Senior Program Officer - First Nations Market Housing Fund

Job Description / Duties

Credit Enhancement and Assessment

• Coordinate preliminary review activities for the credit enhancement program (CE) with First Nation (FN) leadership and administrators.
• Prepare and coordinate meetings for onsite visits with various FNs for review of CE applications, ensuring completion of worksheet prior to visit.
• Conduct Fund presentation at onsite meetings and provide detailed explanation of CE and CD. Gather any outstanding documentation and conduct one-on-one sessions with key staff as necessary.
• Reassess and revise applications/documentation and make changes according to recommendations from the Finance team. Complete CE access review criteria document, update summary application document with recommendations and submit to the Director, Programs and Services for review and approval.
• Organize the CE/CD implementation steps through preparation of customized draft documents for CD Letter of Agreement, Indemnity Agreement and FN profile outline, etc.
• Perform CE reassessment process for FN, as required.

Capacity Development

• Coordinate capacity development (CD) planning such as the development of CD presentation and CD work plan according to CE review.
• Deliver presentation with FN and facilitate CD planning session with a focus on program strengthening, new projects, timelines, CD plan, etc.
• Organize CD program and commencement through review of CD funding requests from FN, confirmation of alignment with CD plan and LoA, documentation request and recommendations to management, communication to FN of approval and CD provider availability for training, etc.
• Assess product inventory system and review and recommend suitable products for promotion within FN. Prepare product descriptions and add to existing inventory of products.
• Monitor CD monthly schedule and obtain FN adoption of final product(s); recommend closing of schedule and preparing CD schedule amendments as needed.
• Facilitate review and update of CD plan on an annual basis with FNs including updated plans to management and FN, request and review of CD timeline, determination of amendment to CD Letter of Agreement, management approval and FN signature, etc.

Relationship Building

• Organize FN community contacts through establishing and monitoring key contacts for CD and CE.
• Develop networks and maintain an active and productive relationship with FN stakeholders, lenders and insurers.
• Monitor the impact of change in leadership, including the senior management team and proactively engage stakeholders.
• Develop presentation regarding the Fund and existing relationships. Provide presentations to support new leadership and follow up with background material.
• Manage CE/CD planning next steps in accordance with any new leadership/administration, ensuring update of agreements or amendments, as necessary.

Business Planning and Reporting

• Conduct business planning through review of CE and CD status reports, strategic planning and new business initiatives.
• Support the development of business process and policies, e.g., IT, occupational health and safety, emergency planning, etc.
• Manage activities that relate to CD database reporting, including opening and closing CD schedules, confirmation of deliverables, activity updates, change of activities, meeting notes, etc.
• Provide management report concerning data for site visit sessions, CD sessions, community visits, reengagement updates, etc.

Team Member

• Work as a team player promoting a positive and professional work environment and conducts role with integrity and respect.
• Demonstrate culturally and ethically appropriate behavior and comply with the standards of conduct developed for FNMHF.
• Abide by the policies and procedures of FNMHF.
• Abide by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and work in a manner that is safe, reporting incidents immediately to direct supervisor.
• Perform other duties as assigned in order to meet the overall goals and objectives of FNMHF.
• Operate within the culture and core values of the organization.
• Maintain knowledge and expertise in relevant fields.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Education and Experience:

• University degree in social sciences, finance, business administration, or related field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in similar positions with increasing responsibilities.
• A combination of education and related experience will also be taken into consideration.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of the FNMHF’s overall objectives, strategy and policies and a solid understanding of its operations and processes.
• Knowledge of program development and delivery, financial analysis, business planning and reporting.
• Knowledge of First Nations housing finance.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy and ability to make effective decisions and solve problems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• French language would be an asset.
• We are committed to addressing the needs and interests of First Nations individuals, families, communities, and Nations in safe and sustainable ways.

Additional Information

Reporting to the Director, Programs and Services, the Senior Program Officer (SPO) supports the overall goals of the Trust mandate between private lenders and First Nations to enable community citizens the same housing choices and opportunities to build, buy or renovate a home on reserve lands.
The SPO is responsible for assessing, evaluating, and providing recommendations as part of the application assessment review process. The position conducts community site visits with First Nation administrators and leadership and through assessment of each and developing funding agreements to support capacity development needs and skills training as identified with the Nation.
The SPO engages in client consultation, relationship building, data gathering and reporting. The incumbent provides substantial input to ongoing program development and ensures operational efficiency and effectiveness according to fiscal and legal requirements. This position requires travel of up to 25%.

Contact Information

hr@fnmhf.ca

Employer Profile

The First Nations Market Housing Fund (the “Fund”) is a registered not-for-profit trust created by the Government of Canada in 2008. The Fund is led by a board of 9 Indigenous trustees from across Canada. The head office is located ‘on-reserve’ in the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne, with one satellite office located in Ottawa, Ontario.
The Fund is honored to be named one of Canada’s Top employers in 2025. The Canada’s Top 100 Employers is a national award competition that recognizes organizations that lead their industries in offering exceptional places workplace with progressive HR programs and policies.
Our mandate is to help facilitate access to financing for loan-based housing in First Nations communities; and to create the capacity in First Nations communities to support and sustain loan-based housing programs.
The successful candidate will receive a competitive salary and benefits package. In addition, Indigenous employees, who meet CRA criteria for working ‘on-reserve’, will have the opportunity to earn tax free income.