Research & Policy Lead

Indigenous Climate Action Research & Policy Coordinator

Indigenous Climate Action (ICA) is looking for someone who is ambitious, personable and passionately committed to true Indigenous Climate Justice to serve as its Research & Policy Coordinator. This is a remote, work from home, online working position with priority given to Indigenous people who live in so-called Canada.

At ICA we inspire action through the development of tools and opportunities created with, by and for our communities, with the goal of uplifting Indigenous voices, sovereignty, and stewardship of the lands and waters for future generations.

Together we seek to build a world with sovereign and thriving Indigenous Peoples and cultures leading climate justice for all.

Position Summary

Indigenous Climate Action is seeking a confident and proactive individual to fill the role of the Research Coordinator. The Research & Policy Coordinator will support ICA's research and policy programming by coordinating projects, strengthening partnerships, supporting evaluation and community engagement systems, and contributing to climate policy analysis and movement-servicing research. In addition, the Coordinator will be required to work in collaboration with ICA leadership and cross-pod teams to ensure outputs are community-driven, accessible and aligned with ICA's principles.

The Research & Policy Coordinator reports to the Research and Policy Manager. In addition, the Research & Policy Coordinator may be required to contribute to the design, writing, analysis and coordinator across multiple projects and initiatives.

The position requires demonstrated competency in the following areas:

• Online communications and organizing
• Verbal and written communications
• Organizational, analytical, and time management
• Public speaking
• Climate justice and Indigenous peoples rights, cultures and histories
• Environmental justice and practices of anti-oppression
• Working independently and remotely

Key Responsibilities:

Research Program Coordination & Support

• Support the coordination of ICA's research initiatives (including timelines, deliverables, engagement and reporting)
• Assist in the development of ICA's Research Grant Program
• Support the planning and coordination of research-related events and knowledge-sharing spaces (report launches, webinars, etc.)
• Contribute to accessible research dissemination (including summaries, community reports, tools, etc.)
• Support internal tracking of research engagement metrics (downloads, event attendance, feedback forms, etc.)
• Support Development team in funding related applications and reporting

Policy Deliverables

• Support the coordination and dissemination of ICA's Policy Toolkit
• Support planning and delivery of ICA's Policy Toolkit "How To Use" Webinar and feedback processes
• Support the coordination and development of 1-2 policy workshops in collaboration with Education & Training
• Contribute to policy analysis work as it arises, including background research and support for ICA position papers and policy outputs
• Assist in preparing materials for ICA participation in national and international spaces (e.g., UNFCCC, UNFPII and related forums)

Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, research networks, and Indigenous communities
• Support the design, distribution and analysis of ICA's community feedback surveys to support ICA's movement-servicing work
• Participate in coalition meetings and strategic spaces as required to strengthen ICA's presence, gathering insights and remaining informed on emerging issues
• Support ICA's initiatives to amplify Indigenous-led climate solutions (including story-telling and monthly highlights)
• Support with engagement planning to ensure ICA's research and policy outputs remain relevant and community-accountable
• Support relationship-building with ICA's National Steering Committee (NSC) and Youth Council (once established)

Systems Development

• Support the development of internal systems for evaluation and accountability across research and policy programming
• Assist in auditing ICA's past research and policy outputs
• Support documentation of barriers communities face when engaging with policy systems and processes
• Support the implementation of a responsive intake system for requests, ensuring accountability and timeline responses

Internal Support and Well-Being

• Attend regular check-ins with supervisor
• Attend weekly staff meetings
• Pod huddles and support
• Attend face to face staff meetings where possible
• Professional development opportunities
• Integration periods
• Asana training

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g., education, social sciences, political science, or political economy) with a minimum 2 years of related experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal/provincial/territorial climate and Indigenous rights policies, with a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of intergovernmental, settler and Indigenous governance structures.
• Strong relationship-building skills for balanced diverse perspectives and expectations, and the ability to communicate constructive advice (with internal and external stakeholders).
• Strategic thinker with the ability to identify emerging issues, connect different priorities, see the big picture, and consider long-term impacts.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills to prepare and present clear advice through briefing materials, in response to action requests, and in meetings.
• Excellent analytical skills to research and provide an accurate and thorough analysis including recommendations.
• Proven agility and time management skills to work effectively within tight timelines, and maintain resilience in politically sensitive and dynamic environments.
• Commitment to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of yourself and others.
• Familiar with the values of anti-oppression and creating spaces that are inclusive.
• Experience working with Indigenous-led organizations and structures that challenges systems of colonization, white supremacy, patriarchy and capitalism.
• Experienced in conflict resolution.

• Member of an Indigenous community and fluency in an Indigenous language an asset.

The position is full-time and entails a 30-35 hour work week. However, some travel and evening/ weekend hours may be required. The successful candidate must be willing to be flexible and work hours required to meet ICA expectations.

Salary: $55,000- $68,000 annual salary + MERCs + health benefits + proD + office subsidies

We thank all applicants for their interest in the position. We will only contact those selected for an interview.

Qualified persons of Indigenous Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.