Job Posting

Campaigner

Full-time, two years with the possibility to become permanent.

Application deadline: June 23, 2022

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN) brings together 15 groups to research, monitor and raise awareness about issues relating to genetic engineering in food and farming under our banner of “Collaborative Campaigning for Food Sovereignty and Environmental Justice.” CBAN members include farmer associations, environmental and social justice organizations, and regional coalitions of grassroots groups. CBAN is a project on the shared platform of the MakeWay Charitable Society.

Are you committed to social and environmental justice? Do you want an opportunity to campaign to protect our forests and food system from destructive corporate exploitation? If so, you may be interested in applying for CBAN’s campaigning position.

CBAN is offering a unique opportunity to campaign for environmental justice and food sovereignty through our focus on examining the ecological, social and economic impacts of genetic engineering. The primary focus of this position is to stop the release of genetically engineered trees, but it will also extend to work on other applications of genetic engineering and other issues raised by the use of the technology. No formal scientific training is required.

Gain more campaign experience and skills, learn about genetic engineering, and be a part of a vibrant, positive community that values people and the planet. Be a leader in the campaign to stop genetically engineered trees.

Position Overview

CBAN is seeking a competent, committed and conscientious person with a strong work ethic and strong communication skills to lead the implementation of our national campaign to stop genetically engineered (GE or genetically modified) trees and strengthen our international solidarity work on this issue.

You will work to stop the Canadian and international release of genetically engineered trees through your research and advocacy, and by building relationships of mutual trust and respect with other groups and communities. The release of GE trees into the wild and for cultivation poses irreversible environmental risks and represents a further threat to Indigneous sovereignty. The application of genetic engineering to trees, animals and other organisms diverts our path away from climate justice, towards deeper corporate control over lives and livelihoods.

You will work in solidarity with groups and communities across Canada and around the world, with a focus on exchanging with Indigenous peoples’ groups and communities. CBAN is looking for a courageous, positive person to cultivate relationships with Indigenous groups and other non-governmental organizations and communities in Canada, to dialogue on the issue of GE and GE trees.

CBAN has a unique role in the movement for change, focusing on the challenges and risks posed by the use of genetic engineering in food and farming. This includes the release of genetically engineered trees and other organisms for release into the wild. Join us in this challenging and rewarding work. You can learn more about us at https://cban.ca/about-us/priorities/.

Our Values: Solidarity and justice, with a commitment to collaboration and accuracy.
 
Main qualifications and assets:
·      Excellent communication skills.
·      Demonstrated ability to write clearly about complex issues.
·      Experience in social justice and/or environmental campaigning: in research, outreach, advocacy and/or communications.
·      Experience working with Indigenous communities or organizations and/or in Indigenous-led campaigning is an asset.
·      A second language is an asset.
·      A strong work ethic.

Skills required:
·      Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English.
·      Strategic, creative thinking.
·      Investigative research and critical thinking skills.
·      Organizational skills, ability to work methodically and independently.
·      Precision and accuracy in writing and research, including attention to source material, is essential. Accuracy is a key act of solidarity. You must value the details.
·      Ability to work collaboratively, take constructive criticism and participate in community.
·      Flexibility: Ability to adapt to new information and input, and respond quickly to shifting developments.
·      Ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities include:
·      Outreach to, and relationship-building with, local, regional, national and international social movement organizations and communities.
·      Building new relationships with Indigenous organizations and communities.
·      Ongoing research to inform campaign strategizing.
·      Research for the production of public information materials.
·      Leading the development of campaign strategies.
·      Implementing campaign strategies.
·      Representing CBAN in social movement networks and facilitating communications across cultures and languages.
·      Proactively working as part of a small collaborative team: Reporting progress frequently and discussing campaign developments on an ongoing basis.
·      Representing the campaign in the media and other public fora.

Assets:
·      Experience in Indigenous-led organizing.
·      A second language.
·      A background in forest or food sovereignty campaigning.
·      Familiarity with the issue of genetic engineering.
·      A positive, optimistic outlook with a focus on problem-solving.

Specifics:
This is a remote position stationed in Canada.
Having a working computer and strong internet access is essential for this position.
Candidates must have legal permission to work in Canada.
The position is full-time. Some travel and evening/weekend hours are required.

We encourage applications from women, racialized people, Indigenous people, people with marginalized sexual or gender identities, and people living with disabilities.

We will provide accommodation during all steps of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. Please advise us if you need any accommodation.

Salary and Benefits: $65,000/year with a generous benefits package that includes extended health coverage for you and your family, as well as four weeks of vacation.

Start date: August 1, 2022 (negotiable)

To apply by midnight June 23, 2022: Provide a cover letter, resume, two writing samples, three references, and please also indicate the time zone you will be working in. Send your email to jobs@cban.ca with the subject “Campaigning position – [FIRST NAME LAST NAME].”
In your cover letter, please include your responses to the following questions:
·      How did you hear about this position?
·      What interests you most about this position?
·      What skills and experiences do you have that you want to bring to this work? (briefly)
·      What you want to learn and what skills you want to build? (briefly)
·      What questions do you have for CBAN about our work?
Interviews will be conducted by video conference, in English, in July. The interview process will also include a writing test.

Please circulate widely.