Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity

OverviewReconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor — Region of Waterloo. Join to apply for the Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Advisor role at Region of Waterloo.The Region leads the initiative on Reconciliation, decolonization, equity, anti-racism, diversity, and inclusion (REDI) and develops a corporate-wide equity anti-racism framework to eliminate systemic racism in the delivery of programs and services to the public. The role works toward ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and an inclusive, decolonized, anti-racist service culture.Duties / ResponsibilitiesProvides advice and recommendations to management and staff on issues related to the needs and experiences of Indigenous, African, Caribbean and Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+ as well as other groups that experience systemic barriers, from an anti-racism/anti-oppression framework.Engages and supports management and staff in developing and implementing ongoing processes to identify and address systemic barriers and racism within the services they deliver to the community.Supports the REDI team, management, and staff in collaboratively implementing and evaluating a REDI organizational plan to foster a community and service culture of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.Establishes and maintains strong, collaborative, trust-based relationships with community leaders, groups, and organizations serving Indigenous, African, Caribbean, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and other diverse communities to continue building engagement and partnerships.Works with the REDI team, management, and staff on strategies to meaningfully engage members of the local community on issues impacting access, equity, eliminating barriers, and creating opportunities.Leads and/or supports evaluation of the effectiveness of initiatives designed to support Reconciliation, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion using approaches meaningful to both the community and staff.Participates in confidential meetings with HR and senior management related to operational and business restructuring or staff matters; provides information and corporate responses on issues affecting the community and the Region’s REDI commitments.Collaborates with staff on reviewing and creating municipal programs, partnerships, and grant/funding initiatives benefiting community members and organizations led by Indigenous, African, Caribbean, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, and other equity-seeking groups.Facilitates monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on strategic and operational equity initiatives including equity initiative funding.Supports an equity/health equity approach within regional departments, including understanding program access, experiences, and outcomes for clients based on disaggregated service trends and feedback.Stays current on how inequality is expressed by Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities and monitors local issues and trends over time.Engages with external stakeholders regarding service trends and program improvements based on feedback.Assists in reviewing existing barriers within regional departments to understand their impact on staff, leaders, and the public.Researches REDI evidence-informed, leading practices to advise on staff engagement and training to better serve the community, eliminate barriers to programs and services, and improve accessibility.Advises on integrated approaches to addressing equity issues in program/service delivery, considering identity-based data and community engagement.Supports accountability mechanisms to address trends adversely impacting communities through collaborative processes that build trust, inviting insight from external stakeholders and partners into issues and developing shared solutions.Liaises with corporate partners to ensure services reflect the community.Writes and oversees preparation of reports and presentations to Council, and communications to internal and external stakeholders and partners.Supervises students, volunteers, and casual staff supporting initiatives; coordinates work with other team members on projects and initiatives.Backs up directors and acts as a delegate on committees and projects as required.Performs related duties as required.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesPost-secondary degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Indigenous studies, sociology, social work, equity studies, human rights) or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.Brings lived experience and understanding of priority communities, including Indigenous, African, Caribbean and Black, racialized, persons with disabilities, and/or 2SLGBTQ+ or other under-represented groups.Demonstrated commitment to reconciliation, equity, diversity and inclusion.Understanding of historical and contemporary issues faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, including relevant Calls to Action and international human rights frameworks.Experience with inter-sectoral linkages, community engagement, and advocacy.Experience in people-centred community development with diverse communities, including needs assessment, program planning, resource development, facilitation, and project management.Experience with anti-oppression, equity-based approaches, and applying these lenses to municipal governance and community engagement.Knowledge of applicable policies and legislation (e.g., Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, health and safety, employment standards).Experience applying anti-oppression, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination approaches to drive institutional change within diversity and equity frameworks.Project management, results orientation, and ability to organize and prioritize work with proactive problem-solving.Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with diverse internal and external stakeholders.Negotiation, facilitation, mediation, conflict resolution, relationship-building, and effective communication for diverse audiences.Experience interacting with municipal, provincial, and federal agencies.Understanding of colonial frameworks, intersectionality, social determinants of health, and commitment to equity and reconciliation.Awareness of contemporary trends in social justice locally, nationally, and internationally.Ability to work independently as well as part of a team; willingness to travel within Waterloo Region.Accessibility and AccommodationsThe Region of Waterloo is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive workplace. If you require accommodations at any stage of employment, please let us know. Your hiring manager will reach out prior to your start date to discuss role, workspace, and supports. All accommodations discussions are confidential and focus on your success. For questions or to request accommodations, contact talentmanagement@regionofwaterloo.ca or call (519) 575-4400.Equal Opportunity EmploymentThe Region of Waterloo is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to inclusive recruitment. We actively encourage applications from diverse groups, including Black, racialized, First Nations, Métis, Inuit individuals, women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and are committed to equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion in the workplace. #J-18808-Ljbffr