Climate Change Coordinator

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

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 or .