Food Security Manager

It is the mission of Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) to provide Inuit-specific programs that contribute to the health and wellbeing of Inuit, and to encourage and support similar programs for Inuit across the country. With over 30 years of highly successful experience in crafting the design, development, and delivery of a wide range of effective, client-centered services, TI continues to deliver quality programs and services that directly benefit our growing urban Inuit population.

The Food Security Manager is responsible for leading the planning, development, and execution of initiatives aimed at improving access to nutritious, culturally relevant food for urban Inuit. This role ensures the effective delivery of food security programs that address hunger, promote healthy eating, and support community well-being. The manager oversees program operations, fosters community partnerships, and manages resources to meet the needs of urban Inuit, while aligning with the organization’s strategic goals. Ultimately, the Manager of the Food Security Program plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall health and resilience of the community through sustainable food solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Recruit, hire, train, develop, schedule and direct personnel and volunteers as needed
• Order weekly food deliveries from the Ottawa Food Bank and deliveries of country food as needed
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels for the program
• Organize inventory, including the preparation of country food, and ensure timely use to avoid wastage
• Coordinate weekly food distribution to community members
• Ensure adherence to Health and Safety regulations and public health guidelines
• Coordinate community consultation events.
• Research and develop policy frameworks for Food Centre operations.
• Implement programs for education of cooking skills and basic nutrition choices, including recipes the incorporate country food.
• Manage partner and stakeholder relationships
• Develop proposals to secure sustainable funding for the food security program
• Prepare annual program budget and ensure adherence to budget by ongoing financial management.
• Identify the need for new policies and procedures related to food security programs, ensuring they align with organizational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Draft clear, comprehensive policies that cover areas such as food safety, program eligibility, resource allocation, and staff responsibilities.
• Collaborate with relevant departments (e.g., legal, finance, health and safety) to ensure compliance and alignment with broader organizational policies.
• Ensure that all team members are trained in new policies and procedures, providing necessary resources and clarification.
• Integrate new policies into the daily operations of the food security program, monitoring adherence and effectiveness.
• Establish protocols for staff to follow in delivering services, managing resources, and interacting with community members.
• Regularly review and update existing policies and procedures
• Develop and implement systems to accurately collect and track program data, including participant demographics, food distribution quantities, program attendance, and other key metrics.
• Analyze collected data to identify trends, measure program outcomes, and assess the effectiveness of food security initiatives.
• Prepare detailed statistical reports for funders, ensuring all required metrics and outcomes are included. Ensure reports align with funder guidelines, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and how the program meets the agreed-upon goals.

Qualifications

Should have knowledge of Inuit culture, values, traditions, and IQ principles, ensuring that services are culturally relevant and respectful. Strong knowledge of food security principles, especially within marginalized or Indigenous communities, and an understanding of factors contributing to food insecurity. Familiarity with Inuit food systems, cultural practices, and the role of food in community well-being. Knowledge of food safety regulations and practices to ensure proper handling, storage, and food distribution. Familiarity with program management software, spreadsheets, and data management systems to track, analyze, and report on program performance.

Ideal candidate should have strong decision-making skills to allocate resources, set priorities, and manage program challenges. Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and objectives are met. Skills in developing long-term strategies to address food security, including program development, community engagement, and resource allocation. Strong financial management skills, including budget development, monitoring expenses, and resource optimization. Excellent skills in building and maintaining partnerships with community organizations, suppliers, and government agencies to strengthen food security initiatives. Excellent verbal and written communication skills to engage with diverse audiences, including community members, staff, funders, and external partners. Strong interpersonal skills to resolve conflicts within the team or among stakeholders and ensure a collaborative environment. Strong reporting skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports for funders and stakeholders that showcase program impact and outcomes. Experience in leading and managing teams, with the ability to inspire, guide, and support staff to achieve program goals. Experience in managing program budgets, tracking expenses, and ensuring financial resources are used effectively to support program goals. Familiarity with securing funding through grants and donations, as well as reporting to funders on program impact.

Ability to lead and motivate a team, manage staff, and create a positive, productive environment and to manage day-to-day program operations, including logistics, supply chain management, and community outreach.

Ability to advocate for food security issues and promote awareness both within the organization and the broader community. Ability to work with vulnerable populations in a compassionate and culturally sensitive manner. And the ability to use digital platforms for communication, outreach, and program promotion and to develop systems for tracking program data, such as participant demographics, food distribution, and program outcomes.

Completion of Secondary School is required. Community College or Undergraduate Degree in Food Security, Nutrition, Health Sciences, Sociology, Community Development, or a related field is preferred.

Two plus years’ experience is required in Community Engagement, Financial and Resource Management. One plus years’ experience is required in Leadership and Management Skills, Food Security Knowledge, Data Management and Reporting.

Proficient use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, video-conferencing platforms and electronic records management applications and a clear Vulnerable Sector Check with results acceptable to TI is required. Availability to work evenings and weekends is required. Ability to speak Inuktitut is preferred.

**Acceptable combinations of education and experience may be considered for this position. We encourage you to apply if you have equivalent years of education and/or experience equal to the education and experience requirements listed above. ***

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is $82,000 annually
• TI offers a competitive total compensation package. Employees are provided with an exceptional benefits plan which includes major medical and dental coverage for the employee and their dependents, and employee life insurance for those eligible as per the policy.
• TI provides paid sickness, personal and family sickness leave days, and a 24/7 confidential Employee and Family Assistance Plan.
• Vacation (earn 3 weeks/year).

The deadline for applications is March 17, 2025

PLEASE CLICK ON **APPLY NOW** TO SUBMIT YOUR RESUME.

Preference in hiring will be given to qualified Inuit candidates; applicants are encouraged to self-identify. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit our website at www.tiontario.ca to learn more about our programs and services. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request.

The Manager Food Security is located at 297 Savard Avenue, Ottawa (with possibility of change in office location due to internal decisions).

We thank all interested applicants in advance for their interest. Only individuals selected for interviews