Policy Research Intern – Toronto, Canada
Organization: Toronto Atmospheric Fund
Position Title: Policy Research Intern
Location: Toronto, Canada
Hours & Compensation: 7 hours/day, $15/hour.
Position Dates: 12 week contract – June to August 2013.
Application Deadline: May 14, 2013.
Organization Overview:
Toronto City Council established the Toronto Atmospheric Fund (TAF) in 1991 to support Toronto- based initiatives that combat global climate change and improve air quality. TAF is a small and mandate-focused agency with strengths as an innovator, partnership builder, impact investor, and incubator of urban low-carbon initiatives. TAF has been recognized locally and internationally for its effective programs, has invested $51 million in practical emission reduction projects citywide and helped the City shave millions of dollars off its energy bills. See www.towerwise.ca or www.fleetwise.ca for examples of TAF programs.
Description:
TAF is currently reviewing opportunities to support research and advocacy related to key policy matters related to greenhouse gas and air pollution reduction in Toronto. The Policy Researcher will work under the supervision of the VP Programs and Partnerships to provide background research related to key policy areas of potential interest to TAF, identify key policy players, describe the roles they are currently playing or plan to play in the future, and to assist in developing a recommendations report concerning the most appropriate and effective roles TAF could consider playing in this sphere.
Responsibilities:
Background Research:
- Identify key policies at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels that could have an impact on levels of greenhouse gas and air pollution emissions in the City of Toronto.
- Among these relevant policy areas, identify key milestones that provide an opportunity to amend these existing policies to strengthen their effectiveness with respect to TAF’s mandate, and also to identify gaps where new policies could be applied.
- Identify groups or institutions currently playing a role or having a key stake in the relevant policy areas and characterize their current activities.
Stakeholder Research and Engagement:
- Through surveys and/or interviews, assess the future plans and roles of these groups with respect to policy change opportunities.
- Plan a “charrette” with selected players to allow for a group discussion to help identfiy key opportunities within the next three to five years to effect policy change that would yield significant local emission reductions.
Identification of Key Policy Opportunities and Strategies:
- Identify gaps or areas where high-potential policy changes related to TAF’s mandate are NOT being supported by other parties, or where key components of the opportunities are not being addressed by others.
- Identify groups or institutions that would be appropriate partners for TAF in potential future policy advocacy work.
Qualifications:
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Graduate level student or graduate in public policy, environmental studies, planning or related field, with specific research experience in environmental policy
- Demonstrated research skills
- Demonstrated synthesis and evaluation skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to work independently
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
How to Apply:
Please send a CV and cover letter by May 14, 2013 to: Lyle Jones, Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, [email protected].
Contact Information:
Toronto Atmospheric Fund, http://www.tafund.org
75 Elizabeth St., Toronto, Canada
Job URL: http://www.toronto.ca/taf/pdf/opportunity-policyinternship.pdf
