Regional Funding Advisor Full Time

About NICHI: 

The National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Inc. (NICHI) exists to uphold and advance housing as a human right for all Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. 

NICHI is built on a principle of cooperation and coordination of expertise amongst members, partners and stakeholders committed to ensuring that no Indigenous person gets left behind because of where they live.  

By establishing a national Urban, Rural, Northern (URN) Indigenous Housing Strategy, NICHI brings together Indigenous-led housing providers and fill a gap as a national coordinating mechanism. NICHI harnesses the extensive Indigenous housing expertise that exists to co-design and co-deliver a national URN housing strategy, distribute resources to Indigenous housing projects and support wrap-around services. Its governance, management and operational structures will utilize the strengths exhibited by Indigenous service organizations. 

Reporting: 

This position reports to the Manager, Regional Funding. 

Position Summary: 

The Regional Funding Advisor is a key source of information and support for Canada’s Indigenous housing organizations and communities. In support of their unique housing needs, the Regional Funding Advisor a trusted and primary resource who assists with managing and administering all

provisions set forth in funding agreements. The Regional Funding Advisor works closely with key stakeholders in each funded project with the goal of achieving successful and sustainable project outcomes. 

Responsibilities: 

Develops business plans and priorities for area of responsibility to align with the organization’s strategic goals; establishes and reports on key performance indicators and outcomes. 

Identifies and establishes key business relationships with Indigenous housing providers and communities to foster knowledge and understanding of unique housing related projects and funding opportunities. 

Analyzes, reviews, and advises internal leadership and external stakeholders on innovative project  opportunities, proposals, programs, legislation, policies, and initiatives.  

Leads and/or participatesin developing policy positions, options, and initiativesfor pressing or emerging community-based housing issues and opportunities. 

Acts as a primary resource and main point of contact to Indigenous housing providers and communities;  provides expertise and helps to manage all funding provisions as set forth in each agreement. Develops and coordinates the implementation of program related legislation, policies, procedures, and  guidelines; monitors and assesses their effectiveness. 

Provides support to establish detailed project plans and manage deliverables in accordance with funding  agreement provisions including project scope, timelines, budget allocation, and reporting requirements. Plans and advises on expenditures, including coordinating and finalizing financial funding agreements  for the delivery of projects and services; assists in the development and assessment of resource  allocation for projects/programs. 

Develops project evaluation frameworks to coordinate and ensure effective project development and  delivery; ensures compliance with all relevant internal policies and procedures. 

Regularly reviews progress and conducts audit analysis of project/program requirements against funding agreement provisions; identifies potential issues/challenges and provides advice to course  correct as required; prepares briefings and reports. 

Follows through with housing organizations and communities to ensure satisfaction with  expertise/advice provided; develops and submits close-out reports for each funded project and related  assistance provided; maintains contact post project/initiative to offer support for future undertakings. 

Responds to inquiries and provides information/ advice as appropriate; analyzes and assists with  resolving complex issues that may be sensitive or high profile and involve multiple stakeholders who  have competing priorities.  

Creates opportunities to develop capacity; assists with navigating the funding landscape and provide  guidance with managing funding / grant proposals and agreements.  

Represents NICHI at meetings and events; establishes and maintains positive business relations/  strategic partnerships with Indigenous housing organizations, government departments, agencies, the  public, other stakeholders, and NICHI team members; maintains a database of key contacts/networks. Develops and delivers presentations and facilitates meetings as required. 

Keeps current on housing initiatives, funding trends, and opportunities at the local/provincial/federal  level; shares information as appropriate. 

Maintains a high level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Requirements: 

Post-secondary degree in business or a related field of study. 

Related and successful experience managing funding/grant proposals, administration and project management, preferably in an Indigenous, non-profit or community development organization. Experience in interpreting and applying legislation, regulations, or policies. 

Fluency in both official languages is considered an asset. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

A deep understanding of the social, cultural, and economic challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples and  communities, particularly in relation to housing. 

Knowledge of Indigenous rights, policies, and frameworks related to housing and community  development. 

Knowledge of local/provincial/federal funds/grants, funding and grant application processes, and the  subsequent administration, management, and compliance of grant/funding provisions. Project management skills. 

Financial management expertise which includes budgeting, financial analysis and reporting. Proven communication skills using multiple channels of communication with a variety of internal and  external stakeholders; is articulate and can verbally communicate well with others; has excellent writing  skills; listens well. 

Skilled in the use of computers e.g. MS Office (Teams, Word, and Excel), databases, email, internet, and  DocuSign; is open to learn other internal systems as required. 

Demonstrated time management skills; manages time and priorities effectively and efficiently and  ensures deadlines are met. 

Valid driver’s license; satisfactory result from a CPIC/criminal background check. Personal Attributes: 

Interpersonal – (is personable and approachable and can build relationships / network with ease; has  empathy, humility, and demonstrates respect for diversity and inclusion and is non-judgmental of others  background, education, language, culture, etc.; must possess and demonstrate Indigenous cultural  awareness and sensitivity) 

Service Orientation (builds a trusting working relationship with others and provides timely service,  advice, and information to meet their needs and objectives; follows through to ensure satisfaction) Results Focused (works to support the success of the others and the organization; is results focused;  

identifies opportunities to improve upon processes/ procedures to achieve quality outcomes) Adaptable (is patient and flexible; can self-regulate and switch gears or be interrupted without becoming  stressed or overwhelmed; can adapt quickly to urgent situations) 

Teamwork (is a contributing member to the team; keeps others well informed; shares information to  assist team members with learning and new, innovative approaches; participates in team-based  opportunities/meetings) 

Organization/Planning (keeps well organized; is efficient and works to ensure deadlines are met;  organizes meetings; plans work flow and responsibilities independently; keeps calendar current)

Problem-solving/decision-making (reflects on/assesses and prepares for potential issues; can  independently resolve sensitive or high-profile issues that may involve multiple stakeholders with  competing interests; suspends judgement until all facts/data are known; mediates disputes or conflict  situations and looks for the middle ground if possible)  

Detail oriented (analyzes detailed information to ensure significant details associated with funding  agreements are identified and complete; ensures documents/reports and other deliverables are  completed in a timely manner and that all detailed information is included)  

Professionalism (understands and demonstrates the mission, vision, values of the organization; ensures  confidentiality is maintained; has a sound work ethic; demonstrates integrity/honesty and is respectful  of others and trustworthy) 

Working Conditions: 

Flexible to work at a distance in a hybrid working environment 

Travel within and outside of the home province 

Working non-routine hours (e.g., working on evenings or weekends) if necessary Extended periods of concentration 

Interaction with senior leadership and the Indigenous housing community 

Working within tight deadlines, specifically regarding the need to produce reports and other materials