Government and External Relations Officer

Full-time permanent position based in the CFNU Ottawa Office Application Deadline is 4:30 pm on Friday, January 13, 2017

SCOPE OF POSITION

Under the direction of the President and/or the Executive Director, the Government/External Relations Officer will establish a strong link with government officials, MPs, Canadian Labour Council, other unions, relevant professional associations and key stakeholders important to the work of the CFNU. The position is responsible for the development of briefs, position papers, correspondence and related documents. The position is responsible for coordinating meetings for the President and may be called upon to represent the CFNU in different settings. The position provides strategic advice to the President regarding government processes and public policy development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To create high-quality documents from written materials or verbal instruction, relating to nursing, health care and labour issues
• To undertake regular environmental scanning of political and government events and opportunities
• To identify emerging issues and make recommendations for government and external relations
• To proactively determine action required on internal and external communications
• To develop strategies for the CFNU as it relates to proposed political and parliamentary policies, events and initiatives
• To draft, produce and distribute reports and summaries for the elected officers
• To identify and prepare key messages from action plans/minutes of meetings
• To develop, write or oversee the development of speakers’ notes for provincial and local leaders, members of staff, and to prepare and arrange the logistics of presentations for media briefing and media
• To prepare as required: presentations, briefs, letters, memos, position papers, letters to the editor, op-ed articles, organizational statements and policies related to health care and other CFNU priorities for internal
• and external audiences
• To provide support and prepare briefing notes and background materials for use by the President and the National Executive Board (NEB), that will assist them in the decision-making process relating to the positions and policies of the Federation
• To develop a strong working relationship with federal government officials, politicians, and key contacts in unions, professional associations and other key stakeholder groups
• To have current knowledge of activities within Member Organizations of the Federation
• To work closely with the NEB and staff to ensure familiarity with issues specifically related to government policies and programs with possible effect on the Federation and its members
• To edit and proofread written material
• To achieve goals within budget and time schedule
• Other duties as assigned by the President or Executive Director

CONTACTS

• National Executive Board
• CFNU Staff
• Staff and Committees within Member Organizations

External Contacts:

• Canadian Nurses Association
• Other national nursing and health stakeholder organizations
• Government representatives, members of parliament, federal/provincial/territorial governments
• Canadian Labour Congress, other national unions
• Canadian Health Coalition, other health NGOs
• Other experts

DECISION MAKING AUTHORITY

• Recommends action and procedural changes as appropriate and necessary to the President
• Makes independent decisions, as appropriate, related to the above responsibilities

PERSONNEL RESPONSIBILITY

N/A

FORMAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• A university education in an approved social sciences, political science, journalism or communications program, and/or nursing program, graduate level preferred
• Ability to work in French is desirable

EXPERIENCE

• 5 years or more experience as a senior policy analyst, government relations specialist or related discipline are required, with evidence of ability to combine health policy, government relations and advocacy knowledge/expertise
• Work experience with a union, NGO or professional association, or as an assistant to a federal or provincial/ territorial parliamentarian, is a definite asset
• Knowledge and experience in working with board of directors and membership-driven organizations

KEY SKILLS

• Proven research and writing skills and capabilities
• Demonstrated strength in policy analysis and synthesis
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written; French would be an asset
• Excellent interpersonal skills required to work and communicate with elected leaders, staff, government officials, stakeholders and external resources. An existing network of contacts with such stakeholders would be considered an asset.
• Ability to work effectively with internal staff, elected officers, Executive Board and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of team
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks with conflicting duties
• Ability to anticipate problems and respond with solutions
• Ability to realistically envision deliverables, coordinate and balance workflow to meet deadlines
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills and familiarity with the web and its applications

The individual will work under a collective agreement and will be a member of Unifor Local 567. The salary for this position is $83,439.88.

Applications should be submitted online through the Charity Village portal before the deadline of Friday January 13, 2017. https://charityvillage.com/jobs/search-results/job-detail.aspx?id=352141&l=2

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions

2841 Riverside Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1V 8X7 Tel 1-800-321-9821 or 613-526-4661