Program Manager – Climate and Energy – Environmental Defence Canada

POSITION SUMMARY
We seek a highly-committed, experienced and enthusiastic Program Manager to join Environmental Defence’s climate and energy team. In particular, the Program Manager will be responsible for leading EDC’s efforts to hold oil sands companies accountable for the tailings ponds and associated pollution and to push for Canada to implement a rigorous just transition program.
There is over a trillion litres of contaminated water in tailings ponds in northern Alberta on the banks of the Athabasca river. Oil companies and the Alberta government are negotiating to be allowed to release the tailings water into the Athabasca river, polluting the environment, and impacting communities downstream. These companies need to be held responsible for cleaning up the tailings ponds, and for the ecological and public health threats posed by the tailings.
Canada has committed to a just transition and to introducing a Just Transition Act to ensure that workers and communities most affected by the energy transition find new opportunities and aren’t left behind. It’s time this act, and a comprehensive Just Transition strategy, became reality.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead EDC’s efforts, in collaboration with other NGOs and Indigenous and local communities, to push the government to enact and enforce stronger tailings management policies and hold oil and gas companies responsible for cleaning them up.
Lead research on the toxic load of tailings and build awareness about the cultural, ecological and public health risks posed by tailings and the ongoing leakage of tailings processed water into the environment.
Lead EDC’s efforts to advocate for a comprehensive just transition strategy that includes the oil and gas sector, collaborating with key constituencies such as organized labour and Indigenous organizations.
Monitor and comment on policy developments and breaking news, and work with the communications team at EDC on media outreach and act as a spokesperson on relevant issues.
Develop and contribute to regular blogs, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, reports, press releases, statements, etc.
Develop relationships and represent EDC in meetings with journalists, thought leaders, and other organizations that work on climate and energy.
Liaise with elected officials, representatives, decision-makers and staff from the federal government and opposition parties to advance action on tailings management and oil and gas liabilities.
Work with the engagement team at EDC to engage EDC supporters and the Canadian public on EDC’s work and major developments in the program area
Work with the development team to identify grant opportunities and contribute to grant writing and report writing as needed.
Support the EDC Climate & Energy team to advance energy and climate change efforts in Alberta, Ontario and Ottawa.
Support movement building and other Environmental Defence campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS
Five years experience on related issues
Strong analytical and research skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent oral and written communication; social media skills an asset
Experience with media an asset
Solid understanding of economics and environmental issues, especially climate change and energy policy
Experience with policy development, political campaigns, advocacy campaigns, and/or government relations a plus
Strong understanding of Canada’s media and political landscape
College or university degree in a related field
Project management experience a plus
Bilingualism an asset

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Commitment to Environmental Defence Canada’s vision and mission
Outgoing personality and enthusiastic communicator
Flexibility and ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment
Great attention to detail
A drive for success
Sound judgement and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
This is a full time position. We offer a benefits package after a three-month probationary period.
Applications will be accepted until April 12, 2021.

How to apply:
Send your cover letter and resume by email to hr@environmentaldefence.ca . Include “Program Manager – Climate & Energy” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

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