Thursday, November 12, 2009

Intercultural Community Gardens - Job Opportunity

Project Coordinator, Downtown Peninsula Intercultural Gardens Project YMCA Connections, YMCA of Greater Vancouver
Based in Vancouver Full-time Contract Position ending May, 2011
Salary: $45,000 per year with benefits

Situation:
The Downtown Peninsula Intercultural Community Gardens Project is a strategy to use the transformation of public space to develop capacity at a community level to be more welcoming, inclusive and engaged. This multi-organizational initiative is designed to enhance the sense of belonging by immigrants, including refugees, within the community and to develop a sense of interconnectedness between all of the diverse groups that make up the Downtown Peninsula through the following goals:
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To better understand the needs of new immigrants residing in the area and endeavouring to meet those needs effectively and efficiently through cooperative efforts.

To build intercultural competence throughout the Downtown Peninsula community.
To create physical and intellectual spaces that promote intercultural and intergenerational dialogue.

Nature and Scope of Position:
This is a full-time contract position to May, 2011, based out of the YMCA Connections office with off-site duties. The Project Coordinator (PC) works with a Steering Committee and technical staff to plan and implement this project. She/he reports to the Manager of YMCA Connections. The PC will be capable of working independently and in a team context, and be able to work flexible hours (some evenings and weekends). This is an exciting project with tremendous potential - the PC will be bring competence as well as motivation and enthusiasm to this project.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
* Coordinating the overall project, in consultation with the Steering Committee and other staff
* Community outreach within a very diverse community
* Locating appropriate garden sites and assisting with negotiating agreements for the sites
* Recruiting culturally diverse gardeners within the Downtown Peninsula
* Developing and organizing training for prospective gardeners on diversity and community gardening
* Working with gardeners to develop systems, including governance, that ensure the survival and continuity of the gardens
* Based on community feedback, to developing ancillary programming (e.g. community kitchen)
* To complete required administrative work
* To evaluate and report on the program

Qualifications: The person in this position must have:
* A minimum of 3 years of community based work in a diverse, urban context
* Superb organization, planning, communications and marketing skills
* Significant intercultural and/or immigrant service experience
* Excellent facilitation and group dynamics skills
* A post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline
* Good computer skills
* A valid BC driver's license

Desirable skills or qualities:
* Experience with, and understanding of community gardens and organic gardening
* Thorough knowledge of the Downtown Peninsula, geographically and socio-demographically
* Knowledge of the non-profit and immigrant service sector in Vancouver
* Previous program or project development experience, including partnership development
* Knowledge of other languages relevant to the Downtown Peninsula
* Previous experience working with translators and interpreters

If you are interested in this position, please send a resume and a cover letter which clearly and succinctly explains why you are qualified by Friday, November 20. Email submissions are preferred. Please send the letter and resume in the same attached file to:

Manager, YMCA Connections
YMCA Community Services and International Development
Email: linda.rubuliak@vanymca.orgProject Coordinator, Downtown Peninsula Intercultural Gardens Project YMCA Connections, YMCA of Greater Vancouver Based in Vancouver Full-time Contract Position ending May, 2011
Salary: $45,000 per year with benefits

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