Makonsag provides a lead administrative role on behalf of the Indigenous Early Years Circle (IEYC) (previously called the Aboriginal Best Start Circle) comprised of all local Indigenous services provides that deliver programming to children 0-6. The goal of the IEYA is to ensure that all Indigenous children aged 0-6 who live in Ottawa have a choice to access holistic, culturally-relevant programs and services that meet their needs, help them develop a sense of self and well-being, and support their families and communities.

POSITION SUMMARY

Makonsag is seeking an Indigenous Early Years Circle (IEYC) Liaison Coordinator, to join the team. The Indigenous Liaison Coordinator will oversee the coordination of the IEYC and share information with the Indigenous service providers. This position will act as a liaison with the City of Ottawa systems planning staff to ensure the IEYC is fully informed and equipped with current information. This position will manage the overall coordination of the IEYC activities, oversee administrative functions for the IEYC and ensure accurate and current systems planning information shared by The City of Ottawa is provided to the IEYC.

Key Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops strong linkages between the City of Ottawa systems planning division and the Indigenous Early Learning Circle community and service providers by seeking out information, attending meetings, actively participating on committees and creating effective relationships on behalf of the Indigenous community and service providers
• Fully upholds established guiding principles of the Indigenous Early Years Circle and responds effectively to changes and growth of the IEYC
• Builds on the work to date of the IEYC and predecessor organizations
• Develops and implements planning tools, guidelines, and to ensure integrated service planning that takes into account the needs of the Indigenous community
• Informs and guides The City of Ottawa on behalf of the IEYC related to Children's Services service targets, strategies, data collection and tools
• Provides and delivers feedback to the city, province, and Indigenous Early learning Circle and develops plans to support the service providers
• Builds Indigenous community understanding of services and supports that are available for use and bridges gaps in accessibility of those services to the Indigenous community to strengthen the capacity of the Indigenous Early Years Circle.
• Liaises and connects with both funders and organizations in order to facilitate sharing of information.
• Disseminates and validates information via project committee networks and presentations. Plans and presents at community events.
• Liaises with the City of Ottawa regarding the interpretation and application of policy, and provides analysis on the City's guidelines and policies related to child and family centers and integrated service delivery to help inform the work of the IEYC
• Participates in engagement sessions, committee groups and various community meetings regarding information dissemination, policy/research issues and service planning as it relates to the Indigenous Early Years Circle
• Prepares briefing notes and information for committee reports
• Prepares IEYC meeting minutes, agendas, and related documentation in consultation with the Char and Co-Chair
• Conducts and evaluates research, analyzes information and develops recommendations for review of the Indigenous Early Years Circle on matters related to child and family centers and integrated children's services
• Creates service linkages between Indigenous services providers by working with IEYC

Qualifications

• Lived experience as an Indigenous person, and experience working with Indigenous families and/or community organizations
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous culture, language and traditions
• Completion of a diploma or degree in the field of Human Services, Public Policy and Administration, Education and/or a combination of relevant experience
• Philosophy must be in line with Makonsag's vision and mandate
• Knowledge and understanding of the specific programs and services available Indigenous children and families in the City of Ottawa
• Thorough knowledge of the legislation and policies governing the planning, funding and delivery of early years programs and services
• Knowledge and ability to establish effective working relationships with a variety of Early Learning community service and support agencies, and levels of municipal and provincial government
• Demonstrates strong project management and planning skills
• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Experience analyzing and interpreting data
• Ability to effectively deliver presentations to a variety of audiences

• Safe Food Handlers Certificate or willingness to obtain
• Standard First Aid, including infant and child CPR
  Police record check (vulnerable sector) completed in the last 6 months
• Knowledge of COVID-19 Policies in an Early Years setting;
• Immunizations up-to-date unless seeking exemption and proof of COVID-19 vaccine (Dose 1 & 2).

Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self- identify. We thank all who apply for this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Should the applicant require any accommodations during the application process please notify Human Resources as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.