Senior Advisor, Environment and Social Risk Management

Title: Senior Advisor, Environment & Social Risk Management - 114 EN

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada 

Job Description:

Join the EDC Team!

At EDC, we support Canadian businesses to succeed globally. We provide the financial tools and expertise they need to explore new markets, reduce risks, all towards the goal of making Canada and the world better through trade.     

Position: Senior Advisor, Environment & Social Risk Management

Employment Type: Permanent/Contract
 

Compensation Details:

• Sustainability Level 19: Salaries typically range from $112,006 to $149,341 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus a performance-based incentive.

Location: 

• Export Development Canada operates under a hybrid work model, with employees currently required to work from the office three days per week. (subject to change). 
• This role can be performed from EDC’s headquarters in Ottawa or from one of our Community Hubs located in Toronto or Montreal.
• Relocation assistance is available for candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

Internal Employees, please consult the ServiceNow article entitled Internal movements – what you need to know.

About EDC:

At Export Development Canada (EDC), we empower Canadian businesses to succeed globally. As a financial Crown corporation, we offer innovative financial solutions and expert insights to help businesses explore new markets, mitigate risks, and achieve growth.

Why Join EDC?

• Comprehensive Benefits: EDC offers a competitive compensation & benefits package, work-life balance, & the opportunity to help make Canada and the world better through trade.
• Work-Life Balance: EDC offers a competitive compensation package & work-life balance. We have hybrid work options, 3 to 4 weeks paid vacation, a corporate closure period, summer early Friday’s & no meeting Fridays.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of our continuous learning opportunities, including training programs, workshops and language training.
• Inclusive Culture: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that champions employment equity & values diversity of ideas, strengths, & backgrounds to succeed.
• Wellness Programs: Access to wellness initiatives, mental health support, and fitness programs to keep you healthy and happy.
• Community Engagement: Participate in volunteer opportunities and give back to the community through our various social responsibility programs.

Team Overview:

Our Environmental and Social Risk Management (ESRM) team is seeking Senior Advisors to support EDC’s project and non-project environmental and social (E&S) risk assessment and due diligence work. Both permanent and contract opportunities are available. The advisors will become a leading member of the ESRM team, which is comprised of subject matter experts in environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), stakeholder engagement, climate change and biodiversity. This is an opportunity for an experienced ESIA or ESDD professional to expand their breadth of experience, strengthening the E&S mitigations in place for complex project and non-project transactions all over the world, and contributing to EDC’s evolving E&S risk management approach.    

Within the framework of EDC’s commitments to the Equator Principles (including the IFC Performance Standards), the UNGPs and the OECD Common Approaches, the Senior Advisors will assess the customer, counterparty, project, industry and country context for finance and insurance-related transactions and provide guidance to EDC executives, customers and the lines of business on the E&S risk of each transaction, and where relevant, negotiate mitigants with relevant stakeholders.

What you will be doing: 

• Leads the assessment of EDC’s most complex transactions, identifying material E&S risks and recommending key mitigants for EDC’s financing and insurance transactions. Applies the Equator Principles, the IFC Performance Standards, the UNGPs and other international standards as relevant.  
• Analyzes and determines the adequacy of ESIAs, ESDD reports, monitoring reports, thematic reports (e.g., biodiversity, archeology, human rights), environmental and social action plans (ESAPs), audit reports, consultant terms of reference, request for proposals, E&S-related policies with the aim of promoting alignment with good practice and international standards.  
• Manages relationships with diverse stakeholders, including internal and external clients, co-lending IFIs, DFIs, and ECAs and consultants, building high levels of professional credibility and mutual trust.  
• Undertakes site visits, assessing E&S capacity and performance in the field within Canada or internationally (typical 1-6 days, 1-5 times per year). 
• Negotiates the inclusion (and determines the adequacy) of E&S commitments into financing and insurance agreements to prevent, mitigate, or address the E&S risks on EDC’s transactions. 
• Advises senior management on a range of E&S issues as a subject matter expert, making authoritative technical and professional recommendations to improve transaction, project and change initiative performance. Maintains a deep knowledge and understanding of EDC’s Environmental and Social (E&S) policies and procedures.  
• Monitors transaction / project performance over time, identifying and resolving issues of non-compliance with E&S commitments.  
• Guides other E&S Advisors on complex transactions, cross-team E&S-related continuous improvement initiatives, and mentors in E&S practice areas. Identifies team development needs and supports professional development, informal training and coaching. 
• Within area of subject matter expertise, recommends changes to E&S due diligence processes and practices that would improve the management of the E&S risks in EDC’s financing and insurance transactions. 
• Provides specialist advice on the interpretation and application of EDC’s E&S policies, procedures, job aids and products, resolving complex or contentious inquiries and enabling EDC staff to take appropriate actions. 

What we are looking for: 

• University degree in a social or environmental science (e.g., International Development, sociology, anthropology, geography, corporate responsibility, ecology, environmental management or geosciences).  
• Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in ESIA or ESDD in the consulting space or equivalent industry experience within EDC-relevant business sectors (e.g. mining, oil and gas, power, infrastructure or renewable energy). 
• Advanced knowledge in ESIA and/or due diligence principles, frameworks and standards, including the Equator Principles and the IFC Performance Standards.   
• Proven track record prioritizing and meeting deadlines in an environment that requires the management of competing tasks / responsibilities.  
• Evidence of the ability to discern, distill, and concisely communicate key issues in complex business transactions and provide advice based on client needs. 

What will make you stand out: 

• Expertise in social impact assessment or biodiversity impact assessment.  
• Experience working as an independent E&S consultant on behalf of lenders, on behalf of private sector companies in major project development or working at or with international finance institutions (Financial Institutions abiding to Equator Principles, Export Credit Agencies, Development Finance Institutions, Multilateral Development Banks). 
• Experience working with companies in developing countries, preferably in the Indo-Pacific or Latin America. 
• Bilingual in both official languages (English and French). 
• Ability to communicate in other languages pertinent to EDC. 
• Degree, diploma or training in Business, Finance, or related disciplines. 

Eligibility:

EDC is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. Internal applicants must also meet EDC's eligibility criteria for applying to internal opportunities. For more information, please refer to Section 2.1 in the Talent Acquisition Standard, available on LINK under the Resources tab in the Policies & Procedures section. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date. The position is open to those who meet all of the essential requirements stated above and whose applications are received by the closing date. 

EDC's Commitment to Employment Equity 

Export Development Canada (EDC) is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. At EDC, we nurture a culture of inclusion and belonging where everyone has equal opportunity to grow, develop, succeed, and be their truest selves.