COMMUNITY FOOD HUB PROJECT LEAD

Project Overview:

Central Cariboo Food Hub is a connected and coordinated network of partners working collaboratively to strengthen regional food security through increased access to food and by supporting a local food system that is prosperous, sustainable and accessible to all, based on the following principles:

ENGAGEMENT: Unite a connected and coordinated network through facilitated activities, consistent communication, and action-oriented time-bound initiatives championed by the community.

CAPACITY BUILDING: Increased knowledge/awareness amongst partners of the systemic drivers of food insecurity and the need for upstream, collaborative, intersectional solutions to increase household food security

ACTION-ORIENTED: Identify community-driven solutions to address local food insecurity while building regional food security through a food systems approach

SUSTAINABILITY: Embed practices that will enhance hub sustainability and maintain engagement beyond the funded year.

This new project will focus on bringing together a range of community partners to develop a regional food hub focused on integrating and coordinating food security and food system activities to maximize the utilization of available food and access to food for all. The focus in the first year will be on hub development and partner capacity building, asset and opportunity mapping, and identifying opportunities to leverage existing resources in a more coordinated and integrated way.

Role of Project Lead/Coordinator:

The role of the Project Lead is to coordinate and facilitate the development of the Central Cariboo Food Hub, in collaboration with partner organizations. Activities will be focused on structure and operations, the initial development of partnerships, and sustainability planning. Core activities are as follows:

Operational activities:

• Attain partnership agreements with core partners
• Identify relevant contributions to operational supports for/from core partners to create synergistic capacities towards shared goals
• Undertake evaluation activities and sustainability planning for hub coordination and growth

Resource development activities:

• Establish a sustainability plan for Food Hub operations and growth
• Leverage existing resources and identify new funding sources for sustainability of Food Hub operations and partner food access activities
• Increase utilization of local food in partner’s food access programs
• Work with SD27 to increase capacity for all schools to offer nutritious, equitable and sustainable school meal programs
• Identify gaps and improve coordination of emergency food access for vulnerable members

Partnership and capacity building activities:

• Convene a regional asset and opportunity mapping activity with key stakeholders
• Convene a hub engagement forum to create a regional picture of what matters most in addressing regional food security and strengthening the local food system (using asset mapping results to guide)
• Supporting and building capacity of food security partners and/or action-based working groups to undertake specific priority actions to increase access to food

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Demonstrated experience with community engagement, collaborative practice, and relationship building, including working with those who have diverse perspectives
• Post secondary degree or diploma in a health or social science field with content in community development, population health, or program development, and/or a comparable combination of education and experience
• Excellent verbal communications skills, including experience with relationship building and making presentations
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written communication skills, including writing media releases, reports, and proposals
• Experience in planning and facilitating small and large groups
• Self starter and strong ability to work independently
• Understanding of diversity, culture safety, and the importance of the principles and practice of reconciliation in community development
• Experience working with local First Nations leadership and community members
• Demonstrated abilities partnering and working with community organizations and businesses
• Demonstrated ability to actively listen in order to provide effective support
• Ability to work remotely from a home office located in Williams Lake or surrounding area
• Valid BC Drivers’ License, access to a vehicle and ability to do some local travel when needed

Terms of Position

This is a limited term, contracted position until March 31, 2022, at approximately 20-25 hrs/week with opportunity for continuation based on funding availability. As a contracted position, this position has considerable flexibility but will be required to be responsive to partners and organizational needs. Remuneration is in the range of $35-40 per hour and will be negotiated based on the skills and experience of the successful applicant. Social Planning Council has a strong commitment to securing ongoing funding for this project into the future.

Questions about this position, or applications with cover letter, resume and references can be submitted to annelburrill@gmail.com

The position is open until filled, with a projected start date of July 15, 2021.