Climate Change and Health: Economics, History, Public Health and Capacity Building - Research Affiliate Program

Update: Please note this poster has been extended to October 1st, 2018

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

You must clearly indicate which stream(s) you are applying for on your application.

To be considered for Research Affiliate Program (RAP) work opportunities,
you must meet the following criteria:

Be recognized as having full-time student status by the post-secondary academic institution at which you are currently enrolled (proof will be required).

Be the minimum age to work in the province or territory where the job is located.

The student will be expected to work approximately 15-35 hours per week and be willing to commit to the research project for a period of about 4 to 12 months. The candidate's RAP research activities must be aligned with their Masters or PhD Program that is being conducted to fulfill degree requirements at a recognized post-secondary institution. Research may be conducted in English or French.

Duties

Would you like to help tackle what the World Health Organization calls the greatest threat to human health in the 21st century? If so, come join the team working to protect the health of Canadians from the impacts of climate change and build climate resiliency in our health system.

There are four potential streams you can apply to depending on your knowledge, abilities and interests. These include:

STREAM 1: Economics (Costing the Health Impacts of Climate Change)

Climate change is already having an impact on the health of Canadians and the health system. In order to address these new challenges policymakers need a better understanding of both the economic costs of the impacts on health and health system and the benefits of adaptation actions. You will help advance this work in Canada through conducting a review and providing recommendations on methods and options for cost-benefit analysis of climate change and health issues. The specific focus of research will depend upon your skills, interest, and knowledge.

STREAM 2: History (History of Climate Change and Health in Canada)

Help us understand the past in order to inform the future. There is a long history, both in Canada and internationally, of work to understand and address the health impacts of climate change. You will help us document and understand this work, situate it in domestic and international contexts, and identify lessons for the present and future of climate change and health action.

STREAM 3: Public Health (Protecting Canadians from Extreme Heat)

The health impacts during heat waves has been linked to increases in heat-related illnesses and death, and may have a more profound impact on the health of vulnerable populations (e.g. seniors, children, people living with chronic illnesses, etc). Working with the Heat Division you will have an opportunity to conduct research and support activities related to the implementation of Heat Alert and Response Systems (HARS).

STREAM 4: Capacity Building (Understanding Health Risks and Building Capacity in the Health Sector)

The health impacts of climate change have a profound impact on the health of vulnerable populations (e.g. seniors, children, people living with chronic illnesses, etc) and increase pressure on the health system. Working with the Policy Division, you will have an opportunity to conduct research and support health adaptation programs and outreach activities including those that will support climate resilient health systems in Canada.

Work environment

The Climate Change and Innovation Bureau is the focal point within Health Canada for coordinating research and disseminating information about the impacts of climate change on the health and well-being of Canadians, as well as building capacity across the country to address these impacts.

Positions to be filled: 5

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

A covering letter in 5,000 words (maximum) "Please outline your suitability for the stream(s) you are applying for and your research interests. Please note that this will be used to evaluate your ability to communicate effectively in writing."

Contact information for 2 references.

A list of the courses you have taken as well as any courses that you are taking now, or that you will be taking this academic year

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Common to ALL STREAMS

EDUCATION
The Student must be currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD Program in a recognized post-secondary academic institution with full-time status in a field relevant to the duties of the position.

Degree equivalency

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

ASSET EXPERIENCE:

STREAM 2: History (History of Climate Change and Health in Canada)

- Experience conducting archival research.

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

English or French

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE

STREAM 1: Economics (Costing the Health Impact of Climate Change)

- Knowledge of health economic analysis, research design and methodology

STREAM 2: History (History of Climate Change and Health in Canada)

- Knowledge of methods and techniques for conducting historical research

STREAM 3: Public Health (Protecting Canadians from Extreme Heat)
- Knowledge of the determinants of health and vulnerable populations

- Knowledge of public health

STREAM 4: Capacity Building (Understanding Health Risks and Building Capacity in the Health Sector)

- Knowledge of health sector and/or climate data and trends

ABILITIES:
Common to ALL STREAMS:

- Ability to communicate effectively in writing
- Ability to communicate effectively orally

PERSONAL SUITABILITIES:

Common to ALL STREAMS:

- Analytical Thinking
- Initiative
- Teamwork
- Planning and Organization
- Respectful of Diversity

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Common to ALL STREAMS:

ASSET KNOWLEDGE:

- Knowledge of climate change impacts on health.

ASSET PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

- Creativity and Innovation.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Each student hired through the Research Affiliate Program (RAP) must meet the security requirements of the position as a condition of employment, and therefore will be asked by the hiring organization to complete security-relevant documents.

Successful completion of both a RAP work assignment and your educational program may lead to a temporary or permanent federal public service position for which you meet the merit criteria and conditions of employment.

For further information on the Research Affiliate Program (RAP), please visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/recruitment/students/research-affiliate-program.html.
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce reflective of Canadian society. As a result, it promotes employment equity and encourages candidates to indicate voluntarily on their application if they are a woman, an Aboriginal person, a person with a disability or a member of a visible minority group.
The Public Service of Canada is also committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to a job opportunity or testing, you should advise the Public Service Commission or the departmental official in a timely fashion of the accommodation measures which must be taken to enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Preference

Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.