Climate Risk Instructor

The Role:

We are seeking a passionate and dynamic Instructor to lead the Climate Risk Summer Camp, part of the Risk Education and Literacy (REaL) program - a collaborative initiative by the Risk and Insurance Studies Centre (RISC) Foundation, supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s PromoScience Grant. This innovative five-day camp introduces Canadian high school students, with a focus on Black youth, to the foundations of Climate Risk . Through interactive, hands-on activities and the immersive use of Virtual Reality (VR), students explore the societal impacts of this theme and develop strategies for risk mitigation and digital resilience.

The educational content was developed in collaboration with experts in the field, namely, Prof. Olaf Weber, Professor at Schulich School of Business and CIBC Chair in Sustainable Finance and the RISC Foundation.

As the Instructor, you will:

• Deliver engaging instruction on the fundamentals of Climate Risk and its real-world applications.
• Collaborate closely with the expert content development team, the RISC team, REaL volunteers, and other staff.
• Inspire and guide students through meaningful, experiential learning opportunities that build digital confidence and critical thinking.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the 5-Day Camp: Deliver the thematic camp, engaging with high school students and guiding them through the curriculum on-site at the camp venue.
• Facilitate Interactive Learning: Use innovative teaching methods, including Virtual Reality (VR) and other interactive tools, to create immersive learning opportunities that enhance student understanding of the camp’s theme – Cyber Risk.
• Collaborate with Diverse Teams: Work closely with the content development team to receive comprehensive teaching materials, and liaise with the RISC team to ensure seamless execution of the 5-day camp.
• Coordinate with Volunteers and Other Staff: Collaborate with REaL volunteers, other staff, and other stakeholders to ensure the logistics and day-to-day activities of the camp run smoothly.
• Deliver Compelling Content: Effectively teach and facilitate the thematic content, utilizing the resources and materials provided by the content development team to ensure an enriching learning experience for students.
• Foster an Interactive Learning Environment: Create a positive, inclusive, safe and interactive atmosphere that encourages participant engagement, collaboration, and learning throughout the camp.
• Monitor and Assess Student Progress: Encourage student participation, engagement, and understanding throughout the camp. Provide feedback and recommendations to enhance their learning experience in future camps.
• Ensure Safety and Well-Being: Oversee the safety and well-being of students throughout the camp, maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment.

Requirements:

• Current PhD or Postdoctoral Candidate in Education, Environmental Science or another relevant field.
• Willing and able to to commute to the camp venue to run the summer camp, for the full period of the camp.
• Prior experience in teaching or leading educational programs preferred. Experience working in a high school or youth-focused setting would be a strong asset.
• Good understanding and knowledge of the thematic content to be delivered – Climate Risk .
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain concepts and engage with participants.
• Ability to build rapport with diverse groups of participants, especially the youth, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
• Strong planning and organizational abilities to manage the camp schedule and ensure smooth delivery of the thematic content and activities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team, particularly with content development and RISC teams, to ensure a cohesive camp experience.
• Ability to think on your feet and manage any challenges that may arise during the camp.
• A passionate, energetic approach to teaching and a commitment to creating a memorable, positive experience for young students.
• Proficiency in using innovative educational tools and technologies (e.g., Virtual Reality, online platforms, and digital resources) to enhance learning experiences.
• Previous experience working with school-age students, especially Black youth or other marginalized groups would be a plus.
• Candidates belonging to EDI-seeking communities are encouraged to apply.

Additional Requirement:

• Vulnerable Sector Check : Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete a valid local Police Check, namely a Vulnerable Sector Check before the start of the camp. For information on Ontario checks, see: For other regions, please consult local police websites.

About RISC Foundation:

Our vision is for risk mastery to advance universal progress through interdisciplinary knowledge, innovative education, and dialogue. We aim for a Risk Management & Insurance (RMI) field grounded in translational, rigorous scientific research, attracting and nurturing top emerging talent, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders for a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous future.

Our mission is to create and mobilize interdisciplinary knowledge to advance the field of Risk Management & Insurance and to develop and establish innovative education and training programs that empower individuals to navigate and master the complexities of risk.

More specifically, with the world’s finest research experts on board and a unique place in the RMI industry, our overarching mission involves the creation of transformative scientific research and its timely translation into tangible, real-world applications within the RMI industry. This entails:

• Conducting comprehensive and rigorous scientific research that addresses industry challenges and paves the way for better systemic risk management solutions.
• Cultivating emerging talent to be ready to step into rewarding RMI jobs and become the risk leaders of tomorrow.
• Working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to bridge the gap between Academia, Industry, and Governments. This collaboration ensures that our initiatives contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous future for all Canadians.