The Nourish and Develop Foundation (TNDF) is a charitable not-for-profit organization located in Cannington, Ontario (north Durham Region). TNDF provides leadership in enhancing local food security and promoting self-reliance, all part of its poverty reduction strategy. TNDF is seeking a motivated and creative individual who will oversee our Self-Reliance Learning (SRL) program to engage low-income people. The work involves creating innovative approaches and working models to support individuals and groups through environmentally sound and equitable community development practices. This could include, but is not limited to, coordinating and facilitating weekly awareness and learning activities for individuals and groups, including the promotion of the concepts of self-reliance, practical workshops, facilitating community self-reliance projects, establishing local support networks, and sessions that support individual’s livelihood improvement strategies and action plans.
The position hours are 26 hours/week (four 6.5 hrs days) with an initial compensation of $18-20 per hour plus benefits after successful completion of an employment period. We are willing to consider special arrangements (compensation/time) for the right candidate with the best potential. The employment position can be formalized as either an independent contractor (invoice us) or as an employee contract agreement.
Main Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and deliver strategies to promote and enhance people’s self-reliance skills and knowledge
- Coordinate and facilitate awareness and self-assessment sessions for potential program participants
- Outreach and keep participants engaged, motivated, and learning, as they implement action plans
- Help individuals to acquire knowledge, training, jobs, and self-employment skills to improve their lives
- Foster relationships with local businesses, institutions, and groups to support program participants
- Coordinate self-reliance group workshops that include concepts and as well as practical applications
- Assist groups around self-reliance projects (i.e. garden, timebank) to support livelihood improvement
- Coordinate with other TNDF staff around food skill initiatives for people to preserve and prepare food
- Implement SRL sessions that demonstrate the use of simple and effective tools to improve livelihoods
- Ensure a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment for people (mostly low income) to develop awareness of and solutions to their lives most pressing issues (i.e. save money and live better)
- Research and develop other initiatives that consider best practice and get buy-in from clients/people
- Monitor and evaluate self-reliance program effectiveness and success and periodically report on it
Qualifications and Requirements:
- Education and/or excellent working knowledge of community development practices and SR concepts
- Knowledge in planning and executing successful poverty alleviation and self-reliance support programs
- Relevant experience delivering programming to low-income people and/or people with special needs
- Familiarity with traditional and non-traditional teaching methods (mentoring, coaching, counselling)
- Real commitment to local development, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture values and methods
- Excellent communication, leadership skills, ability to plan, multi-task and manage time effectively
- Ability to work and empathize with both individuals and groups experiencing poverty and isolation
- Self-motivated with ability to work independently and in a well-coordinated team environment
Please apply by mailing your cover letter and resume by midnight on Monday, November 14th to:
16 York Street
P.O. Box 580
Cannington, ON L0E 1E0 or
Email info at tndf.ca with attention to hiring committee
Please be aware that only those candidates selected will be contacted.
