Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Manager of Healthy Living, Indigenous Food Sovereignty (IFS) Lead will be responsible for the ongoing successful implementation of the Understanding Our Food Systems program. Working with multiple stakeholders and 14 First Nations communities, the IFS Lead will engage partners and plan, promote, implement and evaluate the Understanding Our Food Systems program across Thunder Bay and District. The IFS Lead will develop and maintain productive relationships with local, regional and provincial key stakeholders in order to meet program objectives as well as local work plan deliverables.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working with the Ministry of Health (MOH), a Public Health Nutritionist and the Manager of Healthy Living the IFS Lead will:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with the Understanding Our Food Systems program objectives, deliverables and funding as set out by the MOH.

2. Maintain positive working relationships and provide support to all Understanding Our Food Systems partners, such as 14 First Nations communities, Lakehead University, local Indigenous organizations, First Nations Tribal Councils, and the Northwestern Ontario Food Action Network.

3. Build and strengthen partnerships with internal and external contacts to improve service delivery and support Indigenous food sovereignty across Northwestern Ontario.

4. Develop an advisory committee with a representative of each of 14 First Nations communities to determine community needs, plan and implement activities, and communicate evaluation results.

5. Coordinate program logistics and deliverables to all participating First Nation's communities within Thunder Bay & District.

6. Collaborate with key partners for consultation about program direction and requirements.

7. Collaborate with the MOH, and other relevant partners to undertake the collection of data and evaluation indicators as set by the MOH. Ensure systems are in place to effectively monitor and evaluate progress.

8. Prepare and submit requested IFS work plans and activity reports to MOH as required. Contribute to the development of an annual IFS Program budget.

9. Coordinate community gatherings, meetings and training as required through partner planning.

10. Participate on relevant Health Unit project teams and/or community working groups when requested.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Post-Secondary Education from a college or university in food and nutrition, social work or education.

Minimum 2 years' experience in a related field with demonstrated project management knowledge and experience coordinating large-scale projects that required excellent organization and logistical planning skills.

Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with multiple stakeholders.

Knowledge of First Nation communities across Thunder Bay and district.

Experience working with Indigenous people.

Strong oral and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal and conflict management skills with a respect for diversity and ability to connect with adults and children.

Ability to conduct presentations and media interviews.

Experience developing new and innovative programs or materials and possess knowledge around healthy eating and food systems.

Ability to maintain documentation, keeps records and updates program plans as needed.

Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email and the Internet.

Courses in health promotion principles and program planning and evaluation are an asset.

Experience in program planning, evaluation and data collection are an asset.

Fluency in both official languages is an asset.

Valid driver's licence and access to a vehicle as regional travel is an expectation of this position.

Satisfactory criminal reference check.

Proof of required immunizations.

Willingness to work flexible/irregular hours and travel to First Nation communities to meet program needs.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY:

1. Follows all policies and procedures to ensure personal safety and safety of others.

2. Reports any equipment or safety problems to supervisor.

Posting Closes:

October 29, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is an equal opportunity employer.

Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the recruitment and selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract

Pay: $39.01-$45.90 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Ability to commute/relocate:

Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6E7: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person