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Program Officer, CEDI

 

Position Program Officer, CEDI
Department Growth & Development - COO's Office
Classification  Level 5
Salary Our salaries generally range from $74,095 - $83,738 and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages English is required and French is an asset
Term Contract of 2 years (Possibility of extension)
Location Hybrid (Ottawa)

 

Background

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

With over 2,000 members including Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada’s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.

FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada’s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

 

Major Purpose

Reporting to the Senior Director of Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion (AREI), and working under the leadership of the CEDI Program Manager (Cando), the Program Officer will support the delivery of capacity-building activities for the First Nation–Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) in partnership with four First Nation–municipal teams. 

The primary goal of CEDI is to strengthen the ability of participating First Nations and neighboring municipalities to develop sustainable partnerships and engage in joint, long-term land use and community economic development planning. The Program Officer will collaborate closely with the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando), FCM’s co-implementing partner, to foster relationships between First Nations and municipalities. This includes enhancing mutual understanding of each community’s economic development priorities, governance structures, and land-use planning processes, and supporting joint planning efforts that promote lasting collaboration. 

Following a pilot phase (2013–2016) with six partnerships, a second phase (2016–2021) with nine, and a third phase (2021–2025) with eight partnerships, CEDI Phase IV will launch in April 2025. Over the next two years (2025–2027), the initiative will support eight new First Nation–municipal partnerships through an accelerated two-year participation model. 

The work at FCM includes FCM becoming an even more member-driven organization that balances the realization of its goals with a people-centered approach. The incumbent embodies FCM’s commitment to being a healthy, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organization. The Officer,  will maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and exercise good judgment including the ability to escalate to management when help is required and being able to meet deadlines as set out by their direct manager within a fast-paced corporate environment.

 

Key Responsibilities

Capacity Building and Partnership Support 

  • Plan and deliver capacity-building activities for four partnerships using the Stronger Together approach. 

  • Contribute to general First Nation–municipal partnership support, including coordination, logistics, and administrative tasks. 

  • Provide ongoing third-party support to First Nation–municipal partnerships, including organizing monthly Working Group meetings to help achieve Stronger Together milestones. 

2. Workshop and Event Coordination 

  • Co-design, coordinate, and facilitate bi-annual in-person workshops focused on relationship-building, capacity development, community economic development, land use planning, and collaborative strategic planning. 

  • Assist in organizing and facilitating workshops and sessions—together with Cando—at FCM and Cando conferences/events to showcase CEDI partnerships and their successes. 

3. Grant and Resource Management 

  • Coordinate partnership access to, and utilization of, CEDI Capacity Development Grants. 

  • Ensure timely and accurate financial administration, including the prompt submission of travel expenses and related documentation. 

4. Program Monitoring and Reporting 

  • Contribute to program tracking, monitoring, evaluation, and report writing for funders and stakeholders. 

5. Strategic Engagement and Innovation 

  • Participate in strategic discussions on program model innovation and help implement new strategies. 

  • Take part in FCM/Cando joint meetings as required. 

6. Communications and Recognition 

  • Support communications staff in promoting CEDI’s work on social media and at national events, including FCM and Cando annual conferences. 

  • Help disseminate and recognize Stronger Together milestones and partnership achievements within FCM, fostering internal awareness, organizational learning, and collaboration. 

7. Team Participation and Compliance 

  • Attend regular AREI team meetings and actively participate in weekly one-on-one supervision meetings. 

  • Uphold conduct in line with FCM’s core competencies and business values. 

  • Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements and contribute to a safe, respectful workplace. 

 

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Education 

  • Post-secondary education, (preferably an undergraduate degree in a related field) that is supplemented by three years of related experience working with Indigenous communities, facilitation and demonstrated success in program delivery. 

Experience 

  • Be of the Canadian Indigenous community with knowledge of Indigenous worldviews, cultural protocols, and lived experience that contributes to meaningful and respectful engagement. 

  • Minimum of three years of experience in group facilitation and consensus building, preferably with First Nations and/or municipalities. 

  • Five to seven years of experience in designing community engagement and workshops in-person and online. 

  • University degree from a recognized university in economic development or a field related to the program.  

  • Minimum three years’ related experience delivering capacity development activities.  

  • Knowledge and experience of municipal government with a focus on inter-municipal or regional services is an asset. 

  • Knowledge of the community economic development context within Canada, including existing programs and initiatives is an asset 

  • Knowledge and understanding of economic indicators that provide scope to Indigenous economic development and knowledge of related economic development issues and priorities is an asset. 

  • Experience in dialogic and participatory decision-making design and facilitation. 

  • Experience in project coordination skills with strong ability to multi-task.  

  • Knowledge and experience of working with First Nations. Metis, or Inuit governments.  

  • Ability to work remotely and/or in an open office environment at the FCM head office building located in Ottawa. 

  • Flexibility to travel frequently (up to 35%) across Canada, often to remote communities 

Competencies: 

  • Ability to foster and maintain strong, respectful partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including First Nations and municipal representatives. 

  • Ability to foster and maintain strong, respectful partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including First Nations and municipal representatives. 

  • Demonstrates sensitivity, respect, and awareness of Indigenous and municipal cultures, traditions, governance, and perspectives. 

  • Works effectively in a team environment, both within FCM and with external partners; supports joint problem-solving and shared goal achievement. 

  • Clearly and effectively conveys information, actively listens, adapts communication styles to different audiences, and prepares high-quality written materials. 

  • Confidently leads group discussions, workshops, and meetings, ensuring inclusive participation and productive outcomes. 

  • Gathers, synthesizes, and interprets complex information from multiple sources to support sound decision-making and program improvement. 

  • Strong organizational skills; ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver multiple activities, events, and deliverables within timelines and budget. 

  • Responds effectively to changing circumstances, emerging needs, and evolving project priorities. 

  • Takes proactive steps to address issues and advance project objectives; works independently while knowing when to seek guidance. 

  • Demonstrates commitment to achieving measurable outcomes and supporting the long-term success of partnerships. 

  • Ensures accuracy and quality in all work, from logistical planning to report writing. 

  • Competent in using digital tools and platforms for communication, coordination, data analysis, and reporting. 

  • Acts in accordance with FCM’s values and ethical standards; maintains confidentiality and demonstrates professionalism at all times. Facilitates discussions effectively using a third-party approach and possesses the ability to navigate tension and conflict with confidence and skill both in-person and online. 

  • Writes clearly and effectively, tailoring messages to different audiences. Comfortable using digital media and remote communication tools like Zoom and MS Teams to connect and collaborate.  

  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish support and credibility at all levels, within and outside the organization.  

  • Works independently and effectively manages time and priorities to meet deadlines and achieve results. Consistently produces high-quality work. 

  • Works collaboratively with others, and values diversity and demonstrates respect and sensitivity when working in multicultural and multi-ethnic environment. 

Language Requirements: 

  • The ability to communicate effectively in both official languages is an asset. (verbal, written, comprehension) 

 

Language Requirements

English is required and French is an asset.

 

The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services.  FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.

FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

The future of work at FCM includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. The successful candidate is required live within 80kms of downtown Ottawa and be authorized to work in Canada.

For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at www.fcm.ca. Visit the careers section of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is June 26, 2025, or until the position is filled.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.