Evidence-based climate policy and practice

Position: Policy Impact Lead
Organization: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
Location: This full-time position can either be based at the University of Victoria or remotely anywhere in B.C, provided the successful candidate has access to high-speed internet and phone services.

Yearly salary: CAD90,000 - CAD100,000
Employment type: Full-time

About Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions

The Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) is a multi-university institute encompassing the four major research-intensive universities in British Columbia: University of Victoria, University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Northern British Columbia. Our mandate is to catalyze and mobilize research, partnerships, and knowledge that generate research on climate solutions. We are a values-based organization that centers its work on principles of respect, relationality, reciprocity, trust, transparency, and transformation.

About the Role

Reporting to the PICS’ Director of Research Mobilization, the Policy Impact Lead will play a senior role in the design and delivery of the ‘Decision Impact’ program stream at PICS. This position will contribute to PICS’ effort to support evidence-based climate policy and practice in B.C. The Policy Impact Lead will engage in timely analysis and communication of B.C. climate issues. The individual will have a deep understanding of the policy process and ability to interpret and apply research, evidence, and data to policy problems. Further, they will have skills to effectively communicate research, analyze data, and a broad understanding of climate policy dynamics at local, provincial, and federal levels.

Note: PICS is engaged in diverse climate research and will consider candidates from both climate adaptation and mitigation backgrounds, however applicants with demonstrated expertise in mitigation will be prioritized to compliment the team’s existing capabilities. This opportunity will be available on a three-year contract with the possibility of extension.

What you will do

• Identify and scope high-impact climate policy questions aligned with PICS’ strategic priorities and values
• Lead targeted analysis that integrates new and existing research with real-world policy problems
• Develop high-quality, non-academic outputs (e.g. policy briefs, explainers, issue notes) for public and private sector decision makers
• Cultivate strong working relationships with external stakeholders in both the research and decision maker communities
• Maintain an active understanding of climate governance structures and policy development in B.C. and Canada
• Work in collaboration with the director to build relationships with decision makers, develop project concepts, and evaluating program impacts
• Support integration of new technologies and software into PICS’ workflows (e.g. AI-based analysis, creation of dashboards, audience segmentation)
• In collaboration with PICS and UVic administrative staff, oversee project budgets and administrative and financial reporting
• Support coordination of internal work and collaboration across PICS staff and researchers
• Contribute to embedding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) approaches into PICS processes and programming
• Other duties as assigned

What you will bring

• At least five years of experience in policy, strategy, or applied research roles within government, think tanks, consultancies, or the private sector
• A master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution (or equivalent professional experience) in public policy, political science, climate and environmental policy, economics, or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to translate evidence into policy-relevant insights
• Excellent writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills – especially for non-academic audiences
• Experience developing products or recommendations that have influenced government, community, or organizational decision-making
• A strong working knowledge of B.C. public sector processes and climate policy dynamics
• Ability to analyze and synthesize data or literature to frame clear, relevant findings Ability to code and apply GIS software to analyze spatial trends would be an asset
• Highly organized, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity or competing timelines

What we provide

• Salary range of $90,000 - $100,000
• Comprehensive health package
• Pension Plan after 1 year of service
• 22 days of vacation, plus time off during winter holidays when the campus is closed
• Professional development opportunities

Work Conditions

• This full-time position can either be based at the University of Victoria or remotely anywhere in B.C, provided the successful candidate has access to high-speed internet and phone services.
• Occasional travel (generally 1-3 days/trip) mainly within B.C., but also Canada.
• Applicants must be qualified to work in Canada and be available to begin in Winter 2025.

Application Information

If this exciting opportunity to be at the center of climate solutions research in B.C. sounds like a great fit for you, please apply with your resume and cover letter.

For more information on this position, please review the full job description. This posting will remain open until September 12, 2025. A review of resumes will start immediately so do not delay applying.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Climate justice is core to our work at PICS. We believe that intersectional approaches that recognize human, Indigenous, and environmental rights and responsibilities are foundational for climate solutions to be durable, effective, and fair. Climate justice requires addressing systemic inequalities, reconciliation, and challenging structures of power and privilege. We are dedicated to working in solidarity with affected communities to advocate for transformative change that promotes equity, resilience, and sustainability for all.

We acknowledge the disproportionate impacts of climate change on marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racial minorities, low-income individuals, people with disabilities, and those living in frontline communities.

PICS is a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from members of all races, backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations.