Data Collection and Analysis on Sustainable consumption

About the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD)

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an award-winning independent think tank working to accelerate solutions for a stable climate, sustainable resource management, and fair economies. Our work inspires better decisions and sparks meaningful action to help people and the planet thrive. We shine a light on what can be achieved when governments, businesses, non-profits, and communities come together. IISD’s staff of more than 300 experts come from across the globe and from many disciplines. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, and Toronto, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries

To learn more about IISD, visit https://www.iisd.org/ .

Project Background and Internship

IISD’s State of Sustainability Initiatives (SSI) has been working to advance sustainable and inclusive value chains since 2008. We provide credible and solution-oriented research, dialogue, and strategic advice for decision-makers about voluntary sustainability standards (VSSs) and other supportive initiatives.

Our goal is to help decision-makers use VSSs as needed to support more sustainable production, consumption, and trade. This work includes helping small-scale producers and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries to access markets and receive fair remuneration.

To achieve its objectives, the SSI team is looking for a student or recent graduate student to support 1) data collection and analysis of sustainable consumption information of leading buyers (traders, manufacturers, and retailers) in eight agriculture commodities and 2) research on consumer preferences, trends, and behaviours regarding sustainable agriculture products in selected emerging economies.

Scope of Work and Tasks

• Support research, data collection, and analysis efforts to understand sustainable consumption preferences, trends, and behaviours in selected markets (40%).


• Research and identify driving forces and enabling or limiting factors and provide recommendations to increase the consumption of VSS-compliant products in selected markets.


•  Conduct data collection on consumption volumes and sustainable sourcing commitments from key industry actors in eight agricultural commodity markets (conventional and VSS compliant) at the global level and in selected emerging economies.    Conduct literature reviews and direct consultations with industry actors to confirm and complete key data points.


• Verify, store, and update consumption data across selected commodity markets in a tool designed by the IISD team.

Supervision 

The selected candidate will report to the Director of Food, Agriculture, and Sustainability Initiatives at IISD, and/or the person designated by her, and collaborate with other members of the IISD-SSI team. As the position is home-based, the intern will be expected to take part in weekly online meetings to follow up on work.

Qualifications

• Interest in IISD’s mission and related projects on sustainable consumption and agriculture.


• Upper-year undergraduate or graduate students of sustainable development, environmental studies, economics,                     international relations, international studies, finance, or related disciplines. 


• Interest in IISD’s mission and related projects on sustainable development and agriculture.


• Sound research, analytical, and writing skills (English). 


• Autonomous, well organized, and self-initiating. 


• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and other software for data analysis and visualization (optional).


• Knowledge of Spanish is an asset
  

Eligibility Requirements

• Possession of a work permit or authorization to work in Canada.


• Enrollment in an undergraduate, graduate (MA, MSc, etc.), or Ph.D. degree program with an educational establishment during the  dates of the prospective internship.


• Excellent academic performance, as demonstrated by a recent university or institutional record.

Time frame and Location: 

The assignment is for 4 months (ideally from March 15 to July 10, 2025). We expect the selected candidate to work 15–20 hours per week. The candidate must be able to work in Canada.

Compensation: CAD 20/hour, depending on experience and education.

Application deadline: Friday, March 7, 2025, 4pm CST.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for Canada.

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR. Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)


• A cover letter (one page)


• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional; right-click to download)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+, to apply for this position. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

IISD does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, caste, ethnicity, religion, colour, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

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