Project Manager

**Term**: 24-month contract

**Schedule**: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday*
**Location**: Walkerton, Ontario (telework is an option for this position)

**Purpose of Position**
This position is a 24-month contract position that will work with various interest holders (e.g., Ministry, First Nations (FN), Centre staff and partner agencies) to define, develop, and implement a program that will meet the needs of all parties and provide the highest level of drinking water/water infrastructure support to FN in Ontario.

It is anticipated that the first year of this project will be focused on defining the needs through research and developing a proposal for the program and the second year will focus on the implementation and building interest and participation in the program.

**Key Responsibilities**
- Gather information from all interest holders on the requirements and parameters of the intended program. Working collaboratively with the Manager of Strategic Growth and Planning, design and implement surveys and focus groups to fully understand these requirements and needs.
- Develop recommendations for the program for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of the Centre. Once accepted at this level, this position will be responsible for seeking buy-in and generating participation from all interest holders.
- Implement the approved program which will involve developing procedures, forms, job descriptions, budgets, and other materials. This position will coordinate and host meetings and organize launch events. Will work with all Centre departments to integrate the FN water program into the Centre’s portfolio of service offerings.
- Additional duties may be assigned at the discretion of the position Manager.
- Weekend work may be required on occasion.

**Knowledge, Education and Training**
A minimum two-year (2) college diploma in Business Administration or Aboriginal/Indigenous related field is required. A diploma, certification program, or concentration in Aboriginal/Indigenous relations or a related field would be considered a strong asset.

Knowledge of water systems, water infrastructure and Ontario water regulations would be a strong asset.

**Experience**
A minimum of three years (3) of experience in project management. Prior experience working with FN communities, tribal councils, and interest holders is a strong asset.

Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person would be considered a strong asset.

The incumbent requires good organizational and strong leadership skills to effectively prioritize duties, lead projects and meet deadlines. Strong English verbal and written communication skills are necessary. The ability to communicate professionally to ensure positive internal and external communication with First Nations, Ministry personnel, Centre staff and all other interest holders is required.

An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered.

**Decision-making**
Working with the Manager of Strategic Planning & Growth and the CEO, this position will develop and implement goals for the FN water program. This will involve prioritization of initiatives while keeping the needs of all interest holders in mind. Some independent decision making will be required during focus groups and interest holder meetings.

**Ingenuity and Creativity**
Ingenuity and creativity will need to be applied as this position will be exploring areas to develop new programming and initiatives (e.g. develop SOPs for FN-specific 24/7 telephone support) and possibly expand on current or past efforts in this area. This position will regularly collaborate with other staff specialists, management and interest holders.

**Impact of Action**
This position reports to Manager of Strategic Growth and Planning. The incumbent works with a high degree of independence to set and prioritize the project milestones and meet the deadlines and established objectives.

**Financial Responsibility**
Responsible for monitoring the First Nations water project budget. Any purchases made will follow all accounting and procurement procedures and policies.

**Responsibility for Leadership**
The position does not have direct reports however may provide incidental guidance to internal staff members of the First Nations water project team and other transient team members from MECP and OCWA as required.

**Responsibility for Customer Relationships**
This position will need to establish and maintain good internal and external customer relationships to gain a true understanding of what is important to the project interest holders (e.g. interpreting the needs of FN drinking water operators and Chiefs and Council).

**Communication**
This position will have regular contact with staff and managers throughout the Centre, most often at the senior level. Regular outside contact with Ontario Government organizations (e.g., overseeing Ministry, certification office), FN plant operators, Chiefs and Council, and other external