of experiences that may not line up perfectly with every requirement. If this role excites you and you believe you’d be a great fit, we encourage you to apply.  Indigenous applicants are encouraged to apply.

Our application process includes a few short job‑related questions through a platform that anonymizes responses so we can focus on skills and approach rather than on-paper credentials. If you require accommodations at any stage of the process, please contact jobs@taf.ca .

We use limited AI‑enabled tools to help organize applications and to screen for AI‑generated content, but human reviewers read and assess all submissions and make every hiring decision.

About TAF’s Climate Policy Analyst

TAF’s policy team drives climate action across the GTHA by supporting municipal, provincial, and federal governments to adopt policies with high potential for emissions reduction and community benefit. Our work strengthens standards, plans, and regulations that shape the region’s buildings, transportation systems, and energy systems, advancing solutions that also have the potential to improve public health, lower costs, and create good local jobs.

We’re currently hiring to fill an existing 13‑month parental leave vacancy for the Climate Policy Analyst role, with a planned start in May. In this position, you’ll translate research, data, and stakeholder insights into clear, evidence‑based policy recommendations that help decision‑makers take meaningful climate action. You’ll contribute to major policy files, monitor emerging opportunities, and help coordinate TAF’s advocacy efforts across teams and with external partners.

We’re looking for someone who brings strong judgment, curiosity, and a collaborative mindset to complex policy work. If you want your work to shape real climate progress in the GTHA, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll do:

Research and Analysis:

• Identify policy research needs across TAF’s focus areas.
• Conduct high quality research, including literature reviews, interviews, and environmental scans, and summarize findings in clear, actionable ways.
• Draft and coordinate policy submissions and incorporate feedback from internal and external partners.

Issue Monitoring & Opportunity Identification:

• Track municipal, provincial, and federal developments relevant to climate policy in the GTHA.
• Monitor media, networks, and stakeholder activity to identify emerging issues and strategic opportunities.
• Prepare briefings and situation reports to support timely and informed decision making across TAF.

Outreach & Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with diverse allies, including communities that have been underrepresented in climate action.
• Identify and track key influencers and government contacts across the region.
• Work with TAF’s Campaigns & Communications Team on outreach strategies, presentations, and advocacy materials.
• Represent TAF in external meetings and consultations, and share evidence based recommendations with municipal staff, councils, and other partners.

Administrative Support & Information Management

• Respond to external inquiries as the Policy Team’s first point of contact.
• Support improvements to internal information systems, including SharePoint, Teamwork, Slack, and Salesforce.
• Coordinate meeting and event logistics, including scheduling, preparing materials, and capturing follow up actions.
• Contribute to regular reporting for TAF teams, leadership, and governance committees.

Organizational Excellence

• Support a culture of collaboration, learning, and impact.
• Work across teams to align efforts, share knowledge, and coordinate on joint initiatives.
• Participate in organization wide planning, meetings, working groups, and professional development.

Knowledge, skills and abilities we’re looking for:

Skills:

• Research and analysis: conducts thorough research, evaluates sources, and synthesizes findings into clear insights.
• Communication: communicates complex ideas clearly, tailoring messages for different audiences.
• Stakeholder engagement: builds trust, listens well, and collaborates effectively with partners across sectors.
• Project coordination: organizes tasks, manages timelines, and supports smooth collaborative workflows.
• Information management: maintains accurate records and uses digital tools and CRM systems to organize data.
• Collaboration: contributes positively to team goals with openness, respect, and a solutions focused mindset.
• Judgment and problem solving: applies sound reasoning to identify issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Independence: manages priorities, stays focused, and delivers quality work with minimal supervision.

Experience & Qualifications:

Essential to have:

• Education: post secondary degree in environmental or public policy, political science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Equivalent experience may be considered in place of a degree.
• Policy experience: at least two years of progressive experience in policy or role in a related field.

