Organization: Canadian Council on Invasive Species
Location: Remote from anywhere in Canada.
Term: Fall 2023
Contract range: $15,000-$25,000
Start Date: Flexible within September 2023
About Us
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species (CCIS) operates as a federally incorporated, non-profit multiagency charity and serves as the national non-government voice on invasive species. We work to build collaborative solutions to reduce the introduction and spread of invasive species to Canada’s waters and lands. CCIS is guided by 10 provincial/territorial invasive species chapters, and Indigenous, business and government representatives from across Canada. Working cooperatively across jurisdictional boundaries, CCIS extends its support to various actions and provides valuable information, all aimed at mitigating the threats and impacts of invasive species.
Contract Overview
The Governance Advisor contractor will play a critical role in ensuring that our organization adheres to best practices in governance, compliance, and ethical standards. This individual will lead the development and implementation of governance policies and procedures that align with our mission, government contracts, legal requirements and all provincial and territorial jurisdictions. The contractor will work closely with our executive team and other key stakeholders to provide guidance on governance matters, regulatory compliance that improves overall organizational effectiveness. These measures will enhance CCIS’ ability to foster a culture of ethical behaviour, integrity, and compliance throughout the organization. A willingness to create healthier landscapes, free of invasive species, is essential.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Conduct a review of current organizational policies and practices to identify areas for improvement and recommend updates to ensure alignment with industry standards and legal regulations.
- Advise regarding nonprofit governance laws and regulations, and recommend mechanisms for, the organization’s policies and procedures as needed.
- Conduct consultations with CCIS stakeholders for their meaningful engagement in all development and recommendations.
- Lead the design & implementation of, and evaluation mechanisms for, CCIS governance policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical behaviour.
- Collaborate with executive leadership to provide expert advice on governance issues, legal compliance, and risk management.
- Deliver training and materials, for teleconference and self-directed learning, to educate staff, board members, and volunteers on governance principles, best practices, and the new/revised CCIS governance policies.
- Potentially participate in board meetings and committee meetings to provide insights and recommendations on governance matters.
- Develop evaluation and feedback mechanisms to measure & emphasize effectiveness of new systems on an ongoing basis.
All deliverables will be user-friendly, accessible, inclusive and take into full consideration the nature of the relationship between the national umbrella organization (CCIS) and its varying levels of relationships with provincial/territorial chapters, and their potential uses of the deliverables.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Advanced degree in law, nonprofit management, public administration, or related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit governance, policy development, or a related role.
- In-depth knowledge of nonprofit governance principles, regulations, and legal requirements.
- Strong understanding of ethical considerations and best practices within the nonprofit sector.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing effective governance policies and procedures.
- Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations and best practices related to board governance and volunteerism.
Other relevant skills not required but considered an asset:
- Experience engaging Indigenous communities.
- Knowledge of invasive species and/or stewardship.
- Fluent in French and/or other languages
Benefits
- An opportunity to expand skills in natural resources sector with a nationally recognized non-profit.
- Flexible work hours and ability to work from home.
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, and samples or links to past work to Andy Telfer, Project Manager [andy@canadainvasives.ca]. Please include “Governance Policy Contract” in the subject line.
Closing date for applications has been extended to September 15, 2023, 5 pm EST.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, only those who are short-listed will be contacted.
The Canadian Council on Invasive Species and its Chapters are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, disability, and age. We encourage those who self-identify as Indigenous, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ to apply.
We respectfully acknowledge that the Canadian Council on Invasive Species operates on the traditional lands of Indigenous Peoples, including the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples, whose presence and stewardship of this land predates the arrival of settlers.
We recognize and honour the diverse histories, languages, cultures, and spiritual beliefs of Indigenous Peoples, and the ongoing impact of colonization, residential schools, and systemic oppression on their lives and communities.
We commit to learning from and working collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples to protect and restore the health of the land, waters, and ecosystems that sustain us all. We also acknowledge that invasive species are a threat to the ecological balance and biodiversity of this land, and that their management requires a holistic approach that respects the traditional knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples.
