The First Nations - Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) Program is a joint initiative of Cando (the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers) and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) with the overall aim to enhance the capacity of participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities to develop and implement joint economic development plans and initiatives. The program will achieve this by: 1) creating opportunities between participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities to enhance their understanding of each other’s community economic development context, as well as governance structures, social customs and cultural practices; and 2) supporting participating First Nations and adjacent municipalities to engage in joint economic development planning processes in order to formulate long-term economic development plans, including a shared vision and goals, and strategies and priorities.

After a successful Phase 1 where CEDI worked with 6 First Nation - municipal partnerships over 2.5 years, CEDI has launched into a Phase 2 over 5 years (2016-2021) with 10 new First Nation - municipal partnerships.

The CEDI Communications and Research Intern will support the CEDI Program by providing administrative, communication, research, analysis, and writing support to the program as it enters its third year of the 5-year program.

This position requires someone with an understanding of First Nations and municipal governments, planning and economic development and an openness to cultural differences and learning. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is passionate about improving First Nation – municipal collaboration in this country.

KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Administration and Communications Support

• Support the CEDI team’s overall activities with participating First Nation - municipal community partnerships;
• Participate in and support CEDI team meetings;
• Responsible for meeting minutes and note-taking during weekly CEDI team meetings, partner working group meetings and possibly, community workshops;
• Assist with file inventory and reorganization of CEDI documents, photos, articles, etc.;
• Assist with CEDI team travel coordination;
• Assist in the creation and updating of content for CEDI website, social media, and other communication channels;
• Support the CEDI team to organize a CEDI panel/reception at the upcoming FCM Annual Conference (June 2018).

Research and Report Writing

• Conduct research on study tour and peer mentorship opportunities;
• Conduct research on First Nation - municipal planning issues as required (i.e. land use planning, additions to reserve, etc.);
• Contribute to donor reports through organization, writing and formatting;
• Assist in CEDI workshop report development through note transcription and writing;
• Conduct additional research and writing tasks as required.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Post-secondary education in a related field (i.e. Business, Indigenous Studies, Economic Development, Communications, Political Science, Planning) or senior-level undergraduate student;
• General knowledge of First Nations’ and municipal governments’ economic development context is required, ideally including issues related to jurisdiction, governance, and inter-governmental relations;
• Excellent research, writing, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills are required;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment is essential; be highly motivated to work with remote colleagues via Skype and other communication tools;
• Interest in working in highly collaborative, dynamic teams in an outcomes-focused, real-time, client service environment;
• Communications experience, particularly in social media and web content management;
• Excellent computer skills (particularly in Skype, MS Office suite); experience with Citrix is an asset;
• Knowledge of or experience in Community Economic Development (CED) an asset
• French-English Bilingualism is an asset;
• Must be available to work in Edmonton, AB for the duration of this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTITUDE REQUIRED

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and professional rapport;
• Strong organization and planning abilities;
• Self-motivated with ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to adapt and be flexible with changing environments and scenarios;
• Client and member centered focus.

Considering a Summer Placement

• This summer placement will be from May - August for a total of 555 hours (or 74 days at 7.5 hours);
• Cando staff work 7.5 hours per day, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, with ½ hour unpaid lunch, Monday through Friday, though this position will accommodate flex time;
• The pay will be $17.50/hour plus vacation pay of 4%, which is subject to statutory deductions.

Deadline for applications: April 6th, 2018

Please forward your cover letter & resume to the attention of Marissa Lawrence, Senior Program Officer, First Nations - Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative, at marissa.lawrence at edo.ca.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.