National Indigenous Homelessness Engagement Knowledge Carrier

National Indigenous Homelessness Engagement Knowledge Carrier Role Description

Job Title

National Indigenous Homelessness Engagement Knowledge Carrier

Position Type

Project-Specific Contract July 2026 – March 31, 2028

Location

Remote from anywhere in Canada

Closing Date

This opportunity will remain open until filled

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and resume as one (1) PDF to LisaS@nihc-cnasa.ca with the subject line:

APPLICATION - (YOUR NAME) NIHC Engagement Knowledge Carrier

(Please use only this method to ensure that we receive your documents)

Given the mission of the National Indigenous Homelessness Council and the cultural expertise required for this role, First Nations, Inuit, or Métis candidates will be given priority.

About NIHC: Founded in 2018 and incorporated in 2021, the National Indigenous Homelessness Council (NIHC) is a community-led coalition dedicated to serving Indigenous organizations and individuals addressing homelessness. NIHC aims to provide holistic and culturally relevant support and is growing rapidly on the national stage.

Our Core Objectives:

1. Coordinate and implement programs at national and provincial levels to mitigate homelessness.
2. Ensure culturally relevant services for urban, rural, and remote Indigenous peoples.
3. Offer strategic advice and evaluation to governments and stakeholders.
4. Advocate for policies that address and mitigate Indigenous homelessness across diverse communities.

About Reaching Home: Reaching Home is Canada's federal strategy launched in 2019 to combat homelessness, emphasizing community-based solutions and local decision-making. It supports the Housing First approach, ensuring stable housing with supportive services to empower communities in addressing homelessness uniquely and sustainably.

About the Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund (HRIF): The Homelessness Reduction Innovation Fund is a $50 million initiative designed to support communities in developing innovation projects aimed at preventing homelessness and accelerating the creation of housing for individuals currently experiencing homelessness. This funding is part of the federal government’s $1 billion commitment to Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, announced in Budget 2024.

Overview of Role: This role is responsible for leading the development of practical tools and resources to support Indigenous Homelessness Community Entities (IHCEs) and Indigenous Community Advisory Boards (ICABs) in strengthening local homelessness responses. Reporting to the HRIF Manager, this role combines community facilitation with systems-level thinking. The position will work closely with Indigenous partners across the country to ensure that national approaches to homelessness within the Reaching Home program are translated into tools that are relevant, culturally grounded, and actionable at the community level. Key responsibilities include leading engagement processes, synthesizing input, and producing toolkits and guidance materials that reflect Indigenous priorities around data sharing, governance, decision-making, and the realities of cross-jurisdictional collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data Assessment and Community Engagement: Collaborate with Indigenous communities to enhance data collection and ensure processes align with community priorities and ways of knowing, integrating quality improvement methods and tools that support community-led efforts to reduce homelessness.
• Resource Identification and Development: Identify and compile existing resources, design and create tailored toolkits, and ensure Indigenous community perspectives are represented in the implementations of culturally relevant strategies.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with national and local organizations, government agencies, and Indigenous groups to ensure that broader national approaches to homelessness are informed by and aligned with Indigenous ways of being and doing, as reflected in the toolkits.
• Research and Documentation: Prepare reports and documentation outlining the toolkit development process, community engagement findings, and recommendations for ongoing improvements.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish metrics for evaluating the effectiveness of the toolkits and the impact of their implementation in particular communities across the country.
• Collaboration and Advocacy: Provide ongoing support and collaborate with local communities as well as the wider HRIF project team to ensure effective implementation and adaptation of the toolkits as needed.

Travel Requirements: National travel will be required for this role, which may include work extending into evenings or weekends. Additionally, there may be opportunities to present project findings or outcomes at national conferences. Specific travel requirements and knowledge dissemination activities will be determined as the project progresses.

Essential Qualifications & Skills:

• Indigenous Community Experience: Proven experience working respectfully with Indigenous communities and leadership.
• Reaching Home Experience: Minimum of one year of direct experience working with the federal Reaching Home program, with demonstrated knowledge of its structure, funding streams, reporting requirements, and the roles of Community Entities and local governance bodies.
• Relationship Management: Demonstrated ability to manage community relationships effectively.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt approaches and strategies based on community feedback and changing circumstances. Willingness to learn and incorporate new ideas into toolkit development.
• Research, Analysis, and Tool Development: Experience in conducting both qualitative and quantitative research and assessing the quality of data. Proficiency in planning, executing, and evaluating training program projects, with the ability to manage timelines and resources effectively.
• Self-Motivation and Organizational Skills: Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of meeting deadlines.
• Technical Skills: Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and online meeting platforms like Zoom and Teams. Familiarity with qualitative data software is a plus.

Education:

• A degree in Social Work, Public Policy, Community Development, Public Health, or related field. Will consider an equivalent combination of training and direct Indigenous Homelessness Community Entity experience.
• Additional training or certifications in homelessness prevention, community engagement, or issues in Indigenous Data Stewardship are advantageous.

Desirable Attributes:

• Alignment with the principles of Humility, Truth, Honesty, Bravery, Wisdom, Love, and Respect.
• Deep understanding of the diverse cultures, languages, histories, and perspectives of Indigenous communities.
• Familiarity with social, economic, and health issues impacting Indigenous peoples.
• Cultural Competence, Cultural Humility, and Cultural Safety
• Indigenous language skills or bilingualism.

Working Conditions:

• This is a remote position offering flexibility in working location, provided connectivity requirements are met. The role involves significant screen time, and all necessary equipment will be supplied.

Compensation:

• $46/hour based on a 37.5-hour workweek.
• Compensation in lieu of benefits.
• Coverage for internet, work phone, and travel expenses