Innovation Project Officer - Agent de projet innovation

Position : Innovation Project Officer Location : Ottawa (in person/Hybrid) with consideration for remote Employment Type : Full-Time, term one (1) year About the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL) The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is dedicated to promoting and championing Indigenous languages by supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Canada to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages. Our national team is passionate about our work, and the difference we make with the research, resources and innovation we develop collaboratively with partners and share with Indigenous communities. We have policies in place to ensure a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace, as well as rigorous standards for transparency and accountability. Our Vision: All Indigenous languages in Canada are safe, vibrant, and thriving. Our Guiding Principles

• There is an urgent need for concerted efforts and investments toward the revitalization of Indigenous languages to arrest and reverse the erosion that has already occurred. Research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment.
• Indigenous languages are fundamental to the identities, cultures, spirituality, relationships to the land, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.
• Indigenous languages have and continue to contribute to the strength of Canada as a whole, including biodiversity and the richness of linguistic and cultural heritage. The Commission is committed to protecting the vitality of all Indigenous languages, including sign languages and sleeping languages. We welcome interest by qualified candidates as we expand our national team to launch new, exciting projects and to meet growing organizational needs. About the Role Reporting to the Manager of the Innovation Hub, the Innovation Project Officer is responsible for supporting the grant administration, evaluation, and growth of the Innovation Hub. This role plays a critical function in supporting funding distribution, project lifecycle tracking, initial assessments of applications, and strengthening community engagement to expand participation in the Innovation Hub. Key Responsibilities
• In collaboration with the Manager, support the full lifecycle of innovation-related work associated with grants and funding agreements, including intake, assessment, collaborating with partners, and reporting.
• Build and maintain relationships with experts, rightsholders, communities, organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and advance innovative approaches.
• Build and strengthen reciprocal, meaningful relationships with applicants, communities, networks, organizations, and partners nationally and internationally.
• Support the identification, prioritization, and amplification of innovation-specific language revitalization needs.
• Develop communications materials such as briefing notes, presentations, and project status updates.
• Coordinate timelines, workflows, funding release, approvals and quality control across multiple concurrent projects.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to support coordinated program delivery and consistent communication related to funding opportunities and project updates.
• Assist in maintaining communication schedules, collecting project success stories, and ensuring timely dissemination of information to stakeholders.
• Represent the Commission at key engagements and forums to strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, governments, external partners, and rightsholders. Qualifications Education and Experience
• Degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Studies, Project Management, Social Sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant experience (2-4+ years) in in project coordination, program administration, grants management, innovation programming, community development, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating funding programs, tracking budgets, monitoring project deliverables, and maintaining accurate records.
• Demonstrated experience organizing meetings, events, workshops, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Experience in leading community outreach, stakeholder engagement, and partnership development.
• Experience working with or alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments is an asset. Knowledge and Expertise
• Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, language revitalization priorities, cultural preservation, and the broader policy landscape in Canada, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action .
• Knowledge of Indigenous governance, rights, and culturally grounded community engagement practices.
• Understanding of project management principles, including project planning, implementation, risk management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Knowledge of innovation ecosystems, program development, funding administration, and community engagement practices.
• Understanding of funding programs, grant administration processes, and program evaluation.
• Familiarity with performance measurement frameworks, data collection methodologies, and outcome reporting.
• Knowledge of stakeholder engagement and partnership development practices.
• Understanding of governance structures and operational processes within Indigenous organizations and public institutions is an asset. Skills and Competencies
• Strong project coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to build respectful, collaborative, and trust-based relationships with Indigenous Peoples, communities, rightsholders, partners and funding recipients.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across teams and diverse stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations, funding documentation, and correspondence.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues, assess opportunities, and recommend solutions.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in managing project information, funding records, and reporting requirements.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to coordinate meetings, workshops, and consultations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and project tracking tools.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to reconciliation, cultural humility, inclusion, and respectful engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
• Adaptability, initiative, and a continuous improvement mindset with a focus on achieving results and supporting innovation. Assets
• Proficiency in an Indigenous language and bilingualism (English/French). What We Offer The Commission offers a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental benefits and a pension plan, two weeks paid holidays to begin, plus additional paid days off through the year, including federal and provincial holidays. The Commission offers a wonderful, supportive work environment, with opportunities for career development, mentorship, and professional development. The Commission recognizes that our success requires us to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve, and diversity in its widest context, one where all people, regardless of difference, are valued and respected. Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act . Candidates