Job Description

Competition # : 41423

Department: Human Rights Commission

Location: Flexible - Digby, Sydney and Halifax

Type of Employment: Temporary

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 19-Jan-24 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

Designation Status

This opportunity is designated to applicants that identify as Mi\'kmaq and/or an Indigenous Person.

See the for more information, including additional details on the designated groups.

About Us

The Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) has a unique role within Nova Scotia. It is an independent government agency tasked with administering the , a provincial statute created in 1969, with the most recent amendments in November 2012. The Commission has many responsibilities. Currently, the Commission is focused on two main areas; providing a human rights dispute resolution process to resolve allegations of discrimination both on an individual and systemic level; and working to eliminate barriers and prevent discrimination through education, training, public engagement, and policy development. The Commission is mandated by the Act to help build inclusive communities and protect human rights in Nova Scotia.

For more information on our department please visit .

About Our Opportunity

As the Mi\'kmaq/Indigenous Education Officer, you play a pivotal role in providing human rights education, enhancing understanding, and raising awareness of the history of Mi\'kmaq Indigenous People and their experiences with discrimination within Nova Scotia. You enhance the effectiveness of the Race Relations, Equity and Inclusion (RREI)Unit by coordinating and promoting human rights education and awareness to First Nations communities across Nova Scotia, and other Nova Scotians in general. In addition, you establish and build effective relationships and networks between the Mi\'kmaq/Aboriginal communities and the Commission. You serve as a resource to help the Commission better engage in traditional Mi\'kmaq/Indigenous approaches (e.g. Healing circles) to resolve human rights complaints. In this position, you will also conduct community outreach and consultation in Mi\'kmaq communities, develop educational materials, and facilitate learning sessions focused on discrimination and human rights education.

Primary Accountabilities

• Develop and deliver human rights education and training to Mi\'kmaq Indigenous communities, and to other communities and organizations across Nova Scotia.
• Develop and conduct community engagement and information sessions.
• Provide educational materials and manage evaluation and follow-up tools.
• Establish and build strong relationships with Mi\'kmaq/Indigenous community members, leaders and Elders while identifying opportunities for collaboration on initiatives and services.
• Respond to requests for information on the Commission\'s programs, policies, and services.
• Develop partnerships with representatives from other government departments (NS Aboriginal Affairs, Canadian Human Rights, etc.)., other provincial Human Rights Commissions, the Canadian Human Rights Commission, and other public and privately-run stakeholder groups and organizations.
• Raise awareness of the mandate of the Commission through participation in community events to support increased partnership and engagement between the Commission and the First Nations communities.
• Coordinate the development of culturally responsive educational resource materials by developing presentations, brochures, mail-outs, media advertisements, and local print media features.
• Coordinate logistical arrangements to prepare for education, consultation and advisory sessions and events.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, you are of Mi\'kmaq/Indigenous descent, with an excellent understanding of the Mi\'kmaq communities\' history and experiences. In addition, you hold a bachelor\'s degree in social sciences, education, Native studies, human rights, public relations, or other related fields, in addition to a minimum of one year of relevant work experience in areas such as education, policy development or community development. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Other required qualifications:

• Experience developing and delivering education and training sessions, workshops, presentations or information sessions to diverse audiences;
• Experience working in Mi\'kmaq communities, or with Mi\'kmaq organizations;
• Experience developing written communications such as presentations, briefings, advertisements, and other print resources;
• Initiative in coordinating outreach and community engagement projects in a culturally responsive and timely manner;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written;
• Excellent judgement and critical thinking skills;
• Proven ability to build and maintain strategic relationships;
• Strong relationship-building and networking skills;
• Good understanding of the Mi\'kmaq communities\' history and experiences in Nova Scotia;
• Knowledge of human rights education, and understanding of social justice, equity and inclusion;
• Ability to work well independently as well as collaboratively with a team.
• A working knowledge in the Mi\'kmaq language would be considered an asset. Experience developing training and education sessions using on-line platforms would also be an asset.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click to learn more about our various benefits offerings and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

This is a Term/Temporary/Casual employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of November 8, 2028. The appointment status (\'term\', \'temporary\' or \'casual\') is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

This is a full-time permanent position. The location of the position is flexible, including in any of the Human Rights offices located in Digby, Sydney and Halifax. You have access to a reliable vehicle and are willing to travel throughout Nova Scotian communities. Travel to Halifax will be required for training purposes. All travel expenses will be reimbursed.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.

Pay Grade: PR 06 - PR 10

Salary Range: $1,915.37 - $2,746.69 Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

Government of Nova Scotia