INTERNAL POLICY AND GOVERNANCE LEAD
ORGANIZATION: Foundation for Environmental Stewardship
POSITION: Full-time, one-year contract
LOCATION: Anywhere in Canada, this is a virtual, work-from-home position
COMPENSATION: $50,000 – $57,500, 37.5 hrs per week
DEADLINE: This position will remain open until filled
ABOUT THE FOUNDATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
The Foundation for Environmental Stewardship (FES), is a youth-led and youth-serving sustainable development organization and Canadian registered charity. As the final generation that can solve climate change, FES empowers young Canadians to create a more inclusive, fair, prosperous, and sustainable future. FES’ intended impact is to see to it that by 2030, Canada is implementing adaptation and mitigation strategies compatible with a climate-resilient future, through the
influence and action of young leaders. To do so, FES deploys multiple programs:
The Youth Harbour. A youth-for-youth climate support system that provides financial and technical support for youth-led organizations and youth organizers. Mainly, FES pools philanthropic funds, and redistributes funds to youth, and provides fiscal sponsorship and administrative support. In addition, FES offers various other support services to youth leaders such as branding support, co-working spaces, and coaching.
SDGs LAB. A program geared for educational institutions, to introduce students to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), and its strengths, implications, and compatibility with local contexts.
Net-Zero Climate Solutions Portal: A youth-developed net-zero education program catered for communities in rural and remote areas on topics of net-zero concepts, solutions, and projects.
The position and responsibilities
The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Executive Director, FES Board, and Finance & Operations Manager to develop policies and procedures conducive to the assurance of a strong governance, transparency, and accountability foundation for the organization. The candidate will work in collaboration with the Executive team and external consultants to perform a governance review of FES. Based on findings and recommendations from the team, the lead will be responsible for researching, writing, and enforcing policies that cover human resource management, data management, privacy, and other key areas of interest for FES. In addition, this person will be responsible for keeping up to date with new charitable rules and regulations, ensuring that FES’ policies and procedures are in line with CRA requirements and Canadian standards.
Aside from internal policy development and enforcement, this candidate is expected to share learnings with FES’ networks through the development of guides, policy templates, and other materials that other young activists can access to ensure proper governance and oversight of their respective initiatives and organizations.
Key Responsibilities:
● Risk & Compliance. Support the Executive Director, FES Board, and Finance & Operations Manager in identifying and managing organizational risks, establishing and enforcing policies and procedures, and implementing proactive policy.
● Governance. Support the Finance & Operations Manager in leading FES’ governance review and audit with the support of external consultants.
○ Review current policies, HR contracts, and external contracts to ensure proper governance and compliance.
○ Collect and apply recommendations from consultants, incorporating recommendations into current or new internal policy.
○ Write and develop new HR policy as directed by the Executive team.
● Administration. Support the Finance & Operations Manager with any necessary filing including receipting, contract signing, processing account payables, and processing accounts receivable.
● Program and resource development. Develop relevant templates, guides, and other source materials to be shared widely with the Canadian activist and youth network.
● Other administrative duties and operations support as they arise.
Essential Qualifications:
● A post-secondary graduate.
● Between the ages of 18 to 30 at the start of the job placement.
Other Qualifications:
● Completed or pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in a related discipline, including but not limited to non-profit management, business, finance, or administration. Upper year undergraduate and master’s students seeking a full-time position are also eligible.
● Strong knowledge of HR policy, CRA rules and regulations, and governance and/or a strong demonstration of willingness to learn.
● 1-3 years experience in an administrative role with financial responsibilities required (this can be satisfied through work, internship/co-op, volunteer, and extracurricular activities).
● Experience in project management and engaging with external stakeholders.
● Demonstrated interest in relevant domains (ie. sustainability, climate, environment, education, youth engagement and action) is considered an asset.
● Proficient with using word-processing, database and spreadsheet software (most notably Microsoft Office suite, Google Docs and Excel).
● Experience working with Slack and Monday.com, highly preferred.
Skills and Competencies:
● Eager to be in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with a high learning curve.
● A self-starter able to take initiative on responsibilities with minimal supervision; proven ability to work independently.
● Strong competency in writing and resource development.
● Excellent interpersonal skills; demonstrating a positive attitude to work effectively and collaboratively with colleagues in a virtual environment.
● Ability to speak, write, and communicate in French is a strong asset
To apply for this position, please send a copy of your resume and a cover letter (no more than 4 pages total) to kat@fesplanet.org with your name and the job title as the subject. FES does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by federal, provincial, or local law. FES encourages applications from equity-deserving groups, minorities, womxn, and all other qualified applicants.