Project Officer, Community Canopies

Title of the Job: Project Officer, Community Canopies

Location: Ottawa, ON

Job Description: The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government. Position Project Officer, Adaptation, Community Canopies
Department Growth & Development – Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
Classification Level 5
SalaryOur salaries generally range from $73,000 – $82,500, and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages Bilingualism (English & French) is required
Term Permanent Full-Time
Location Hybrid (Ottawa)Why GMF is the place for youAt GMF, we empower our people to create change where it has the most impact – municipalities. GMF is a $1.6 billion permanent endowment from the Government of Canada, managed at arm’s length, making it nimble and available for higher-risk, higher-impact initiatives. A further $530M investment into GMF to support the National Adaptation Strategy was announced in November 2022. Our team is committed to helping local governments switch to sustainable practices faster. GMF is the cornerstone program of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).Our unique mix of funding, resources, and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency — and create better lives for Canadians. Through GMF, municipalities have reduced carbon emissions; built better transportation assets; constructed efficient and resilient buildings; diverted waste from landfill; made previously unusable land available for development; and improved soil and water quality.You in this roleThe Project Officer, Community Canopies provides assistance and guidance to applicants to the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) funding process, while providing superior client service in all phases of the funding life cycle. The Project Officer is responsible for reviewing applications for quality, completeness, and adherence to application criteria, summarizing peer review assessments and recommending files for approval. The Project Officer is also responsible for guiding grant recipients through the contract negotiation, execution, and fund disbursement processes.The work at FCM includes our becoming an even more member-driven organization that balances the realization of its goals with a people-centered approach. The incumbent embodies FCM’s commitment to being a healthy, diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist organization. As a member of the organization, the Project Officer Community Canopies works in a manner that embraces these values and the corporate culture, and demonstrates a passion for the FCM mandate.What you’ll be doingThe Project Officer, Adaptation, Community Canopies:

• Acts as primary client contact on a portfolio of applications and funding agreements through the project cycle, responsible for internal and external communications, document review, keeping accurate and up to date records, and ensuring timely processing
• Conducts a review of applications for plans, studies,staff grants, and tree planting projects for adherence to eligibility criteria and mandatory requirements

Provides assistance and guidance to applicants to improve technical, economic and social viability of proposals * Increasing the possibility of funding by sharing relevant knowledge products and capacity building resources, and providing information of importance to finalizing funding application packagesFacilitates and supports the Peer Review process, including reviewing scores and comments, conducting additional research or consulting with applicants to clarify and/or elaborate content information. * Writes and reviews application summaries and prepares recommendations for funding and is prepared to answer questions from management or leadership.

• Responsible for the administration of funding agreements within their assigned portfolio, which includes consulting with clients on contract terms, negotiating where required, reviewing and finalizing agreements and obtaining applicable signatures
• Reviews contracts for adherence against mandatory requirements and applicable legislation, ensuring the project reflects the pre-approved terms and conditions
• Reviews and recommends disbursement requests and content of progress and final reports based on contract requirements
• Prepares and defends post-approval recommendations, which may include contract amendments, scope changes and closure memos
• Reviews projects results, including post tree planting monitoring reports, to identify significant results or lessons learned which may be used as case studies or to support the development of knowledge or communication products. Relevant information shared with cross-sectoral teams (Communications and Marketing, Capacity Development, Sector Development, and Impact Research & Performance).
• Participates as required in cross-functional team initiatives for the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies (GCCC) Program team, the wider GMF (Green Municipal Fund), or FCM-wide initiatives

Contributes to ongoing improvements to the application and contracting processes with a focus on improving client service. This may include reviewing new application forms and developing/updating tools and templates for applicants.Your skills make us betterYou bring:Education:

• University degree in an environmental science, forestry, conservation, ecology, engineering, urban planning, or related discipline

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of professional experience in project management/evaluation, ideally related to one or more technical sustainable community development areas, and in a client focused role.

Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge and experience in one or more technical areas of sustainable community development, such as climate change or urban forestry, is ideal

Competencies:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, in both English and French.
• Excellent client service skills.
• Strong organizational skills, priority management skills, and ability to manage multiple files.
• Detail oriented and strong analytical skills.
• Sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to work in both official languages, including supporting clients and reviewing technical documents, is essential.

Why working here rocksWe prioritize work-life balance with our flexible model:

• When we say flexible work model, we mean that in collaboration with your manager and based on what your team needs, you have the flexibility to determine when you work so that you can enjoy a healthy balance between work and personal demands.
• While you do need to live in Canada for this role, you can primarily work from home. Travel may be required to Head Office in Ottawa periodically. The majority of the GMF team operates from the National Capital Region.

We don’t just talk about employee wellness, we live it:

• Summer hours between July 1 and Labour Day:

• 7-hour workdays rather than 7.5
• Every Friday off in the summer
• Flexible work arrangements to support productivity and well-being
• Commitment to employee development
• Competitive range of employee benefits and services
• Office facilities located in the Byward Market and Ottawa’s downtown core

We’re committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.How to applyIf this role speaks to you and the impact you want to make, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today.The deadline to apply is October 31st, 2024.The future of work here includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work.For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at . Learn more about the Green Municipal Fund at

Company Name: Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Salary: $73000 – 82500 per year

Apply for the job!