Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainability Policy & Research

Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainability Policy & Research-0005R7

Posting Date:

May 19, 2026, 5:36:25 PM

Primary Location:

Ontario-Ottawa

Job Type:

Permanent

Schedule:

Full-time

Description

Application deadline: May 30th, 2026

Join the EDC Team!

At EDC, we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets, reduce risks, all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade. #LI-Hybrid

Position: Senior Policy Advisor, Sustainability Policy & Research

Employment Type: Permanent

Compensation Details:

• ESG Policy 18: Salaries typically range from $96,557 to $128,743 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.

Location:

• Export Development Canada operates in a hybrid work environment, with a current requirement of two in-office days per week, increasing to three days per week in September 2026 (subject to change).

• This role can be performed from EDC’s headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs located in Toronto, Mississauga, Montreal, Brossard, Laval, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, or Vancouver.

• Relocation assistance is available for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

About EDC:

At Export Development Canada (EDC), we empower Canadian businesses to succeed globally. As a financial Crown corporation, we offer innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help businesses explore new markets, mitigate risks, and achieve growth.

• Why Join EDC?

• Comprehensive Benefits: EDC offers a competitive compensation & benefits package, work-life balance, & the opportunity to help make Canada and the world better through trade.

• Work-Life Balance: EDC offers a competitive compensation package & work-life balance. We have hybrid work options, 3 to 4 weeks paid vacation, a corporate closure period, summer early Friday’s & no meeting Fridays.

• Professional Development: Take advantage of our continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops and language training.

• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions employment equity & values diversity of ideas, strengths, & backgrounds to succeed.

• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives, mental health support, and fitness programs to keep you healthy and happy.

• Community Engagement: Participate in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community through our various social responsibility programs.

Team Overview:

Are you motivated by the opportunity to shape how a financial institution manages environmental, social, and human rights risks while supporting Canada’s economic and trade objectives? The Sustainability Policy & Research team is recruiting a Senior Policy Advisor, with a social and/or human rights risk management background, to join the team.

As a social and/or human rights risk management subject-matter expert, the individual will be responsible for advancing EDC’s human rights and broader social policy commitments and will contribute to the team’s research agenda and external engagement efforts with industry peers as needed. This individual will have exposure across EDC’s lines of business and other governance and risk functions. This role requires exceptional communication and influencing skills with a large network of internal and external stakeholders, to engage and consult on an array of technical social and human rights-related issues.

As a Crown Corporation, EDC has an important role in supporting businesses and large projects that contribute to Canada’s economy and international projects around the globe. This is a rare opportunity for a resourceful, collaborative and creative self-starter to work directly at the intersection of social risk management policy and research in the financial services sector in a rapidly evolving global context.

What you will be doing:

• Reporting to the Director of Policy and Research, the selected individual will:

• Contribute to the review and update of specific social and human rights risk management policy commitments, including contributing to the ongoing review and refresh of EDC’s Human Rights Policy.

• Support the review and update of EDC’s other environmental and social risk management policies to ensure coherence and alignment with the Human Rights Policy.

• Facilitate the implementation of EDC’s social and human rights-related policies, procedures, programs and/or initiatives, in collaboration with partners across EDC.

• Lead the development and implementation of other policy instruments focusing on social and/or human rights issues (e.g., Positions, Standards).

• Oversee the operationalization of EDC’s Defense and Security Position, collaborating across teams to ensure alignment with the Government of Canada’s expectations, as well as EDC’s strategy and risk appetite.

• Advise on complex high-risk social and/or human rights issues at both operational and strategic level, including providing expert advice and policy interpretation on high-risk transactions.

• Monitor and assess emerging social and human rights related regulatory and policy trends, translating implications into strategic advice for senior management or the lines of business.

• Contribute to the team’s research agenda and develop insight papers, briefings, and research products on key sectors, themes, or geographies.

• Contribute to EDC’s human rights biennial report and overall transparency and disclosure practice on EDC’s human rights performance.

• Engage with social and/or human rights standard-setting organizations and represent EDC in relevant fora.

What we are looking for:

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant social science discipline such as public administration, international affairs, international development, human rights, political sciences, or law.

• Minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience in a policy, risk, sustainability or related function, preferably in the financial sector, with a strong understanding of banking/financial products.

• Demonstrated experience in policy development, implementation and change management.

• Familiarity with international environmental and social standards, such as the United Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards and the Equator Principles.

• Strong influencing skills and the ability to build productive relationships with key teams.

• Strong communication skills (written, verbal, presentation), including the ability to translate technical concepts into clear, decision-oriented advice.

What will make you stand out:

• A master's degree in a relevant social science discipline such as public administration, international affairs, international development, human rights, political sciences, or law or related discipline.

• Experience or expertise in human rights issues such as indigenous peoples, gender or other social issues, or related to the management of human rights risks in certain sectors, including technology, defence and security, mining/extractive, renewable energy, manufacturing or other relevant sectors.

• Experience engaging with external stakeholders, including civil society organizations (CSOs) or with provincial and/or federal government.

• Bilingual in both official languages (minimum B level).

Eligibility:

EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date.

This position is open to individuals who meet all the essential criteria outlined above and submit their applications by the closing date. Ready to make a difference? This is your chance to join a dynamic, growing team and leave your mark on our organization, development finance, and the world.

Apply today!

Want to learn more about EDC? Check our website here

EDC's Commitment to Employment Equity

Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At EDC, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.

We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the requirements. We thank all applicants' interest in a career at EDC; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that qualified candidates may be considered for similar roles at this level within EDC.

EDC recognizes that disclosing the need for accommodations can be a personal matter. Please know that as an organization, we are committed to maintaining confidentiality and ensuring that any accommodations provided are tailored to support your needs. Our aim is to ensure you have a comfortable and positive experience throughout the recruitment process, so please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any accommodation requests at . We are here to support you every step of the way.

Jun 3, 2026, 3:59:00 AMCandidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements.