Job Description

GWICH'IN CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC)

Based in Inuvik, Northwest Territories

A rewarding opportunity exists for you as Gwich'in Child & Youth Coordinator with a progressive Indigenous corporation that is working to reclaim its inherent right to Self-Governance. Take the next step in your career and enjoy small town living, with one of the best landscapes North of 60. This is an exciting leadership and hands-on role that combines your passion in working directly with Gwich'in participants and a wide range of stakeholder groups across the Gwich'in Settlement Region.

Established in 1992, the Gwich'in Tribal Council (GTC) is an Indigenous organization that represents Gwich'in Participants from the Mackenzie-Delta region of the Northwest Territories. Its vision is to be a culturally vibrant and independent Nation that is environmentally responsible and socially and economically self-reliant. Its mission is to protect and advance Gwich'in interests through quality work, collaborative approaches, and good governance to improve the lives of its residents while preserving the language and culture of the Gwich'in. GTC employs about 35 people.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Children hold a sacred place within Gwich'in culture.The Gwich'in Child & Youth Program Coordinator is responsible for leading and overseeing the development, delivery, and evaluation of Gwich'in early learning, childcare and school age programs and services.The Gwich'in Child & Youth Program Coordinator works with parents, caregivers, and communities, through the early years, enhancing language development, overall school readiness and wellbeing for Gwich'in children and youth.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

The Core Responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

1. Program Management

• To support communities and community groups in the planning, design and delivery of early learning and education programs and services. Acknowledging that children's parents and caregivers are their first and best teachers, the Gwich'in Child & Youth Program Coordinator:

• Travels to communities to assess, and generate interest in, the development of quality Gwich'in early learning and educational programming.
• Contributes Gwichi'in voice and leadership in the conception, design and delivery of education and early learning programs and in reclaiming and improving these in the interest of Gwich'in children and youth.
• Develops and delivers or coordinates workshops and presentations to community groups.
• Works in partnership with GSA communities to co-design early learning and educational programming.
• Provides ongoing support and assistance to communities for the planning, design and delivery of quality Gwich'in programs and services.
• Leads the development of new or improved educational materials, tools, and resources to facilitate knowledge translation of early childhood development best practice among GTC divisions, and community practitioners, community partners and families
• Provides expert advice on the design, planning, execution, and evaluation of strategic initiatives to enhance integration of early learning and childcare care programs in community and school throughout GSA communities.
• Prepares briefing notes, reports and presentations concerning early learning and education programs and services, program success and year end reporting.
• Strengthens partnerships with DGO and GSA community staff, GTC staff, GNWT, Education Bodies, NGOs, and Federal partners to facilitate meaningful, holistic early childhood programs in line with Gwich'in values and strategic plans.
• Identifies training and programming potentials at the community and regional level.
• Remains current on related programs and models, and the implications of policies and programs in other jurisdictions. Informs consideration by the GTC of policies of programs.

2. Collaboration

• Liaises and advocates for Gwich'in with system partners, and early childhood centres and education bodies to enhance or expand programming and infrastructure for Gwich'in children and families.
• Collaborates with colleagues, including the participation in interdivisional working groups, territorial and federal working groups and to achieve goals and mandate activities.

3. Provision of Required Reporting

• Maintains monthly expenditure and budget variance reports for the Manager of Education and Training. Provide information to Manager of Education and Training to support internal summary memorandum for review of the GTC Leadership Team and if required, the GTC Board of Directors, for additional funding requirements.
• Reports on program level updates and project budgets as requested by the Manager of Education and Training.
• Promotes and manages the funding for early childhood and early years programming within the GSA region.

4. Gwich'in Government vision of self-determination

• Contributes to the broader efforts of GTC in the interest of Gwich'in self-government by showcasing service excellence, upholding Gwich'in values and making substantive contributions to the lives of Gwich'in people and communities.

This is a new position therefore the duties may evolve and require to perform other tasks, duties and functions as assigned by the Manager of Education and Training.

COMPETENCIES

The Key Competencies required for this position include:

Leadership - self-starter with the ability to research analyze and evaluate alternatives and develop recommendations, typically in a briefing memorandum format. Includes the ability to develop and impart direction and policy development both internally within the organization and to a broader audience.

Proposal Identification & Development - develop and maintain an understanding of the various programs and funding sources available to assist with meeting GTC's mission and vision. Seek and advocate for funding opportunities for GTC and where required, prepare and submit funding proposals to access this funding.

Fiscal Management - create and manage the program budgets. Oversee contribution agreements/contracts and ensure program records are maintained securely and confidentially for legal, operational and historical reference purposes.

Communication - including the ability to calmly, respectfully and assertively represent the GTC and advocate for the interests of the Gwich'in. Ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders across all levels of government and a wide variety of stakeholders. Demonstrate tact, discretion, integrity, adaptability and ability to properly deal with confidential and sensitive information.

Organization - excellent organizational and time management skills. Attention to detail and thorough preparation is essential.

Mentorship - considered by staff and colleagues to be a positive and supportive coach and mentor who works to ensure staff have the skills and abilities to do their jobs, sets out clear objectives, removes roadblocks, provides counsel and advice when required and evaluates performance effectively.

Logistics - ability to work in a cross-cultural environment. Significant travel is required to remote GSA communities and within Canada (approx.. 10-12 times per year).

QUALIFICATIONS

The qualifications required for this position include:

• At least five (5) years equivalent;
• Fluency in English;
• A University Degree in Education, Social Sciences, Health Sciences or a related field;
• Knowledge of territorial/provincial/federal education legislation, policy, research and pedagogy on inclusive schooling, Indigenous education, early childhood education, curriculum design and delivery;
• Basic computer skills in a Microsoft Office operating environment (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Note), Email, Database applications and Internet;
• A valid Class 5 Drivers License; and,
• Experience in consultation and stakeholder engagement.

The qualifications desired for this position include:

• Understanding and a working knowledge of the GCLCA and ability to analyze and interpret legislation, policies and procedures;
• Fluency in the Gwich'in language;
• Experience in early childhood development;
• Experience in customer or member service in the public or Indigenous sectors, ideally in a cross-cultural setting; or,
• Working knowledge of land claim and self-government agreements negotiated throughout Canada.

Preference will be given to candidates who are Participants of the Gwich'in Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement.

Apply on the GTC website at www.gwichintribal.ca no later than November 13, 2022.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Please note that we will only be in contact with those individuals moving forward with.