Director - Climate Change Secretariat

Our role

As trusted environmental stewards, Department of Environment professionals are committed to a healthy, sustainable and prosperous Yukon. Our people are dedicated to keeping the air, land and water clean, the responsible management of wildlife and fostering opportunities to connect with nature. We enrich governance through building our relationships with Yukon First Nation and transboundary Indigenous partners and through the application of both science and traditional knowledge in our decision-making.

Your role

The Climate Change Secretariat leads the Yukon government's efforts to advance climate action and build climate resilience across the territory and is the designated representative at national and international tables. Working collaboratively across government and with external partners, the Secretariat identifies priorities, supports implementation of climate initiatives, monitors progress and helps ensure government actions contribute to a healthy and resilient Yukon in a changing climate.

What you'll do

We are seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to serve as Director, Climate Change Secretariat.

Reporting to the Assistant Deputy Minister, the Director provides executive leadership in the development and implementation of government-wide climate change strategies, policies, programs and initiatives while working closely with external stakeholders to identify needs, opportunities and priorities.

This role advises senior government officials on complex issues that require balancing political, social, environmental, scientific, and economic considerations. The Director plays a key role in building partnerships and advancing shared priorities with governments (i.e. Federal, provincial/territorial, municipal, and First Nation) and Indigenous partners, communities, organizations and industries.

In addition, the Director is responsible for fostering a high-performing and inclusive workplace, providing direction and support to staff while ensuring resources are aligned with strategic priorities and organizational objectives.

Important application requirements

Please submit your application clearly demonstrating how you meet each of the following essential qualifications. Emphasize how your work experiences and related duties align with the essential qualifications listed below. Include the month and year you started and ended a job when you list your work experience. Selection for further consideration is based solely on the information you provide in your application.

Essential qualifications

• A Degree in Business or Public Administration, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with senior-level management, proactively identifying and implementing strategic action.
• Experience managing financial resources/budgets and high-level work planning.
• Experience managing and developing staff.
• Familiarity with HR processes, preferably within a unionized environment, is an asset.
• Experience developing and managing programs and services in support of natural resource management/environment related work.
• Experience working collaboratively with external stakeholders such as First Nations and other governments, communities, mandated boards and councils, national and international committees, etc.
• Experience leading working groups involving other governments, private sector, cross-government committees and/or mandated board and councils, to meet established goals.

Candidates who have education, training, and/or experience equivalent to the essential qualifications listed above may be equally considered.

It may be helpful for you to review “Prepare your resume and cover letter”.

Desired leadership competencies

Candidates should have and may be assessed on

• Thinking strategically
• Leading change and innovation
• Taking action and achieving results
• Leading and developing people
• Modelling interpersonal skills and personal responsibility
• Influencing others

Additional knowledge, skills and qualities

• Building and maintaining business relationships and partnerships.
• Condition of employment: Valid Yukon Class 5 driver’s license (or equivalent).

Job requirements

Travel within and outside of the territory.

Why joining us is a great idea

Yukon government has been recognized as a Top 100 Canadian Employer since 2014.

We support balancing personal and professional needs through comprehensive benefits, the ability to build your professional skills through learning and developmental opportunities, and flexible work and leave options.

There’s no best way to tell you why Yukon is an amazing place to live and work but you can see some of what our Territory has to offer here.

Contact details

For more information about this position, please contact: Shehnaz Ali, Assistant Deputy Minister at [email protected].

For more information about the recruitment process please contact: Jamie Hlewka, Human Resources Manager at [email protected].