Socio-Economic Development Officer

Reseau du Nord | Soutien a l’immigration FRANCOPHONE Immigration Support Network

Socio-Economic Development Officer

The Francophone Immigration Support Network of Northern Ontario (Reseau du Nord) is seeking a proactive, dynamic, collaborative, and versatile individual to fill the position of socio-economic development officer for the Northwestern region of Ontario.

The Reseau du Nord is a program funded by IRCC and hosted by the Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, as well as the Association des francophones du Nord-Ouest de l’Ontario. It creates connections between organizations in Northern Ontario to establish a system that facilitates the attraction, reception, integration, and retention of Francophone newcomers. It stands out as a facilitator of cohesion and collaboration among the network of organizations and stakeholders involved in the Francophone immigration continuum.

Job Type: Permanent, 35 hours/week
Work Location: Thunder Bay or other city in Northwestern Ontario
Start Date: January 2025
Salary: $0,000 to $60,000 per year
Benefits: Competitive benefits including group insurance, vacation, sick days, and paid personal leave.

Mandate

Reporting to the Coordinator of Reseau du Nord, the development officer contributes to the smooth operation of the program, with the following responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain partnerships with municipalities, post-secondary institutions, employers, and organizations in Northwestern Ontario.
• Organize, manage, and establish local committees focused on Francophone immigration in the Northwestern region.
• Develop and implement local action plans in the Northwestern region.
• Represent the Reseau du Nord at committees, meetings, conferences, and community events of partners.
• Write reports, articles, support letters, grant applications, and other written documents.
• Support members and partners of the Reseau du Nord in their Francophone immigration projects.
• Coordinate and mobilize regional partners around collaborative activities to advance Francophone immigration issues.
• Conduct awareness activities and follow-ups with employers and community partners.
• Identify gaps and potential solutions to improve the Francophone integration pathway.
• Perform any other tasks deemed relevant by the employee and the coordinator in line with IRCC guidelines.

Desired Values

Collaboration

• Be fully committed to the overall success of Francophone immigration in Northern Ontario.
• Engage in open discussions to find the best possible solutions by expressing ideas, opinions, concerns, and questions candidly.
• Actively participate in the implementation of team decisions.
• Follow through on commitments and expectations within prescribed deadlines.
• Accept criticism without becoming defensive, understanding that it is offered in the best interest of the organization and oneself.

Adaptability

• Adjust quickly to specific circumstances.
• Be attentive, curious, and open to ideas that differ from or contradict one’s own.
• Assume good intentions and ask clarifying questions to better understand and accurately interpret clients’ ideas.
• Be versatile and willing to take on or contribute to projects and tasks that may not necessarily fall within one’s main areas of expertise.
• Acknowledge that one does not know everything and seek input from other experts when necessary.

Proactively

• Be a leader and able to identify gaps in the field, potential challenges of an initiative or project, development opportunities, etc.
• Demonstrate creativity in finding the necessary resources (funds, partnerships, experts, etc.) to implement a project.
• Be bold and propose new ways of doing things, new tools, solutions, etc.
• Offer help, expertise, and solutions to serve clientele without necessarily waiting to be asked.
• Remain efficient and organized while maintaining a focus on collective goals to prevent fragmentation.

Catalyst

• Act as a liaison and ensure the coordination of partners to develop continued integration.
• Solicit and value everyone’s opinions by going beyond obstacles and limitations to identify solutions and move things forward.
• Celebrate collective and community successes as well as those of the organization.
• Lead change by daring to step outside one’s comfort zone and innovate when necessary.
• Serve as a role model to encourage stakeholder accountability by maintaining a high level of clarity regarding commitments, decisions, common goals, and messages to be conveyed.

Competencies and Skills

• Skills in consultation, networking, and capacity building among partners
• Skills in consultation, research, prioritization, and planning
• Excellent public relations and promotional skills
• Knowledge of issues specific to Francophone communities in Northwestern Ontario
• Understanding of the needs of Francophone newcomers in Northwestern Ontario
• Familiarity with organizations in Northwestern Ontario
• A university degree in a field related to immigration, economic development, administration, management, or political and social sciences
• Relevant experience in one of the mentioned fields
• Proficiency in software such as MS Office, Adobe Acrobat Professional, and Google Suite
• Excellent understanding of both French and English
• Valid driver’s license

Interested candidates should send their resume along with a cover letter in French to:
Thomas Mercier
Coordinator
tmercier@reseaudunord.ca