BC Poverty Reduction Coalition – Regional Poverty Reduction Coordinator, Okanagan

 

Regional Poverty Reduction Coordinator, Okanagan

BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

 

 

Location: Kelowna, to cover the Okanagan region

Hours: 7 hours/week (with potential for increase, funding dependent)

Salary: Gross salary at 0.2-time for 12 months will be $7,964 (7 hours per week at living wage of $20.64/hr. plus 6% vacation pay)

Responsible to: Community Organizer, BC Poverty Reduction Coalition

Responsible for: Leading on regional activity

Closing date: Aug. 11, 2017, 5:00 PM

Interview dates: early Sept., 2017, (phone interviews to create short-list in week of Aug. 21, 2017)

Starting date: October 2017

 

The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition (BCPRC) raises public awareness about poverty in BC and advocates to the government of British Columbia for a strong, comprehensive provincial poverty reduction plan. The BCPRC aims to use regional organizing to strengthen relationships among anti-poverty groups within the region and to support connection to our provincial network in order to achieve a louder, better coordinated voice for people in poverty and their allies in the Okanagan. It has a dual focus:

  • To inform and change attitudes about people living in poverty.
  • To campaign for positive change in tackling the root causes of poverty.

The BCPRC supports existing campaigns. In particular, it increases the involvement of those with direct experience of poverty and builds movements in support of change.

The position is part-time (1 day/week) from October 2017 to December 2018. Possibility of contract extension and/or additional hours, fundraising permitting. Vancity Community Foundation operates as Secretariat for the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition so the contract position is coordinated through their office in Vancouver but physically located within Kelowna.

The successful candidate will work in partnership with existing organizations to develop and implement strategies for promoting change in the region. They will have skills in building networks and partnerships, campaigning expertise and be committed to the project being directed by the priorities of people in poverty and local organizations working with people in poverty. The post-holder will be required to travel throughout the region and occasionally to Vancouver to meet with colleagues (all travel expenses covered).

 

Main Responsibilities:

Promote regional campaigning hub

  • Act as a resource for local campaigns and groups which work to further the interests of people in poverty in keeping with the aims and values of this project
  • Strengthen existing networks and build practical partnerships
  • Direct resources and opportunities to those with direct experience of poverty to facilitate their involvement

Campaigning

  • Collate regional evidence and case studies in support of identified provincial campaigns
  • Support local organizations/networks to campaign on regional/local issues
  • Connect with regional academic/community researchers to partner on community-led research in support of identified campaigns

Leadership Development

  • Facilitate leadership development initiative with people in poverty to ensure their voices are leading campaigns (using model already developed by BCPRC)
  • Assist with the development and implementation of the community engagement strategy; provide mentorship to community members involved
  • Assist with the coordination and facilitation of events, meetings and workshops (includes public speaking); maintain long-term engagement of participants
  • Create spaces for interaction between people in poverty and the wider community
  • Build relationships with local journalists and connect spokespeople in poverty to local media

Attitude Shifting / Movement Building
In consultation and partnership with existing organizations, to:

  • Develop, refine and implement strategies for promoting change in the region
  • Influence key MLAs and opinion formers
  • Engage with allied groups where there is potential for untapped support
  • Nurture/publicize outbreaks of community solidarity
  • Engage and mobilize a wider community support base to take action/support identified campaigns
  • Work with people in poverty, community partners and contractors to develop outreach materials including printed, online and video

Organizational

  • Provide oversight of the projects’ activities in the region, ensuring that it remains true to its aims and values
  • Induct and supervise any volunteers
  • Meet with other staff members as required
  • Work with other members of the staff team to define initial and ongoing campaign priorities and benchmarks for success
  • Oversee the project expenditure within the region, maintaining appropriate records and liaising with the Community Organizer regarding expenditure
  • Collate campaign metrics and support any independent evaluation
  • Report to the Community Organizer on the work of the project
  • Bring difficult or contentious issues to the Community Organizer where appropriate

Undertake other tasks as relevant and commensurate with the post.

 

The successful candidate will possess all or most of the following skills & qualifications:

  • Ability to articulate and work with the ideas grounding the BCPRC; commitment to the BCPRC’s purpose and success
  • Knowledge and passion about social justice
  • Experience in community organizing and group facilitation
  • A relationship builder who can work with diverse participants, listen to the needs and perspectives of others, and strive for consensus when possible
  • Knowledge of the political context in BC, primarily at the provincial level but with some understanding of the municipal and federal level
  • Knowledge of the experiences of people in poverty and a good understanding of the issues they are facing
  • Experience of providing a platform for those directly affected by injustice
  • Willingness to take on administrative duties
  • Ability to manage projects effectively
  • Excellent interpersonal skills

 

The BCPRC will prioritize applications from candidates with lived experience of poverty and welcome applications from diverse candidates, including indigenous people, immigrants, people with disabilities, single mothers, and queer and/or transgender people.

 

Contract details

This is a part-time (1 day/week) 15-month contract beginning in October (or as soon as possible in September). Pending fundraising efforts, hours may increase and/or the contract may be extended. Gross salary at 0.2-time for 12 months will be $7,964 (7 hours per week at living wage of $20.64/hr. plus 6% vacation pay).

 

To apply

Submit a cover letter and CV including at least two names of references on or before Friday August 11, 2017 to info@bcpovertyreduction.ca

 

Inquiries specifically about the job may be directed to Omar Chu at 604-877-4554. Please do not phone to confirm receipt of your application. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

 

About the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition:

The BC Poverty Reduction Coalition is a broad-based network of over 400 organizations around the province that have come together around a campaign aimed at seeing the introduction of a bold and comprehensive poverty reduction plan from the government of British Columbia that would include legislated targets and timelines to significantly reduce poverty and homelessness. For more information, visit our website, bcpovertyreduction.ca.