Policy Analyst

ESC is seeking a Policy Advisor responsible for Eastern Canada with a primary focus on advancing policies and regulatory frameworks that enable distributed energy storage and thereby other distributed energy resources (DERs), non-wires alternatives (NWAs), and broader grid modernization.

This new role will support ESC’s efforts to ensure storage plays a central role in emerging distribution system planning, reliability solutions, and decarbonization pathways.

Reporting to the Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs, the Policy Advisor will lead research and policy development related to DER integration, hosting capacity, distribution planning reform, and utility procurement models, with a particular emphasis in the immediate on evolving markets in Atlantic Canada, and Ontario.

The ideal candidate brings 2-3 years of experience navigating provincial regulatory structures, identifying barriers to DER deployment, and engaging directly with utilities, system operators, and government officials to advance modern, flexible grid solutions. Additionally, strong candidates will have experience maintaining successful relationships with governments and corporations, at all levels, be able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and is a collaborative, team player.

Based anywhere in Canada, working remotely, the Policy Advisor is responsible for the following key deliverables:

- Working with the VP, ESC policy staff, member working groups (policy-focused), and ESC consultants, the Policy Advisor will identify and develop policy position recommendations, prioritizing areas for further study and advocacy, within their jurisdiction in support of ESC’s current strategic objectives.

- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with external government and regulatory stakeholders including Ministry staff and the staff of organizations such as the OEB, IESO, NSIESO and others.

- Identifying audience(s) including key decision makers/influencers and producing targeted supporting materials such as correspondence, briefing notes, submissions, and presentations to further ESC’s strategic objectives.

- Consolidating information related to ongoing policy developments and representing ESC and its members at various stakeholder engagements related to energy storage.

- Promoting industry positions with senior government officials and key stakeholders in person and in writing.

Providing advice and analysis to the CEO and VP on major policy programs, and operational issues by:

- Conducting research to support policy, planning, and program initiatives

- Advising Directors on relevant current, new, and emerging policy in the DER, NWA’s space.

- Establishing and maintaining effective communication links between the directors, and the broader team, as well as the flow of advice, information, and interpretations related to their jurisdiction.

- Providing updates to other ESC staff and ESC members related to policy developments as requested/as needed in a timely manner.

- Providing regular updates to ESC’s Board of Directors.

- Organizing a broad range special projects, engagements, and interactions simultaneously.

- Support communications, events and other policy-adjacent initiatives within ESC

- Additional Responsibilities as required

The successful candidate will combine professionalism with experience in policy and advocacy work (ideally in the energy sector).

Job Requirements

- Minimum requirement of a post-secondary degree in engineering, public policy, environmental studies, economics, or a related field.

- Minimum three (3) years’ experience in government relations, stakeholder relations, public policy, communications, or public affairs—ideally within the energy sector or a consultancy serving energy clients

- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to develop evidence-based recommendations and interpret complex regulatory or technical information.

- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including experience preparing policy briefs, presentations, speaking notes, and materials for webinars, conferences, and industry roundtables.

- Experience building and maintaining productive relationships with industry partners, environmental organizations, government representatives, and other stakeholders.

- Demonstrated experience with, and strong interest in, the Canadian energy sector, particularly electricity policy, distributed energy resources (DERs), and grid modernization.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively in multi-stakeholder environments involving utilities, industry associations, developers, and government officials.

- Must be eligible to work in Canada legally

Qualifications

- A self-starter who takes initiative and has excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

- Prior experience collaborating with provincial and/or federal government relations teams is an asset.

- High degree of judgment, initiative, and the ability to work in a primarily remote work environment.

- Experience designing and delivering outreach programs, engagement strategies or stakeholder coordination initiatives in a remove environment.

- Preference given to candidates with experience in provincial energy policy environments in Eastern Canada (Ontario, Quebec, or Atlantic Canada).

- Demonstrated knowledge of electricity systems, energy policy, or regulatory processes considered an asset

- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Outlook).

- Proficiency in French an asset, but not a requirement.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care

- Extended health care

- Flexible schedule

- Life insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision care

- Work from home

Education:

- Bachelor's Degree (required)

Experience:

- policy analysis: 2 years (required)

Work Location: Remote

Application deadline: 2025-12-15