Communications Assistant

IISD Experimental Lakes Area (IISD-ELA) is one of the world’s most influential freshwater research facilities. It features a collection of 58 small lakes and their watersheds in northwestern Ontario, Canada. For over 50 years, scientists at IISD-ELA have conducted whole-ecosystem experiments and made significant scientific discoveries related to issues such as acid rain, mercury from air pollution, algal blooms, and pharmaceutical chemicals in water. The facility is operated by the International Institute for Sustainable Development—an independent think tank headquartered in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional land of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Ojibwe-Cree, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and homeland of the Métis Nation.

IISD-ELA acknowledges that its research facility is located on Treaty 3 lands, and the care of these lands during experimentation and restoration to their original state is implicit in its mission. Many regional schools come to the facility to learn more about the science of aquatic ecosystems and how humans serve a role in sharing and working with one another to protect these resources.

About the Position

The Communications Assistant will provide overall support to communications and Indigenous-relations teams. The role will assist in the promotion and clear communication of IISD-ELA’s work across all channels, as well as relationship building with Indigenous communities and individuals through outreach events and activities.

Responsibilities

Communications

• Draft and support production of various communications materials (blog posts, social media posts, images) to promote the work of IISD-ELA.
• Work closely with IISD-ELA scientists and researchers to understand the work that they do and develop related communications products accordingly.
• Help to conceptualize infographics and video products.
• Make short trips to the IISD-ELA site when necessary.

Indigenous Relations

• Support the coordination of outreach activities with Treaty 1 & 3 communities.
• Make presentations to the communities as needed.
• Provide general outreach support, including communicating with individuals and communities and attending community events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Willing to work in a team environment as well as independently.
• Willing to travel to IISD-ELA’s research facility for overnight or day trips, when necessary.
• Candidates must possess or be willing to obtain valid certifications for the following prior to the start of their term:
  • First Aid/CPR with AED
  • Driver’s licence
• IISD-ELA will require the completion of a criminal record check and vulnerable sector verification.

Asset Skills

• Experience working in science communication
• Experience working with Indigenous communities
• Ability to speak Ojibwe.

Work Conditions

The successful applicant will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a condition of employment due to the congregated living aspect of the facility and no teleworking being possible.

IISD-ELA provides on-site living accommodations and food. Accommodations include a bedroom (may be shared or individual), shared washrooms, and lounge areas. Bed linens and laundry facilities are provided on-site. Transportation to and from the field research station to Kenora and Winnipeg will be available on weekends. Occasional weekend transportation to and from Thunder Bay is a possibility as well. More information about the IISD Experimental Lakes Area organization and our research facility can be found at https://www.iisd.org/ela/.

Term: The contract is for a full-time, 4-month position, starting May 1, 2023, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 2 months. Please indicate on your application whether you are available for 4 or 6 months**.**

Compensation: CAD 637 to 835 per week, depending on experience and education.

Application deadline: February 28, 2023, 8:00 a.m. CST

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.