Climate change and sustainability, Emissions reduction

Position: Advisor, Climate & Energy Portfolio
Organization: Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii
Location: Parry Sound, Ontario with hybrid work arrangements available.
Wage: Starting $60,000 to $70,000 per annum, commensurate with experience. Eligible for benefits.
Terms: Full-time position, 35-hour week. Flexible start date.

The Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (GBB) is a dynamic, community-based organization looking to fill the position of Advisor: Climate & Energy Portfolio.

This position will lead and advise on the direction of climate change and energy portfolio for the organization, including the regional Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership. To excel in this position, a candidate will have strong technical skills and portfolio or leadership experience. Technically, this position requires knowledge in creating, analyzing data and implementing corporate GHG emissions reduction plans for municipalities and First Nations, as well as for climate adaptation plans, and community climate initiatives. This exciting position includes expanding a network of regional partners to accelerate responses to climate change. This position is responsible for leading on the following priorities for the organization’s climate change and energy portfolio:

1. Engage a diverse range of partners within established climate and energy networks;
2. Oversee climate adaptation capacity building for the region;
3. Inspire and support community-led initiatives that align with regional climate and sustainability goals.
4. Seek high-impact, high-profile opportunities to showcase climate action at scale; and,
5. Continue the regional momentum on energy management and climate mitigation.

Responsibilities as Portfolio Lead:

1. Partnership Development & Collaboration
   • Organize, coordinate and facilitate regional partnership meetings for ICECAP.
   • Identify and pursue new partnerships with aligned objectives and values.
   • Deepen existing partnerships through continued collaboration and support.
   • Identify and pursue funding opportunities for regional projects.
2. Climate Mitigation & Adaptation
   • Lead regional initiatives that result in GHG emission reductions.
   • Support community members in their understanding of energy efficiency and accessing opportunities for improved energy performance in their buildings.
   • GHG emission analysis and support for partners tracking progress towards their goals.
   • GHG emissions and energy consumption analysis in various sectors and work with partners to implement projects that result in GHG reductions and cost savings in their operations.
   • Lead regional climate adaptation planning and delivery in the region.
   • Provide energy/climate services to clients through Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere’s social enterprise Generations Effect, by developing proposals and managing contracts.
3. Communications & Outreach
   • Develop and implement annual climate and energy communication plans for the portfolio.
   • Increase climate change and energy literacy in the organization and regional community through the development of communication and outreach products.
   • Develop communication and outreach guides for staff to deliver messaging in the community.
   • Develop and deliver high-quality presentations, in verbal, visual, and written formats.

General Responsibilities:

1. Activate GBB’s values and uphold UNESCO’s Biosphere Region Mandate
   • Staff all levels are asked to activate the following values in their work:
     • Inclusivity – an organization that is accessible and approachable, strives to reduce barriers to inclusivity, and upholds its commitment to equity and diversity.
     • Respect – understanding our responsibilities to each other, to community and other organizations; building relationships and ensuring reciprocity.
     • Community Oriented – we work in and through a collaborative environment, building strong connections and ensuring we approach our work in an ethos of care.
     • Continuous Learning – adaptation, curiosity, and innovation.
   • Staff at all levels are asked to uphold UNESCO Biosphere Region mandate and consider how we are best able to be of service to the region.
2. Portfolio Implementation
   • Oversee, manage, and evaluate impact of one of the organization’s 6 main portfolios.
   • In consultation with management, contribute significantly to developing and tracking portfolio strategies and goals.
   • Direct projects and contracts to ensure deliverables further the goals and objectives of both the portfolio and the organization, including financial management, grant securement, and client satisfaction.
3. Project Management
   • Lead and manage significant projects/contracts held by the organization.
   • Oversee and manage project teams within the climate and energy portfolio.
   • Create and oversee project budgets, and support portfolio budget tracking.
   • Apply skills and experience to fully deliver on organizational mandates with project partners, and on contracts with clients.
   • Manage all other aspects of the project/contract/funding agreement lifecycle, including, and not limited to, writing grant applications, developing quotes, developing project work plans and workflows, and project reporting.
4. Provide Advice and Recommendations
   • Provide sound advice to the organization and partners to deliver on the UNESCO mandate and GBB’s strategic plan.
   • Conduct research and analysis, problem-solve, and think critically, to provide advice, recommendations, and direction that results in GBB delivering high quality projects, products, programs, services and/or contracts to the  public, partners, and clients.
   • Assist Leadership in forming and implementing Thematic strategies (i.e. Biodiversity, Climate, Culture, Community).
5. Work Effectively with Others
   • Supervise and support staff, including oversight, guidance, and mentoring. Includes, and is not limited to, providing staff with an orientation and training, scheduling work, holding team meetings, and conducting health & safety  checks, and performance reviews.
   • Provide customer/client service, and build and maintain relationships, when delivering projects to, or working with, the public, partners, and clients.
   • Build and maintain partnerships while upholding and implementing the values of the UNESCO designation and charity.
6. Other Duties
   • Additional responsibilities and tasks that support the organization may be assigned as required.

Required Qualifications:

Qualified candidates will possess a post-secondary degree in business, environmental science, environmental planning, engineering, or a related field.

Additional Qualifications:

Preference for candidates with 2-5 years of experience in municipal government and/or experience in climate/energy programs. Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or Certified Measurement and Verification Professional (CMVP) are major assets. Background in deregulated energy markets, municipal infrastructure, and GHG accounting protocols (such as ISO 50001 or ICLEI standards).

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Aptitudes:

• Strong technical skills in modeling energy consumption and GHG emissions.
• Strong knowledge and experience in the areas of GHG emissions analysis and reductions, climate change adaptation and sustainable development.
• Experience with GHG software, data sources and analysis.
• Experience with energy management and/or asset management software.
• Knowledge of energy efficiency principles and building performance; waste management emissions reduction strategies; and sustainable transportation systems, including EVs.
• Understanding of the PCP and ICEP programs and how to implement climate action initiatives, including planning, costing, and building in feedback.
• Knowledge of climate and/or energy funding opportunities and experience writing grants.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including good presentation skills.
• Excellent time management, prioritization, and organizational skills.
• Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or P.Eng is an asset.
• Ability to work independently, supervise others, and maintain flexibility.

Working Conditions:

• This role is primarily situated in an office environment, with occasional external meetings and events, and opportunities for networking. Regular meetings are often held online.
• This role requires significant work to be completed by computer. Long duration of computer work in an office environment requires visual concentration and proper posture.
• Active listening is a requirement for partnership development and many other components necessary in this role.
• This position requires working with the public.
• Travel is required on occasion.

Additional Terms:

A normal week will be 35 hours. This position works with volunteers and may require weekend and evening work. Time-off will be provided in lieu of time worked on weekends and evenings. This position is for one year, with the possibility of extension contingent on funding. 

How to Apply:

Please send a cover letter and résumé in one PDF to the attention of David Bywater. Apply here: Apply. 

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The position will remain open until filled. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the position.