Indigenous Training & Protocol Specialist

Role Responsibilities

This position operates under the Indigenous Learning Initiative (ILI) and Indigenous Relations (IR) mandate to work closely with provincial government ministries to ensure Indigenous perspectives are reflected and implemented across government programs policies and initiatives. The ILI increases understanding and supports Alberta Public Service employees in building relationships with Indigenous Peoples in Alberta, as per the government's response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. The Indigenous Training and Protocol Specialist is responsible to develop and deliver training for APS staff to build competencies and cultural awareness to meaningfully engage and work with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Alberta. The Specialist will guide and provide expert advice to other ministry partners that supports the development of policies, programs, initiatives and services that reflect Indigenous perspectives. This position is key to increasing employees knowledge of Indigenous culture, history, world views, and protocols, increasing their desire for further learning leading to respectful dialogue, improved relationships and ultimately reconciliation.

• Liaise with ministry partners to develop an effective and efficient ILI training plan and cultural opportunities that align and meet the training needs of specific ministries.
• Support the operational management of innovative Indigenous curriculum and framework to enhance APS employees cultural competencies, increase knowledge and confidence in interacting with Indigenous communities and organizations across Alberta.
• Develop protocols, guidelines, procedures and best practices aligned to diverse Indigenous cultural groups in Alberta.
• Analyze, evaluate and monitor impact and outcomes of ILI training to ensure Indigenous perspectives are reflected in policies, programs, and services provided to Indigenous Peoples.
• Consult with ministry, Indigenous partners and Elders to develop curriculum, training modules, and deliver enhanced and culturally appropriate training that reflects current research.
• Implement information sharing initiatives and resources for APS employees to access information.
• Build capacity with ILI facilitators to deliver high level training across government.
• Promote transparent and open engagement/communication to increase understanding and bring issues to the forefront.
• Provide support and encourage ongoing discussion with ministry partners, Indigenous Peoples and stakeholders for feedback.

The Job Description is provided for Further details on this position. 

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Agility – Proactively explains impact of change on roles, and integrates change in existing work.

Develop Networks – Creates impactful relationships with the right people.

Build Collaborative Environments - Acknowledges and works with diverse perspectives for achieving outcomes

Develop Self and Others - Works with individuals to develop personal development plans

This link will assist you with understanding competencies.

Qualifications

The position requires a university degree in a related field (such as Indigenous Relations/Studies, Education, Social Services and four years of related experience working and engaging with Indigenous Peoples as well as directly related progressively responsible experience in learning and development.

Equivalency:

• Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
  • 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
  • 1 year of experience for 1 year of education..
    
    

This position requires sound knowledge, understanding and experience in the following areas:

• Broad facilitation experience in Adult Education and facilitating experiential Indigenous training.
• Experience supporting program development, delivery and implementation.
• In-depth understanding of current historical issues affecting Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous rights, legislation, and constitutional frameworks.
• Knowledge of Canadian Indigenous history, culture, diverse Indigenous peoples, social issues, political sensitivities, strengths and challenges.
• Curriculum development and learning strategies related to western and Indigenous pedagogy, engagement, educational concepts, processes and best practices.
• Clear understanding of the social issues being addressed in various Government ministries through programs and the provision of services to Indigenous Peoples in Alberta.
• Interpersonal and collaborative skills, including the ability to work effectively at all levels of government.
• Knowledge of Government of Alberta's policies, guidelines, mandates, and direction concerning First Nations and Metis Settlements.
• Initiatives aimed towards reconciliation - Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, National Action Plan on MMIWG.
• Government of Alberta decision-making processes.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Permanent full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday (In-office). Location 10th Floor, Forestry Building, Edmonton

Candidates may be asked to participate in a written assessment.

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill current and future vacancies at equal or lesser classification across the Government of Alberta.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

• Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).
• Applicants being considered for this position will be required to complete a level 1 Security screening (including an enhanced criminal record check as part of the pre-employment checks for this position.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

What the Government of Alberta has to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.