Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager – contract position
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- Application deadline is October 20, 2023
- Contract position, $40 per hour, 10 hours per week for a total of 310.5 hours
- Temporary position (10 months) starting in October 2023 and ending in July 2024
Position overview
- The Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager is a strategic and dynamic person responsible for the delivery of key activities emerging from the first stage of the project completed last year. The second stage of the project is designed to enhance the collaboration of community service organizations, to better support survivors of torture and their families.
- This position involves coordinating with various stakeholders in the development of resources, promoting existing programs, supporting the development of training, engaging in research, and advocating for survivors’ needs.
The Project Manager plays a crucial role in enhancing services, raising awareness, and fostering a supportive environment for survivors of torture and their families in the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Metro Vancouver.
Key responsibilities
Working in coordination with the Project Lead, the Project Manager will be responsible for completing the following deliverables:
Deliverable 1: Survey for stakeholders – October 2023 to November2023
Key questions to ask:
- Inventory of available services for survivors and along with IT provide a portal for these and other resources on our web-site so that they are available to service providers.
- Perception of changes needed on how we provide services.
- Advocacy and research needs
- Training interests:
- how to identify survivors
- what is torture and how it manifests in our community?
- Tips and tools for collaboration in our sector
- Identify potential survivors for interviewing (Survey for survivors through agencies)
- Along with IT provide a listserv so that communication can be as a continuous discussion.
Deliverable 2: Training – January to May 2024
- Schedule at least 2 training sessions for stakeholders based on training interest identified in the survey.
- Public training conferences – at least 2, in January and May.
- In partnership with one or two stakeholders. Potential topics:
- legal aspects of torture in Canada, intersection with other cases of abuse and trauma (honour killing, sexual abuse, human trafficking, racism, etc.)
- Exploring the psychological sequels and harmful effects in the family of the survivors, towards a community support strategy.
Deliverable 3: Case conferencing – every two months – starting in November. At least 3 events
- Follow guidelines collected in the previous stage of the project.
- ask participants to provide a summary of case they wish to discuss, and prepare background on country of origin, history, etc., including demographic summary in the community.
- Schedule an appropriate case conferencing session along with the stakeholders and facilitate the conference as required.
- Write reports on each case to share with the community.
Deliverable 4: Research and advocacy – seen as an ongoing activity.
- Report findings at least twice per year. Coordinate with AMSSA, LIP, VAST, etc.
- Send press releases to the media, be it local, national or international, depending on the issue.
Deliverable 5: Phone line – starting in November, after the survey.
- Define objectives and services to be offered including providing a general operating phone line, and an oversight, referral, problem solving tool, to help torture survivors and their families, by helping the people that serve them.
- Advertise on the website and through stakeholders.
- Design record-keeping tool for evaluation (call number, date, caller, topic, follow up required, completion or pending, etc.)
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, Human Rights, International Relations, or related field.
- At least 5 years experience in community development project management, preferably with immigrant and refugee services organizations in the CRD and Lower Mainland.
- Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and manage multifaceted initiatives.
- Understanding of trauma-informed care and sensitivity to the needs of survivors of torture.
- Proficiency in research, resource development, and curriculum design.
- Demonstrated ability to advocate and engage with policymakers and government officials.
- Passion for human rights, social justice, and creating positive change.
About the VCST
Through our community partnerships, the goal of the VCST is to support survivors of torture and their families, to overcome the legacy of oppression and live with dignity.
The VCST contributes to strengthen an inclusive and compassionate community of services to survivors of torture, their families, and their communities.
The VCST does not provide direct services to survivors of torture.
Work conditions
- The Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager will work in collaboration with the Project Lead, and will be accountable to the VCST Board of Directors.
- The remuneration for this contract position is $40 per hour, 10 hours per week for a total of 310.5 hours as per the budget for wages.
- This is a temporary position (10 months) starting in October 2023 and ending in July 2024.
- The Project Manager works from home, coordinating activities via email, phone and teleconferences, with face-to-face meetings when necessary.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please submit your resume, a cover letter and three references to the Board of Directors of the VCST, at info@vcst.ca. Your cover letter should highlight your relevant experience, skills, and enthusiasm for the Interconnectedness Initiative Project Manager role. The application deadline is October 20, 2023.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you are driven by a commitment to social justice and empowering survivors of torture, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead impactful projects that improve lives and promote understanding within the community.
