Notice of Opportunity for Ministerial Appointment – Nature Advisory Committee

In June 2022, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) launched the Nature Advisory Committee (NAC), an advisory body inclusive of a diversity of partners and stakeholders with a range of perspectives. The NAC was established to lead to impactful, informed and effective advice to support the Department’s priorities and mandate commitments related to nature. ECCC currently seeks individuals for the NAC that:

• Find innovative solutions to issues related to cross-cutting nature conservation priorities (for example: protected and conserved areas, biodiversity, wildlife, species at risk)
• Offer strategic advice considering the co-benefits of Canada’s social, economic and conservation interests and/or objectives
• Provide expertise and strategic advice on nature priorities, initiatives, policies, and program implementation
• Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships on nature initiatives, and
• Work collaboratively with others towards common goals

Position: Committee members to be appointed by Spring 2025.

Description

Mandate: To provide ECCC and its Minister with strategic advice, recommendations, and innovative solutions to advance progress under ECCC’s nature mandate commitments and priorities, with a priority given to the objective to conserve 30% of Canada’s land, to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, and to achieve a full recovery of nature by 2050. This may cover advice on strategic, legislative, and operational policies, guidelines, regulations, and programs related to nature conservation and sustainable use.

Composition: The NAC consists of approximately 20 strategic thinking individuals who hold relevant practical expertise and have a demonstrated interest in Canada’s nature priorities. The NAC’s membership is diverse and includes Indigenous peoples and individuals from environment non-governmental organizations, Indigenous organizations, industry, academia, and young professionals.

The aim is to achieve a balance of perspectives and expertise from diverse individuals with experience in various sectors and areas of interest.

Term: Up to 10 members to serve a 4-year term. Two-year terms may be considered for youth members (defined as 18 to 29 years old). Newly appointed members will join current NAC members. Intent of overlap is to ensure continuity within the NAC and an easy transition for newly appointed members.

Key Activities: The NAC offers strategic advice and recommendations to ECCC and its Minister, to make further progress and achieve results associated with nature conservation.

Members provide advice to the Minister and departmental officials pertaining to ECCC’s nature mandate priorities, including on operational policies, guidelines, regulations, and programs related to nature conservation. The Minister and departmental officials communicate ECCC’s objectives and priority areas for which NAC advice would be valued, which may include and are not limited to:

• Supporting implementation of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy
• Contributing to the ministerial mandate of 25% by 2025 for protected and conserved areas and working towards 30% by 2030
• Advancing nature-climate linkages including nature-based solutions
• Supporting species at risk protection and recovery in Canada, and the administration and implementation of the Species at Risk Act
• Supporting the Government’s reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples through the conservation of nature
• Working collaboratively and sharing information with other Committees such as but not limited to the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk, federal-provincial-territorial committees, sector tables, and task groups where common nature priorities may exist

Position location/time commitment: The Committee meets approximately quarterly, including up to 2 in-person meetings per year in the National Capital Region. Tele/videoconference working group meetings may occur as deemed necessary.

Remuneration: This is a voluntary position; members do not gain employment with the Public Service of Canada as a result of this appointment.

Note: Upon request, travel expenses will be reimbursed for face-to-face meetings in the NCR at a level consistent with the National Joint Council (NJC) Travel Directive and Treasury Board of Canada Guidelines.

Application process

This appointment process aims to ensure fair and equitable representation on the Committee. ECCC is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free application process. Please contact us at NAC-CCN@ec.gc.ca if you require accommodations during any phase of the application process. All information received relating to accommodations will be kept confidential. The NAC aims to have a diverse membership across Indigenous identity, gender, ability, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds that is reflective of Canadian society. We encourage and value the inclusion of all people including youth and members of the 2SLGBTQ2+ community. Please feel welcome to self-identify as belonging to any of the groups outlined above as ECCC strives to maintain a diverse membership.

In addition, we are actively seeking the inclusion of Inuit, First Nations and Métis membership. If you belong to one of these groups, please feel welcome to self-identify in your application.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice.

Candidates must submit an application to NAC-CCN@ec.gc.ca by January 24, 2025. The application must include the following:

• Curriculum vitae (CV) and contact information (address, email, and phone number)
• A cover letter demonstrating the following:
  • suitability and interest in the position
  • how you meet the eligibility or qualifications requirements, and
• Contact information for 2 references

Eligibility criteria and qualifications

To be considered for this position, please provide a cover letter detailing concrete examples to demonstrate how you meet any of the criteria listed below.

Eligibility criteria

Scientific, technical, or specialized expertise and/or Indigenous Knowledge relevant to nature conservation and restoration, in one or more of the following areas:

• Biodiversity
• Species at risk (particularly terrestrial)
• Migratory bird management
• Area-based conservation
• Wildlife management
• Ecosystem services, including recreational services for the tourism sector
• Nature-based climate solutions
• Indigenous leadership in conservation
• Sustainable natural resource industry practices
• Sustainable finance, including blended finance approaches^{Footnote 1}

And/or

Expertise in and knowledge of biodiversity policy at the international, national, and subnational levels, including the likely effects and efficacy of potential measures aimed at addressing biodiversity loss.

Asset criteria

• Experience leading teams or groups of people in one or more of the areas noted above
• Experience conveying your perspectives and advice in the area of expertise indicated above to decision makers in various settings
• Experience working on national policy and in the regulatory context for nature priorities in Canada
• Experience working in the federal-provincial-territorial landscape and/or with Indigenous governments or organizations
• Experience working across sectors as it applies to nature conservation or other areas

Eligibility factors and conditions of appointment

• Persons selected must be at least 18 years of age.
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
• Members must comply with the ethical, political activity and conflict of interest guidelines applicable to federal Ministerial appointments. They are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner’s website (ASPX).
• Members must agree that any information that is not otherwise public, and that was received in the spirit of soliciting advice, will be treated as confidential, unless prior agreement to disclose is shared between members and federal partners.
• Members must be willing and able to travel to the National Capital Region and participate in virtual meetings.

If you are interested, please consider sending your application to become a member of the Nature Advisory Committee.

Equity, diversity and inclusion principles will be considered in the selection of candidates.

Reference checks will be sought to verify the eligibility of successful applicants, and to confirm other personal attributes such as interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively transfer knowledge.

A roster of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for future or similar opportunities.

If appointed, members’ professional information may be shared publicly on a Government of Canada website.