003 - Resolution Specialist

About the role

The Community Relations (CR) team of the Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) is to support MNO’s 31 Chartered Community Councils and three Advisory Councils and their volunteers to function, achieve their purpose and goals and serve the citizens they represent. CR supports councils with all governance matters, reporting, issues management, conflict resolution, addressing concerns, and identifying innovative ways to help the volunteer councils. Increasingly, CR also updates and develops new tools and resources to assist councils in better communicating with the citizens they represent and succeeding in meeting their aspirations.

The Resolution Specialist will report to the Community Relations Manager or designated Supervisor within the Self Government Branch and will have the following key duties and responsibilities: 

What you will be doing

• Utilize specialized knowledge, education and experience gained to meet Community Relations goals and build positive relationships with councils.
• Build strong relationships with the community councils, other MNO employees and branches, and the Provisional Council of the Metis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO)
• Support policies and processes to address complaints and provide Conflict Resolution strategies and the MNO’s Code of Conduct.
• Deal with complex political, governance, confidential, and sensitive issues promptly, with tact, neutrality, discretion, maturity and judgement
• Work closely with the Senior Governance Advisor to address council concerns, complaints, and potential conflicts.
• Interpret governance and policy and provide guidance and advice.
• Regularly engage with elected MNO leadership to identify opportunities and support governance matters of the MNO Community and Advisory Councils.
• Draft briefing notes, memos and reports for senior staff and present to leadership as required. 
• Support council-centric projects and promote citizen engagement and involvement within established priorities and goals.
• Collaborate with the CR team and other branches to provide support to MNO councils.
• Research to support the needs of the Community Relations Team and present findings.
• Work with the CR team to develop and/or provide recommendations for solutions.
• Providing support during the MNO’s annual general meeting (AGM).
• Participate and support the CR’s strategic planning review, strategic goals, work plan, CR-related town halls, PCMNO meetings, and weekly team meetings
• Act as a strong advocate and representative for the MNO in key events and meetings
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned.

 What you will bring

• Post-secondary graduate in Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Human Resources, Political Science, Psychology, Law and Justice or other relevant education. 
• A combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of above
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a related or similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to acquire and expand knowledge quickly and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Strong investigative, research and analytical skills
• Demonstrated experience with conflict resolution or mediation.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality, evidence-based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to assess situations and problem-solve independently
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision  
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to a senior management audience
• Demonstrated ability in policy and procedures development and evaluation
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Advanced communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to flex work hours to accommodate volunteer council meetings.
• Ability to work occasional weekends or travel with overnight stays, may be required.
• Ability to travel and attend and support the MNO’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Bilingualism in French or Michif is an asset but not mandatory