Specialist, Indigenous Relations, Learning and Development

JOB SUMMARY

The City of Ottawa prioritizes meaningful reconciliation and collaboration with the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation and Urban Indigenous community. Together, we seek to address emerging and systemic issues and needs, support Indigenous-led approaches, and inform improvements to City services for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. The Community and Social Services department (CSSD) works closely with community and internal partners to provide and contribute to equitable and inclusive human and social services that respond to the needs of the people in Ottawa.

The Indigenous Relations (IR) Team works to strengthen relationships between the City of Ottawa and the Anishinabe Algonquin Host Nation and urban Indigenous community. The team supports the City of Ottawa’s ability to respond to Indigenous priorities, advise on the application of an Indigenous lens to City initiatives, and provides advice, guidance and education to staff and senior leaders.

As a member of the team, the Indigenous Specialist, Learning and Development will be expected to contribute to this work in the following ways:

• Help foster learning environments and opportunities that center Indigenous voices and approaches in the development of foundational knowledge, skills and core competencies among City of Ottawa staff and leaders.
• Collaborate with Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to develop a meaningful learning and development strategy to guide this work, monitor its impact, and ensure ongoing relevance and responsiveness of offerings.
• Coordinate, plan, co-develop, and evaluate learning events on such topics as the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and Indigenous rights.
• Identify learning needs, as informed by internal self-assessment and evaluation data, Indigenous community and partner input, and external reports and research.
• Co-create learning opportunities with Indigenous experts, to inform and educate City employees, senior management and City Council on matters related to Indigenous-municipal relations, meaningful reconciliation, governance, inherent rights, and community engagement. 
• Collaboratively and respectfully embed Indigenous perspectives, voices, knowledge systems and methodologies into training and development opportunities, while applying frameworks that protect Indigenous intellectual property and cultural knowledge (e.g., UNDRIP, OCAP).
• Researching, recommending, and procuring high-quality third-party (external) training offerings. This may include engaging external networks, Indigenous partners and organizations to identify external providers and to exchange insights and lessons learned.
• Facilitate group discussions and reflective debrief sessions that support participants to deepen their understanding and application of learning content.
• Support the City of Ottawa’s ability to better respond to Indigenous priorities by developing and leading strategic initiatives and projects.

We also value experience in the following areas: Indigenous pedagogical (or teaching and learning) practices and principles, curriculum co-development and/or adult learning, an awareness and respect for the diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and a knowledge of the local context, protocol and priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in social work, health, social science, public administration or a related field

Master's Degree in social or health sciences, public administration or related field is desirable

Minimum of 5 years of varied, in-depth, incremental work experience in social services, public service, research and statistical analysis, project  management, community development, and strategic planning

KNOWLEDGE

• Community services/non-profit sector in Ottawa
• Corporate and departmental policies and procedures
• Community development, capacity building and inclusive public engagement theory, concepts and practice
• Advanced Research, statistical analysis and report writing techniques and processes
• Project management/Program development
• Policy research and analysis 
• Program evaluation
• Strategic communications, negotiating
• Program and project evaluation and performance measurement processes
• Strategic planning
• Computer applications, including Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Research and analysis techniques/methodologies
• Performance evaluation and benchmarking techniques
• Strategic planning and management principles and techniques
• Program evaluation techniques
• Community consultation modalities
• Best practice approaches related to community services
• Recommending service enhancements
• Manage a variety of multi-faceted projects using project management techniques/skills
• Effective presentation delivery and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of community services
• Establish effective working relationships with various level of staff within the branch, city and department and within the community
• Work well under pressure in an environment of evolution and rapid change
• Advanced computer skills and abilities in statistical modeling and data management utilizing Office Automation software such as Excel, Project, PowerPoint and word
• Possess sound skills in dealing with controversial and sensitive issues, which involve balancing interests of numerous parties with divergent viewpoints
• Plan, develop, organize and implement short and long term projects and strategies within an environment of frequently changing priorities
• Project manage concurrent, complex projects on time and within budget 
• Develop and implement research plans, collect, analyse and validate quantitative and qualitative data/reports from various sources, Organize and facilitate inclusive public engagement processes
• Collaborating with managers, directors, community leaders, the public, elected officials and representatives of external agencies towards consensual solutions and outputs
• Exercise sound judgement and political acumen
• Set and manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Analytical and attentive to detail
• Client-service oriented in dealing with management and staff regarding complex and sensitive issues
• Organized, efficient and productive in carry out responsibilities
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities under tight deadlines
• Contributes to team work, fosters strong working relationships with senior management, branch management, staff and the community