ABOUT MARINE RENEWABLES CANADA

Marine Renewables Canada (MRC) is the national association for tidal, offshore wind, wave and river current energy, with a growing membership of technology and project developers, suppliers, utilities, Indigenous organizations, researchers, and communities. Since 2004, the association has worked to build the sector by advocating for supportive policies, identifying domestic and international business development opportunities for its members, facilitating collaboration amongst its membership and broader ecosystem, providing education and outreach, and disseminating market intelligence. As part of its focus on developing the sector, Marine Renewables Canada is active in catalyzing opportunities for how marine renewable energy can contribute to achieving decarbonization goals through the production of green fuels such as hydrogen, as well as displacement of diesel in remote communities and other marine industries. Learn more about Marine Renewables Canada at www.marinerenewables.ca

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION

The marine renewable energy sector is facing a very exciting and critical time. In the global race to meet decarbonization goals, renewable energy will play a critical role - and marine renewable energy offers unique solutions for both climate change and building a sustainable blue economy.

At Marine Renewables Canada (MRC), we are working to support growth of the sector and ensure that thoughtful solutions are developed to address challenges facing future development. This includes strong policy advocacy, outreach and education initiatives.

As the sector and association grow, we are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join our team!

The Senior Policy Advisor will play a vital role in MRC's advocacy, government relations, strategy, and outreach efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Policy Advisor will be responsible for identifying opportunities for MRC advocacy on critical policy and regulatory issues, liaising with government and developing policy input, leading policy discussions with members and external parties, and supporting association outreach efforts by working closely with staff, members, and external collaborators and networks. The Senior Policy Advisor will be expected to build strong relationships and facilitate communication with government officials, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.

This is a challenging and dynamic opportunity for someone who is passionate about renewable energy and eager to play an important role in realizing Canada's marine renewable energy opportunity.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Development and Advocacy

• Monitor, research, and analyse legislation, regulations, programs, policy and strategies that may affect the marine renewable energy sector and develop policy input, options and recommendations.
• Draft correspondence, position papers, and reports for government audience and advocacy initiatives.
• Support coordination and preparation of submissions to government consultations and engagement initiatives (ex. pre-budget consultation, election platforms, legislative and regulatory reviews, etc.).
• Manage MRC's strategy and policy-related working groups (including the Offshore Wind Working Group) by coordinating and hosting meetings, developing pre- and post-meeting materials, and gathering information and input from working group members.
• Provide input and expertise towards the development and implementation of strategies to enhance MRC's engagement with federal and provincial governments.
• Create annual Policy Advocacy and Government Relations Plan in close collaboration with the Executive Director that focuses on both federal and provincial policy needs, opportunities, goals, and actions.
• Track and measure activity by maintaining a Policy Advocacy/Government Relations database and capturing and tracking action items complete with post meeting executive summaries.

Government and External Relations

• Liaise with members, industry, government, elected officials, partners/collaborators, stakeholders, and Indigenous communities for various activities and initiatives and build positive and constructive working relationships that can help inform MRC's advocacy and strategic direction.
• Support communications and engagement initiatives and day-to-day requirements as needed through the writing of policy briefs and updates for members, fact sheets, summaries for events/workshops, promotional materials, website, and members' briefing materials.
• Develop and deliver presentations externally and represent the association at both in-person and virtual events and meetings.

General

• Work closely with association staff in the development and delivery of major projects, initiatives, trade missions and events (ex. annual conference, workshops, etc.) as needed.
• Contribute to organizational planning and proposal and project development.

DESIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant experience (5 years minimum) in a policy and/or government relations role.
• Strong time management, organizational, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to multiple priorities.
• Excellent people skills - you have a knack for building trust and relationships quickly and maintaining regular connections.
• Confident, engaging, and persuasive verbal and written communication skills, including an understanding of different communications approaches for different audiences.
• Experience synthesizing research, writing briefing notes, and presenting findings and recommendations.
• A solid understanding of policy-making in Canada at the provincial and federal levels.
• Experience with climate change, renewable energy and decarbonization policy in Canada.
• Knowledge and/or experience in marine renewable energy, energy, ocean sectors or other relevant sectors is an asset.
• A degree in public policy/administration, communications, business, law or related discipline is desirable.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required.
• Fluency in English is essential and French is an asset.
• Must have a valid Canadian driver's license and be able to provide a Driver's Abstract from the Registry of Motor Vehicle.
• Must have authorization to work in Canada.

TERMS & WORKING CONDITIONS

• As a Halifax-headquartered organization with a national scope, MRC is committed to ensuring members and initiatives across Canada are supported and advanced. This is a remote position, requiring travel across Canada. Ideally, the Senior Policy Advisor will be based in or near Ottawa or Atlantic Canada. The Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for having a suitable working location/home office, laptop, printer, office supplies, internet connection, and mobile phone. MRC provides an annual allowance for necessary new office tools and technology as well as a monthly mobile phone allowance.
• This is a full-time, permanent position.
• MRC offers a compensation package including health benefits, flexible working hours, paid vacation, and additional paid time off in the summer (Summer Fridays!) and over the holidays in December.
• Occasional travel will be required, sometimes nationally and internationally.
• Additional hours, or time outside of the normal work hours, will likely be required in order to meet operational requirements of planning and delivering specific projects and events at specific times of the year.

TO APPLY

If this is an opportunity and challenge you are ready to take on and it relates to your experience, we want to hear from you! Please email a cover letter and resume (both in ONE document) to [email protected]

Please note that only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted directly.

Application deadline: Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 11:59 PM (Atlantic time)

If you have questions about the Senior Policy Advisor position, please email [email protected]