Retrofit Financing Researcher

Job title: Retrofit Financing Researcher 

Reports to: Manager, Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund 

Job location: Hybrid or in-person work – 230 Brownlow Avenue, Suite 300, Dartmouth, NS 

Wage: $26.00 / hour

Hours: 35 hours per week (15-week internship) 

Start Date: Expected May 13, 2024 

This position is designated and limited to applicants from the following groups:   

• Black, African Nova Scotian, or people of African Descent 

Employment Hiring 

Clean is committed to Employment Equity and our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels. The Clean Leadership Program welcomes applications from qualified self-identifying First Nations, Métis and Inuit people, Racialized Youth, Persons with Disabilities, Newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ applicants. If you are a member of one of the equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on our registration form. 

About the Clean Leadership Summer Internship Program 

The Clean Leadership Summer Internship program helps grow the clean economy by matching interns (age 15-30) with employers for 9- and 15-week summer work placements. Participating interns will receive paid hands-on experience, mentorship opportunities, take part in a professional development conference and training, while supporting local environmental projects.  

Program Requirements 

• Must be a Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident, person who has been granted refugee status in Canada or legally entitled to work in Canada;  
• Must be between the ages of 15 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of internship; 
• From and/or will be residing in Nova Scotia for the duration of the internship; 
• Must not be an immediate family member of host employer; 

About the host employer 

The Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund invests in an inclusive low carbon future for Halifax/Kjipuktuk, applying a ‘multi-solving’ approach to all our work. We seek to drive down urban greenhouse gas emissions through investments, grants, partnership and capacity building while promoting social equity, Reconciliation and community benefits. HCi3 is one of seven non-profit organizations that, along with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, make up the Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) Network. 

Summary of position  

The host employer for this Summer Internship position through the Clean Leadership program will be the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund. In this position, you will play a pivotal role in conducting a comprehensive review of current financing options for deep energy retrofits in commercial and multi-unit residential buildings in Atlantic Canada, with a specific focus on the Nova Scotian context.  Responsibilities include engaging and collaborating with building owners, managers, and financial institutions to understand their perspectives and challenges related to building retrofits and financing.  This will be done through research, analysis, interviews and round tables to gather insights on current options, gaps and future financial mechanisms.  A successful candidate needs to have a passion and commitment to addressing climate change, a genuine dedication to fostering a more equitable future, and a keen interest in sustainable finance.   

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research on existing financing tools for deep energy retrofits 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Support collaboration with professionals in the green building and financial sectors to gather insights through interviews and round table discussions 

• Knowledge Translation: Leverage the wealth of knowledge shared by building and finance stakeholders and create a repository of valuable perspectives and strategic insights for retrofit financing options. 
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Develop strategies to ensure the retrofit financing is inclusive and diverse, prioritizing participation from African Nova Scotian, Indigenous, and other traditionally marginalized communities, newcomers, people with disabilities, and those identifying as 2SLGBTQ+. 
• Documentation: Maintain detailed documentation of the research and process, ensuring transparency and providing a foundation for future work. 

Requirements/Qualifications 

• Have an aptitude for safe work practices and the ability to multi-task in a busy work environment;
• Be able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback;
• Demonstrated interest in future employment in the environmental or clean sector is considered an asset;
• Passionate about climate change, equity, and finance;
• Strong research and analytical skills;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships;
• Ability to think creatively and contribute innovative ideas;
• An understanding of inclusivity and diversity principles that prioritize underrepresented communities;
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with team members and stakeholders;
• Knowledge of finance tools generally and/or specifically related to building retrofits would be considered an asset.