Climate Solutions Research

Position: Research Mobilization Lead
Organization: Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions
Location: can either be based at the University of Victoria or remotely anywhere in BC

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 Research Mobilization Lead will play a senior role in the design and delivery of the ‘Decision Impact’ program stream at PICS. Their work will inform public and private sector decision-making and support evidence-based climate decisions in B.C. This position will directly support PICS’ effort to mobilize climate knowledge into action and will contribute to PICS’ strategic plan.The Research Mobilization Lead will support and lead timely analysis of B.C. climate issues. The Research Mobilization Lead will have capacity to design research projects, analyze large datasets, assess policy options. Further, they will have a broad understanding of research methodologies and tools that can be applied to answer policy questions.

Note: This opportunity will be available on a three-year contract with the possibility of extension.

What you will do

• Support the Director of Research Mobilization in defining research priorities, developing partnerships, and evaluating program impacts.
• Work with the Director to identify research questions that align with strategic priorities and values of PICS and also have high potential to impact climate policy in B.C.
• Design and implement scoped analyses and research in collaborate with PICS staff and researchers.
• Support communications and mobilization of insights generated through the Decision Impact stream in order to catalyze action.
• Cultivate strong working relationships with external stakeholders in both the research and decision maker communities.
• In collaboration with PICS and UVic administrative staff, oversee project budgets and administrative and financial reporting.
• Support inter-organization collaboration by ensuring products and insights are synergistic with other activities across the organization and occasional cross-organizational support on activities outside immediate portfolio.
• Coordinate and engage with governments, academics, industry, NGOs, Indigenous organizations, and other relevant rights and stakeholders.
• Contribute to embedding justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) approaches into PICS processes and programming.
• Develop and support respectful and reciprocal relationships with First Nation communities to better understand their climate change priorities, knowledges, and opportunities for partnership and project development based on principles of Truth and Reconciliation.
• Other duties as required.

What you will bring

• A minimum of five years of experience with a research organization, think tank, or government body in a role with strong research, policy analysis, and knowledge mobilization duties.
• A master’s degree or PhD from a recognized post-secondary institution, with relevant specialization in one or more areas: climate and environmental policy; climate economics and politics; and any related field or discipline.
• Strong knowledge of public policy processes, climate governance in B.C., and trends across the climate research and practice space.
• Experience working on collaborations at the intersections of academe, private sector, and governments.
• Experience translating research findings into communication products for non-academic audiences (e.g. policy briefs, explainer blogs, op eds, etc.).
• Experience using R, Stata, or other software to analyze quantitative data is preferred.
• Ability to code and apply GIS software to analyze spatial trends would be an asset.
• Experience managing project, budgets, and developing collaborative partnerships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and deep commitment collaboration.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly motivated, creative, and self-starter.
• Superior organizational skills and the ability to pay close attention to detail.
• Excellent written and communication skills.

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 between Christmas and New Years
• 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 Spring 2025.

Application Information

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

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

For more information on this position, please review the full job description. This posting will remain open until March 3, 2025 and a review of resumes will start immediately so do not delay applying.

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, individuals with disabilities, and those living in frontline communities.

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