Mine Closure and Tailings 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

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) is an intergovernmental organization responsible for advancing the application of leading sustainable development practices as they affect mining and communities in mining areas. The IGF was formed in 2005, and currently has 86 member countries, providing a global forum for governments, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society groups. 

IISD has served as Secretariat for the IGF since October 2015. The Secretariat’s functions include organizing the IGF annual general meeting, working with the Executive Committee and member governments in finalizing and executing a program of work, providing and supporting services to members, building partnerships among key organizations, conducting focused analytic work, and supporting effective communications among IGF members. A strong emphasis of the IGF is to enhance governance capacities at the national level in the mining sector, including best practices in regulatory and policy instruments. 

The Mine Closure and Tailings Policy Advisor will work closely with Mine Closure Senior Associate and Policy and Programs Lead to support IGF members through (a)  the design and delivery of capacity-building workshops on mine closure, abandoned mines, and re-mining of tailings and waste; (b) technical assistance on policy and regulatory development; and (c) research and the preparation of guidance documents and knowledge products.

Scope of Work

Research and Knowledge Product Generation

Undertake research and writing in key areas of mine closure and mining governance, including abandoned mines and re-mining of tailings and waste.

Support the design and implementation of guidance documents for governments.

Ensure quality of research products.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

Support coordination with IGF country members to enable the implementation of technical assistance activities.

Support the design and tailoring of training material for capacity-building activities.

Support the in-country or virtual design and delivery of technical assistance and capacity-building activities for member governments.

Events

Support the design and delivery of IGF events and webinars.

Attend and represent the IGF in international events, when appropriate and report accordingly.

Partnerships

Maintain contacts with national and international project partners.

Coordinate partnerships with leading international organizations supporting governments on environmental aspects of mineral resource management.

Outreach and Communications

Participate in member outreach and networking activities as required.

Participate in communicating the work of the program to IGF members and to a wider audience, including through blogs, impact stories, and social media and the production of materials such as brochures.

Support the IGF in the preparation of donor and annual reporting.

Internal Collaboration and Time Management

Collaborate with IISD staff, associates, partners, and consultants in the design and implementation of projects.

Manage own time and inputs into projects to deliver outputs on time and to budget.

Other Responsibilities

Reads, understands, implements, and keeps up to date with all IISD policies, particularly those related to project management. Supports the dissemination and compliance of these policies in project actions and among working colleagues and contractors.

Keeps up to date regarding emerging issues related to IGF Programs.

Tracks all fund development activities in IISD’s sanctioned systems (currently Salesforce).

Tracks all work objectives and their outcomes in IISD’s performance management systems (currently Small Improvements).

Completes all human resource-related activities in a timely fashion, including but not limited to performance assessments, 360-degree feedback, 1:1 meetings, and individual feedback to colleagues.

Requirements

Qualifications

A master’s degree in a related field (e.g., physical sciences, engineering, environmental management, international policy).

6+ years of experience with governments, industry, consulting, or a nongovernmental organization in Canada or globally.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Experience with the planning and implementation of mine closure programs or policy.

Experience with the design and implementation of capacity-building training workshops and the development of regulations or policy.

Ability to manage various projects or programs simultaneously; strong organization and time management skills.

The ability to cooperate with internal and external parties to achieve an end result.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships.

Cultural competency and sensitivity in engaging with diverse communities.

Sound command of French and/or Spanish (oral and written) is highly preferred.

Desired Location: Hybrid, where IISD has offices, Ottawa, Toronto or Winnipeg, Canada, Remote in Argentina or Columbia. North/South America time zone is preferred

Salary: Competitive salaries are offered depending on the candidate’s location and relevant experience.

Employment Type:  Full- Time

Job Type: Newly Created Role

Duration

The position is a term position to December 31, 2028.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Working Conditions

Primarily working in an office or home office setting, utilizing computer systems and office equipment, with some international travel for delivery of workshops.

Flexibility may be required depending on working hours, workload, deadlines, and client countries’ time zones.

Potential for periods of high workload, requiring efficient time management and adaptability.

Ability to travel domestically or internationally as required.

Physical Demands

Limited physical demands, primarily focused on office-related tasks.

Some requirements for international travel that may include long flights across several time zones on weekends and weekdays.

Occasional standing and walking during meetings or presentations.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Application deadline: Tuesday, April 30, 2026 at 4 PM CST

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

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 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.

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.

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