Remuneration: $11/hr, 30 hours/week, 8 weeks

The Peace and Environment Resource Centre is seeking a responsible, motivated, independent, and reliable individual with a passion for interfaith, intercultural, environmental and social justice to do journalism and communications work relating to faith-based and interfaith environmental initiatives. This position is an opportunity to do meaningful community work related to environmental and social justice awareness and education. Ideal for a student with a strong background in journalism, professional or technical writing, and design, with an interest in interfaith and faith-based environmental sustainability. Special Edition Journalist will also assist with Sustainable Transportation and/or Sustainability editions.

Tasks:

Assist the Editorial Committee to prepare two-three editions of the Peace and Environment News (PEN) on the following themes: interfaith environmental initiatives (writing, interviews, research, and other communications), sustainable transportation, and community sustainability case studies in Eastern Ontario
Assist with identifying, contacting, and collaborating with faith community partners to research, write, and encourage distribution of an edition on interfaith environmental initiatives in Ottawa and throughout the province
Research and help to write 15 – 25 articles relating to sustainability, particularly on faith-based environmental action and interfaith collaboration for earth care, sustainable transportation, and community sustainability articles
Assist with promotion, support, and distribution of the PEN through sourcing appropriate advertisers, distributors, and distribution points
Assist with general communications and other duties as time allows, such as website updates and social media postings on the special edition content and the history and mission of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, one of the longest-standing grassroots environmental and social justice organizations

Skills:

Strong writing and research skills
Exceptional time management skills
Excellent communication (verbal, written) skills, including interviewing
Great interpersonal skills
Exceptional organizational abilities – good time management and task prioritization
Experience with and access to Adobe InDesign an asset
High computer literacy and familiarity with Google Docs, Dropbox, Microsoft Office, Social media and website management an asset (Facebook, Joomla Content Management System)

Relevant Education and Experience:

Studies in applicable fields such as Journalism, Marketing and Communications, Professional Writing, Environmental Studies, Social Studies, and/or Social Work. Journalism training an asset
Demonstrated experience and/or interest in issues of social justice or environment and interfaith/faith-based collaborations

Qualifications:

Must be able to work in a self-directed manner
Must be a positive, confident communicator
Knowledge of and passion for environment and/or interfaith issues
Sensitivity to and interest in intercultural, faith/interfaith and environmental issues as demonstrated through volunteer, educational, personal, or employment experience
Ability to take initiative and work independently as well as with others
Marketing and communications experience an asset
Data management and IT work an asset
Must be willing to work flexible hours, including, very occasionally, evening hours.

Eligibility Criteria:

This position is possible through the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s Canada Summer Jobs program. Please ensure that you meet these requirements before applying.

Applicants must:

Have been a full-time student in the 2014-2015 academic year
Be returning to full-time studies in 2015-2016
Be between 15 and 30 years of age
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have official refugee protection status under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Be legally entitled to work in Canada

We welcome applications from qualified candidates with an interest in interfaith, intercultural, and environmental issues, including Aboriginal persons, new Canadians, and racial/visible minorities.

Application Deadline: 12:00 noon Tuesday, May 5 2015

Expected Start Date: Wed May 13 2015

Application Instructions: Please provide a CV, cover letter and contact information for three references in a single word document or pdf file (please name the file with your firstname.lastname). Applications should clearly address abilities and experience in writing and research, environmental and/or faith-based issues, and/or marketing and communications.

Send application as one attachment to Andrea Dixon at:
perc@perc.ca
with “PERC Summer Employment” in the subject line and indicate availability for interview on the evening of Thursday May 7th and/or daytime of Friday May 8th. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Thanks to Service Canada for helping to provide meaningful summer employment for youth!

About the Peace and Environment Resource Centre: The PERC is a registered charity and grassroots, volunteer-based organization with a mandate to educate, empower and support individuals and organizations working for positive change in peace, environment and social justice issues. PERC has on-site and online resource libraries and also publishes the Peace and Environment News, a volunteer-produced community paper addressing issues of peace and social and environmental sustainability.