Matrimonial Real Property (MRP) Coordinator - First Nations Housing Professionals Association

Job Description / Duties

Reporting to the MRP Manager, the MRP Coordinator is responsible for establishing and maintaining a Centre of Excellence for Matrimonial Real Property to support the effective implementation of the Family Homes on Reserves or Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (FHRMIRA). Responsibilities include conducting in-depth legislative interpretation, research, communication, media relations, resource development, and facilitation. Taking a leadership role, this position guides First Nations individuals, communities and organizations in understanding and applying MRP legislation. Through meticulous research and analysis, the MRP Coordinator develops practical and comprehensive tools and resources, vital for stakeholder engagement and empowerment. Additionally, the MRP Coordinator is instrumental in organizing and leading information sessions at both regional and national levels pertaining to MRP.

Support Centre of Excellence Objectives

• Collaborate with the Administration and MRP Regional Consultants to set strategic work priorities.
• Produce an annual public report on key issues, challenges, success stories related to Matrimonial Real Property legislation.
• Develop, update, publish, and distribute various information publications and tools for stakeholders, including manuals, models, and frameworks addressing relevant processes.
• Implement activities aimed at supporting First Nation communities and organizations in applying MRP legislation and understanding its implications.
• Conduct research to inform decision-making and improve the effectiveness of MRP programs.
• Ensure accessibility of all services and materials in both official languages.

Client Service Results

• Assist First Nations communities in developing their own matrimonial real property laws or in effectively implementing federal law and provide support in creating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Synthesize and distribute knowledge to assist stakeholders in understanding and implementing legislation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including FNHPA staff, MRP Regional Consultants, and First Nations community housing programs, to coordinate capacity building through MRP education and awareness
• Conduct research to produce practical tools resources for stakeholders.

MRP Programming:

• Support with reviewing, evaluating, and revising existing MRP Program materials related to First Nations Housing Programs.
• Assist in developing MRP Program communication plans and materials for dissemination.
• Inform First Nations Housing professional on the proposal development process for accessing MRP project funding.
• Collaborate with the MRP Program Committee to document feedback and provide input on MRP Program strategies and initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of standards and benchmarks for measuring success, program evaluation, and recommendations for program enhancement.

General Project Support:

• Coordinate, plan, and schedule all meetings, events, and training activities related to the program, including managing logistics.
• Coordinate MRP Program training for staff and MRP Regional Consultants as needed.
• Prepare briefing notes and reports for FNHPA Board of Directors meetings.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Establishing effective working relationships with program stakeholders including FNHPA staff, MRP Regional Consultants, and First Nations community housing programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS
• Perform all tasks in a culturally responsive manner, aligned with FNHPA's vision, mission, and objectives.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including public and First Nation communities, Chief and Council members, administrative staff and FNHPA members
• Manage multiple deadlines and interruptions
• Work effectively and efficiently in a flexible office environment
• Possibility of occasional travel, requiring flexibility to work in various locations and schedules as necessary.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or equivalent

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working with First Nations governance, management, and community members.

Knowledge:

• An understanding of First Nations Housing issues and programs.
• An understanding of Matrimonial Real Property and the Family Homes on Reserves and Matrimonial Interests or Rights Act (FHRMIRA).
• Able to design appropriate learning solutions for staff and members.
• Able to integrate new technology to support the certification program.
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

Skills and Abilities:

• Empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to social justice
• Strong organization skills to prioritize tasks according to operational needs.
• Active listening and the ability to communicate to reach a common understanding.
• Able to establish respectful and effective relationships with FNHPA staff, MRP Regional Consultants, and external stakeholders.
• Able to engage is solution-oriented problem solving to address issues as they arise.
• Advanced written and oral communication skills.
• Well developed planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Able to work with members and co-workers in a helpful and respectful manner.
• Conflict resolutions skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong leadership and relationship management skills.

Assets:

• Hold a FNHP designation and be in good standing.
• French bilingual or bilingual in other First Nation languages.

Additional Information

Persons of First Nation ancestry will be given preference (s. 16(1) CHRA). Applicants are asked to self identify in their cover letter.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Contact Information

If you have the required qualifications and can fulfill the roles and responsibilities noted please forward your resume and cover letter by email to carrie@fnhpa.ca to the attention of Carrie Zeppa, Manager, Matrimonial Real Property.