Climate Change Coordinator

The Department of Health and Social Services works under the direction of the Minister and Deputy Minister, in partnership with the Health and Social Services Authorities, to support the health and wellbeing of people across the NWT through planning, development, evaluation and reporting on program and service delivery.

HSS is committed to the development and provision of quality services in such a way as to make the best use of public resources, ensure the sustainability of the system, focus on client safety and best practices and promote positive health and social outcomes. HSS strives to continually improve the health and social service system to ensure best health, best care, and a better future for the people of the NWT.

Job Information

The Climate Change Coordinator (Coordinator) will support and enhance the coordination of the Department of Health and Social Services' (HSS) climate change-related activities. The Coordinator will lead the coordination of the Department's climate change initiatives, including climate-related contaminants of concern, emerging infectious diseases, human health impact assessments, mitigation plans, and adaptation initiatives. This includes addressing the human health impacts of contaminants arising from or exacerbated by climate change, such as those mobilized through permafrost thaw, changing water systems, and wildfires. Further, this role supports and informs the development of advice on the Government of Northwest Territories (GNWT)-wide health-related climate change issues and policies and regularly links HSS with other initiatives.

The Coordinator is responsible for developing a Department climate change health impact surveillance and adaptation plan. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Advisor, the incumbent will consult various department units and take direction for the work. The Coordinator interacts with representatives from other GNWT departments, Indigenous governments and organizations, community governments, the federal government and other external partners.

The Coordinator may be called to participate in inter- and intra-agency, and stakeholder consultation meetings. The incumbent may therefore travel to communities and out-of-the territory on occasion (possibly twice a year, or more often as required).

This position is located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. The incumbent would be required to live and work in Yellowknife, NT. A hybrid / remote work plan is not a possibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with and provide technical expertise and administrative and logistical support to the Department's climate change program and GNWT-wide climate change program.
• Support HSS staff and Senior Management for external assessments to evaluate the impact of climate change on the physical and mental health, and social well-being of NWT residents, including risks posed by contaminants such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• Document and use traditional and local knowledge by involving local and Indigenous residents, including youth and elders, and communities in discussions on the impact of climate change.
• Develop departmental Climate Change Health Impact Surveillance and Adaptation Plan and support implementation, monitoring, review and update to the plan.
• Develop and play an active role in public messaging and stakeholder consultations.
• Collaborate with other GNWT departments, regional authorities, indigenous governments, and health representatives from all over the territory to assess regional vulnerabilities in terms of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity.

Key Qualifications

Climate Science, Environmental Epidemiology, or Environmental Engineering

The GNWT offers a competitive salary, an annual northern living allowance, a generous defined benefit pension plan, and health / dental benefits in addition to relocation assistance. For more information about living and working in the Northwest Territories please visit our benefits page orNWT Tourism.

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only :

Department of Finance

Government of the Northwest Territories

YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR

BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9

Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106

Fax (867) 873-0445

jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note : If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

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