Specialist, Arctic

Position Description

With a presence in each of the Arctic coastal nations, and as an official observer at the Arctic Council, WWF has supported Arctic conservation over several decades.  

Since 2010, WWF-Canada has maintained an office in Iqaluit to support its conservation efforts in Nunavut.  These efforts have included supporting research and management of important wildlife including seals, polar bears and whales, as well as community-based efforts to reduce conflicts between polar bears and humans.  WWF has participated in environmental reviews of projects by the Nunavut Impact Review Board, and has submitted information in support of the development of a comprehensive Land Use Plan by the Nunavut Planning Commission.  

In the coming years our work in the Eastern Arctic will focus on: ecosystem- based conservation of iconic Arctic species, securing conservation, protection and sustainable management of the arctic marine environment, and supporting communities to better understand and voice any concerns related to complex regulatory processes.

Reporting to the Manager, Arctic Program, this role will help generate and build support for WWF’s conservation objectives in Nunavut and act as an effective conduit for local concerns and issues to be addressed in WWF project planning and communications.

Key Responsibilities

Initiate On-the-ground Projects 

• In conjunction with communities, Inuit or government partners, support the implementation of community-led or community-supported projects that support WWF-Canada’s objectives (e.g. local oil spill response planning initiatives, community-based sea ice monitoring, etc.).
• Design, coordinate and implement community-based workshops on a variety of conservation related topics as needed.

Relationship Building 

• Develop and maintain good working relations and ensure regular two-way flow of information with key organizations and agencies including, but not limited to: Hunters and Trappers Organizations, Hamlet Councils, the Government of Nunavut, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., Regional Inuit Associations, Regional Wildlife Boards, Nunavut Wildlife Management Board, Nunavut Impacts Review Board, Nunavut Planning Commission, as well as federal government agencies operating in the North such as the Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Environment Canada, Parks Canada and Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada. 
• Explain WWF-Canada’s objectives to key agencies; receive advice; identify potential barriers or problems; negotiate solutions; and secure agreement and support. 
• Promote WWF-Canada’s conservation interests in plans and policies developed by government and Inuit agencies. 
• Negotiate and create contracts, agreements, funding arrangements etc. with partners as needed.
• Act as a liaison between other WWF staff and northern stakeholders, as necessary. 

Conservation Planning

• Engage in research, consultation, and technical work supporting conservation planning, with a particular focus on marine conservation planning. 
• Coordinate and support consultants and GIS technicians in creating technical/geo-spatial projects such as trajectory modeling, scenario development, and building geo databases, etc.  
• Negotiate, develop and manage contracts with external consultants.
• Contribute, collaborate, and draw expertise from, the conservation planning efforts of WWF’s international team of arctic conservation experts. 
• Participate in the development of strategic plans for the arctic program and on occasion contribute to the development of funding proposals.
• Design methodologically sound project work plans, drawing on the best available science and incorporating traditional knowledge.

Communications

• Ensure that WWF-Canada’s relevant positions, views and achievements are effectively and accurately communicated to key stakeholders. 
• In consultation with communications staff, prepare written materials (blogs, fact sheets, web texts, reports) for public distribution as needed.  
• Represent WWF-Canada at meetings, conferences, workshops, etc.

Office Management

• Undertake other duties as required to ensure a dynamic Arctic program.

What We Are Looking For:

• Completion of a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Resource Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Studies, Community Development or other relevant area of study, combined with at least 4-6 years of professional experience. 
• Knowledge of and experience with Inuit and governmental agencies and decision-making structures in Nunavut.
• Previous experience providing technical support to an agency or multi-stakeholder setting, ideally related to planning resource use and conservation issues.
• Previous experience designing and delivering community-based conservation projects, preferably in the Canadian arctic. 
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse partners in project design and management.
• Self-starter, able to work independently and demonstrate flexibility and patience.
• Familiarity with spatial analysis and GIS software is an asset.
• Familiarity with Inuktitut is an asset.

Other Information

This is a full-time permanent role based in Iqaluit and will require travel throughout the Baffin and Kivalliq regions of Nunavut, and occasional travel to other regions of Canada

How to apply:  

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, you may submit your application: 

Online 

Please click here to submit your application online  

OR

Direct Mail 

If you are submitting an application via direct mail, please include your answers to the following questions:

1. Apart from its mission, what do you feel makes WWF-Canada an employer of choice?
2. Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
3. This role is based out of our Iqaluit office.  Is there anything that will prevent you from working in our Iqaluit office?
4. Do you have a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in the field of natural resource management, biological sciences or conservation biology?
5. This role will require field work which may occasionally be under difficult Arctic conditions. Please acknowledge your understanding of this requirement.
6. What are your annual salary expectations?
7. How flexible are your salary expectations?
8. Where did you hear about this position?

Deadline to Apply:  

Please ensure that your application is receiving on or before February 17, 2017, 5pm EST however, please note that this position may be filled prior to the deadline if a suitable candidate has been identified.   
 

Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility

WWF-Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome diversity in the workplace and encourage applications from all qualified candidates including women, members of visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and aboriginal peoples.

WWF-Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise the Human Resources Representative in a timely fashion of any accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
 
We thank all applicants for their interest in joining WWF-Canada.  Given the volume of applications received, we request that you do not follow up your application with a phone call.  We will contact only those candidates selected for interviews and thank you for your understanding.