Community Engagement Specialist

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Title: Community Engagement Specialist

Terms: Remote part-time contract (20 hours/week) with benefits 

Length of Contract: October 2024 - September 2025

Deadline for Application: 31 July 2024

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Community Engagement Specialist will contribute to a multi-year project, supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Climate Change Adaptation Program, which aims to understand and address the community-based impacts of corporate adaptation projects through an intersectional lens.

The Community Engagement Specialist will work to develop trust-based relationships with community stakeholders (local community groups, residents, industry groups, etc) impacted by corporate adaptation projects, and provide input and expertise to inform project activities and deliverables. This role requires experience in and a passion for community development, strong communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience working and engaging with equity-deserving communities (including but not limited to racialized, Indigenous, LGBTIQ2S+, women, lower socio-economic class, or other communities particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change such as Northern and rural) on climate, health and well-being, and social-related impacts. We are particularly interested in candidates with strong experience engaging with Indigenous communities. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute a community engagement strategy through a strong intersectional lens, informed by an understanding of the project issue areas. This would entail: 
• Identify relevant communities that are impacted by select corporate adaptation projects and appropriate contacts for outreach. 
• Conduct appropriate and culturally sensitive outreach to communities.
• Facilitate open dialogue with communities and the Project Team through regular meetings.
• Provide ongoing support and act as a touchpoint for communities and the Project Team.
• Provide the Project Team with input and expertise to shape the project’s impact assessment framework and research methodology.  
• Provide the Project Team with guidance and best practices on engaging with communities, particularly equity-deserving communities. 
• Travel may be required to support on-site visits. 

 CORE VALUES

• Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours; acts without consideration of personal gain; resists undue political pressure in decision-making; does not abuse power or authority; stands by decisions that are in the organization's interest, even if they are unpopular; and takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.

• Professionalism: Shows pride in work and achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; and remains calm in stressful situations.

• Respect for Diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds; treats all people with dignity and respect; treats individuals equally; shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making, examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses, and does not discriminate against any individual or group.

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of community engagement principles and best practices.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles.
• Strong alignment with the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact and the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
• French proficiency (spoken and written) would be considered an asset.
• Equity, climate, and/or sustainability-focused background would be considered an asset. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• An undergraduate degree in a relevant field (e.g., sociology, community development, communications) is preferred.
• Mandatory 3-5 years of experience engaging and working with diverse communities, ideally with equity-deserving groups (including but not limited to racialized, Indigenous, LGBTIQ2S+, women, low socio-economic class, and any other intersecting identities, vulnerable communities such as Northern and rural).

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS 

• Salary remuneration: $35.71/hour
• Health and dental benefits package (after 3 month probationary period)
• Paid vacation time
• Hybrid work, including some travel for meetings and the possibility of working out of our office in Toronto a few days per month

JOD REQUIREMENT
To be considered for this position, applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. This includes Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and individuals with a valid work permit.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates should send a cover letter detailing their fit for the position as described and resume to wynnie@globalcompact.ca by 31 July 2024. 

UN Global Compact Network Canada proudly champions diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from qualified candidates from Indigenous, racialized, LGBTQI2S+ communities, those who identify as disabled, and those with intersectional identities.

SELECTION PROCESS

While we appreciate all submissions, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps.

• For selected candidates, the HR team of the UN Global Compact Network Canada will conduct an initial 30-minute screening call.  
• For first-round candidates, the project team will conduct a 60-minute video call focused on competencies, skills, and experience.
• For second round candidates, the project and leadership team will conduct a 60-minute video call focused on competencies, skills, and experience.