Indigenous Project Coordinator

Job Posting #HW 04/23/004 -  please note this number when applying for this position

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The Opportunity: The Rural Development Network is seeking an Indigenous Project Coordinator to support the development of a decolonized data collection tool. Informed by Elders and Knowledge Keepers, this project will support the planning and implementation to provide strategies for gathering data and quantifying housing needs, service needs and community development projects on First Nation communities in Canada. 

This is a 3 month position to start with a good possibility of extension based on the needs of the project and the performance of the candidate. The successful candidate must be willing to participate in on-site community engagement sessions and travel across Canada alongside other members of the team (scheduled in advance), with the understanding that flexibility is required based on each First Nations protocol, customs and requirements. We are looking for a candidate that is a people person - someone who is very comfortable speaking in public, is good at building relationships and facilitating circles of knowledge. The selected candidate is expected to travel to approximately 3 or 4 engagement sessions over the 3 month term.  

The project objectives are to co-develop and publish a well-defined, easy-to-follow process that encompasses the 12 dimensions of Indigenous Homelessness (Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, 2018). This Indigenous-led project, undertaken in partnership with First Nation communities and service providers will be Elder-blessed, and will align with a strength-based approach. Knowledge and information will be gathered in person across Canada and then used to assemble a process. 

The Indigenous Project Coordinator is responsible for assisting with the overall project delivery and ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met. This entails establishing and adhering to project goals, traveling to communities, supporting relationship building with community partners, and ensuring project expectations are met. 

Start Date: Position will start as soon as an appropriate candidate is found - ideally by the end of May/23.

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Salary Range:  This is a 3 month term working based on a 35 hour work week.  The hourly rate is $27/hour.

The RDN office is located in Edmonton, Alberta however this position can be conducted remotely. Please indicate in your cover letter where you are located. Due to the nature of this project, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants. The successful candidate must be located near a major airport for easy access to travel as needed.  

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Responsibilities:

• Help develop a common ground with partner First Nation communities and agencies;
• Conduct reflective learning conversations/circles that are based on Indigenous teachings, methodologies, and traditions;
• Help organize and plan community engagement activities, and facilitate engagement sessions.
• Help to develop and design an adaptable data collection tool that is Indigenous led, culturally appropriate and tailored to the unique needs of First Nation communities;
• Assist with the development of a tutorial guide/training material for the data collection tool;
• Assist with the on-going development of an Indigenous Advisory Board that will inform projects outcomes;
• Help develop and evaluate strategies of meaningful data collection and engagement strategies that respect traditional ways and honor ceremonies;
• Ensuring deliverables are met, and make recommendations and take appropriate actions as required;
• Delivering the project work itself, as well as working with other project staff;

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Desired Skills and Experience:

• Superior ability to build relationships
• Understanding of Indigenous culture, issues and social structures;
• Knowledge of engagement methods and their usefulness to supporting conversations with Indigenous Peoples that are culturally appropriate and culturally safe;
• Knowledge of intergenerational trauma, settler colonialism, and systemic oppression;
• Knowledge of and experience in Indigenous engagement including knowledge of traditional Indigenous protocols;
• Knowledge of survey design and experience in data collection, analysis and interpretation;
• Computer proficiency, especially MS Office programs (Outlook, Excel, Word, Adobe);
• Personal initiative and willingness to contribute ideas;
• Very strong writing skills, and/or copy editing reports;
• Considerable working knowledge of not-for-profit administrative systems and processes, policies, and practices, and general office policies and procedures;
• Excellent organizational and project management skills;
• Experience using Canva is an asset;
• Self-motivated with a high degree of integrity, honesty, and ethics;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment;
• Ability to maintain a very high degree of confidentiality.

Education:

• Education in a related area such as Native Studies, Indigenous Governance, Indigenous partnerships, Social Work, or other related experience is preferred.

COVID-19 & Vaccinations:

RDN is committed to the safety and health of our team and people we work with. Accordingly, it is our responsibility to promote the health and safety of all employees, contractors, clients, and communities we serve by reducing the risks of COVID-19 through vaccination as per AHS guidance. All RDN employees and interns are strongly encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, if they are able to.

How to Apply: 

Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@ruraldevelopment.ca and indicate which position you are applying for.  We recommend applying as soon as possible.  Applications will still be accepted and reviewed until a suitable candidate is found.

About Us

About the Rural Development Network:

RDN is a non-profit organization that supports the sustainability of rural communities. We collaborate to identify and bring focus to rural issues, build local capacity, and find innovative, rural-based solutions to unique issues. Some of the key things RDN does are: managing and delivering projects and initiatives,  helping to identify and access funding to support projects, performing services on a cost-recovery basis, identifying, creating, and sharing tools, information and expertise, and partnering with other organizations on projects to compliment their skills & expertise, and boost their capacity. 

RDN is a very entrepreneurial organization with a diverse team of over 45 staff, and a unique work environment. We have a team-oriented and inclusive culture, we strive to help our staff grow, and encourage team members to explore their interests and develop new opportunities. This position can offer the right candidate an excellent opportunity to take initiative and create something unique, enhance their profile, meet many amazing people and apply their skills to positive social change throughout Canada.

We are committed to and embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. We respect diversity amongst our staff, board members and volunteers. RDN works to ensure and promote inclusivity, recognizing and actively supporting the different needs of our diverse staff, clients, and stakeholders. RDN recognizes that diversity is, and will always be, a key component of rural Canada’s future success, and we strive to ensure that our staff is diverse. We are committed to removing barriers to employment that are faced by equity-seeking groups and encourage (but do not require) members of these groups to self-identify as such in their cover​​ letters. 

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To learn more about RDN, visit www.ruraldevelopment.ca 

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