Future Earth vacancy: Staff Writer (Montreal)

Future Earth is seeking a Staff Writer to be based in Montreal, Canada. The writer will work with and report to the Executive Director, focusing primarily on grant writing, as well as writing issue briefs, op-eds, articles, concept notes and other general communication functions.

To apply for this position, see the full posting announcement below:

Location

Montreal, Canada

Closing date and start of contract

15 January 2018 – start date as soon as possible

The Future Earth initiative

Future Earth is the international platform for research, innovation and collaboration working to  accelerate transformations to a sustainable world.  With offices all over the world, we harness the experience and reach of thousands of scientists and innovators from across the globe.

This international initiative was developed under the auspices of the Science and Technology Alliance for Global Sustainability, including the following international organisations: International Council for Science (ICSU), the International Social Science Council (ISSC), the Belmont Forum of funding agencies, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations University (UNU), Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the STS forum and the World Meteorological Organization.

Future Earth is served by a globally-distributed Secretariat that uniquely encompasses five Global Hubs (located in Colorado, Montreal, Paris, Stockholm, Tokyo) connected through a dynamic, networked structure. The distributed model unites a diversity of perspectives, stakeholders and geographical locations. The Secretariat works through virtual teams that ensure that the diversity of perspectives and global reach are a daily reality. The Executive Director of Future Earth is based in Montreal.

Position Description

The incumbent will provide writing and research support to the Executive Director, working collaboratively with the Montreal Global Hub team and the distributed Secretariat. She/he will report to the Executive Director, and be a team player flexible to work with broader Secretariat staff and projects.

Primary responsibilities

Grant writing (60%):

• Perform prospect research on foundations, governmental and intergovernmental funding agencies to evaluate prospects for grants and other funding opportunities.
• Conduct the full range of pre-award activities required to prepare, submit and manage grant proposals to foundations, corporate sources and governmental and intergovernmental funding agencies. These include letters of intent, proposals, reports and more.
• Under the direction of the Executive Director,  prepare updates and supply post-award progress reports as required.

Staff Writing (40%):

• In collaboration with the Executive Director and broader Secretariat staff, identify, develop and write a range of Future Earth products, including but not limited to: issue briefs, op-eds, articles, commentaries and concept notes.
• Support the Communications team by contributing input for written organisation materials, such as annual reports and newsletters.
• Flexibility to work with Secretariat on miscellaneous written products and communications strategies as needed.

Candidate qualifications and key competencies

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum 5 years of related work experience.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills in both French and English; ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive pieces.
• Attention to detail and strong proofreading skills.
• Experience with proposal and grant writing and institutional donors.
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies a plus.
• Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with integrity.
• Strong contributor in team environments.
• Sound judgment, tactful and sensitive to diverse cultures and constituents.
• Availability to work outside normal working hours and to travel on occasion.
• Familiarity with international organisations and demonstrated interest in sustainability-related initiatives desirable.

Salary scale

Commensurate with experience

Application procedure

As the position is based in Montreal, the application requires having a Work Permit for Quebec.

Applicants to this position are requested to submit a curriculum vitae, together with writing samples and a cover letter describing their interest in the position and how their skills and experience would help them meet the requirements of the role. Please also include the name and contact details of two referees. Applications – in one combined PDF file and in English – should be sent via email with "Staff Writer" in the subject line to montrealhub@futureearth.org. The closing date for applications is 15 January 2018.