Helpful to have:

• Experience conducting research in environmental or energy policy, or related areas such as health or economic development, considered an asset.
• Experience interacting with civil servants or elected officials through professional roles, internships, or volunteer work.

What we offer:

The starting annual salary range for this role is $68,000 to $70,000. We use an established pay grid and follow a consistent and equitable approach to compensation to ensure fairness across our team and equal pay for equal work. Candidates whose experience and qualifications exceed the listed requirements may be offered a starting salary at the higher end of the posted range.

Beyond salary, TAF offers rewards that support your well-being and success:

• Other cash compensation

  • Home office setup support: a one-time allowance to support ergonomic or technology needs.

  • $1,040 stipend ($40 bi-weekly) to support cellphone and internet costs.

• Paid time off:

  • 15 vacation days per year to start.

  • Up to 15 personal leave days per year for your well-being, including physical and mental health, family responsibilities, cultural observances, and important appointments.

  • TAF-wide office closures on 14 City-designated and statutory holidays (includes Easter Monday, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Remembrance Day), plus a winter break between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day (3 business days).

• Health & wellness benefits (begins after completion of three-month probationary period):

  • Comprehensive, employer-paid extended health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents.

  • Employer-paid life insurance with optional enhanced coverage.

  • Employee-paid long term disability insurance with optional enhanced coverage.

  • Confidential access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health and well-being support and resources.

• Professional development support

  • Access financial support and paid time off to pursue relevant learning and professional development opportunities.

  • Engage in team-wide training sessions and learning opportunities that support professional development and personal growth.

Why you’ll love being a part of the TAF team:

• Hybrid, flexible work model:

  • Spend an average of two days per week in our downtown Toronto office, making the most of in-person time to connect with your team, solve problems together, and build shared understanding.

  • Work from your virtual office – whether that’s your home or another quiet, reliable space – on days that you’re not in the TAF office.

  • Follow a regular Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm schedule, with flexibility to adjust hours (in consultation with your supervisor) to support personal needs and responsibilities

  • Occasional travel-based remote work is possible, within limits that support fairness and ensure team coverage.

• Purpose-driven work:

  • Contribute directly to reducing carbon emissions, improving public health, creating green jobs, boosting urban resiliency, and advancing social equity in the GTHA.

  • Gain direct exposure and opportunity to advance climate action with partners and stakeholders across sectors and municipalities in the GTHA.

• Impact & inclusion:

  • Contribute to the future direction of TAF by having a voice in annual and strategic planning processes.

  • Work in an environment that values openness and inclusivity, supported by a staff-led Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group.

  • Participate in staff socials and lunches, picnics, and many other activities.

Application process:

Click this link and head over to our application portal to start your application. You’ll upload your résumé (no cover letter required) and answer a few short questions about your experience and approach. You’ll receive a link to return and edit your answers before submitting. We also collect optional demographic information to help us understand applicant diversity. These responses are confidential, not linked to your application, and will not be seen by the hiring team.

Please avoid using AI to write your application. While AI tools can produce polished answers, they often result in many applicants submitting nearly identical content. Our reviewers read every application, and repeated AI generated phrasing is both frustrating and unhelpful for assessing candidates. Our screening tools also detect fully AI-generated submissions, and applications that appear AI-written may not move forward. Our questions aren’t designed to trick you, they’re meant to help us understand your own thinking. Your ideas, in your own words, are what we’re looking for.

Once the posting closes, we’ll use a de‑biased sift process: applications are anonymized, randomized, and scored by multiple reviewers. If your responses rank in the top 10–20% of applicants, we’ll review your resume. While we value your background, we place greater emphasis on your answers to the sift questions than on your formal credentials.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an in-person interview at our Toronto office (virtual accommodations available). Finalists will complete a technical assessment and participate in a second interview. Before making an offer, we’ll speak with your professional references to learn more about your working style and contributions.

We aim to complete the process within six weeks of the posting close date. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll hear back from us once the process is complete. Thanks for your interest in joining TAF!

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