Policy Advisor

About IISD

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with 3 decades of experience working to solve the world's most pressing sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise in a wide range of issues with a collaborative approach to research, policy advice, and hands-on support to ensure these solutions are brought to life. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 professionals working from offices in Canada, Switzerland, and other locations around the world.

The IGF Secretariat, hosted by IISD, works with governments, industry, and civil society to advance resource governance that supports sustainable development. We provide policy advice, research, training, and capacity-building to help countries optimize the benefits of mining while reducing its negative impacts.

Scope

We are seeking a Policy Advisor with expertise in geosciences, mining policy, and sustainable mining practices to strengthen our research and policy engagement. The successful candidate will bring both technical knowledge of mining and a demonstrated ability to translate evidence into policy recommendations for governments and international stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct primary and secondary research and develop high-quality policy outputs (policy briefs, research reports, case studies, technical reports).
• Collaborate with Secretariat staff, partners, and consultants in the design and implementation of research, training, and capacity-building programs on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and broader mining governance issues.
• Prepare, present, and communicate research findings to a variety of audiences, including IGF member governments and international stakeholders.
• Support the organization, facilitation, and documentation of webinars, workshops, and meetings.
• Support outreach and engagement with IGF member governments, including responding to requests for technical assistance.
• Contribute to IGF's participation in multistakeholder initiatives.
• Perform other related duties as required.
  

Skills:

• Advanced writing, editing, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Spanish is highly preferred.

Qualifications 

• Graduate degree in geosciences, natural resources management, earth sciences, economic geology, or economics, law, policy, international development combined with professional experience in the mining industry, research, or a government agency.
• Strong understanding of mining, mineral processing, sustainable mining practices, and/or resource governance.
  
• 5–7 years of relevant experience in research, industry, or policy roles related to mining and sustainable development or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. 
• Demonstrated experience undertaking research, analysis, and policy writing to a professional standard.
• Experience working in or with international organizations is an asset.
• Experience with ASM is considered an asset.
  

For more details on what we are looking for in our candidates, please refer to the IISD competencies on our website.

Position Details

Location:  Hybrid, Winnipeg, Remote in Spain, Portugal, or the United Kingdom.

Candidates must hold an appropriate work authorization for locations where they expect to be based, without any sponsorship from IISD.

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and location

Portugal:    EUR 49, ,000

UK: GBP 44, ,000

Winnipeg:  CAD 60, ,000

Type of employment: Full time

Job Type: Newly Created Role

Duration: Term until March 2027

Application deadline: January 26, 2026 4PM CST 

Start Date: immediate opportunity

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. 

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. 

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

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

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.