The Chiefs of Ontario are seeking submissions for ORIC Implementation Committee Members.
The Ontario Reform Implementation Committee (“ORIC”) is the central oversight body responsible for monitoring and guiding the implementation of the Reformed First Nations Child and Family Services (“FNCFS”) Program in Ontario. The role of the ORIC and each of its members is pivotal in ensuring that the reforms are implemented in a manner that reflects the principles of cultural safety, substantive equality, and the best interests of First Nations children and families.
ORIC is created pursuant to the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Program in Ontario (the “Ontario Final Agreement”), specifically under Part XIV (reproduced here as Appendix A to this job description). ORIC is comprised of 8 members: 5 at-large members appointed by the Ontario Chiefs-in-Assembly, and 3 members appointed by the Parties to the Ontario Final Agreement – Canada, Chiefs of Ontario (“COO”), and Nishnawbe Aski Nation (“NAN”).
Please note that the deadline to submit is January 30, 2026 at 5:00PM EST.
Please send applications to Ifsia Zaman, Policy Analyst, at Ifsia.Zaman@coo.org
Ideal candidates will demonstrate a combination of academic training, professional experience, and cultural competency relevant to the mandate of the ORIC. Specifically, candidates should possess:
- Master’s degree in social, work, public policy or a related field with a focus on Indigenous knowledge and perspectives (i.e. Indigenous ways of knowing), or equivalent experience.
- Minimum of 5 to 10 years’ experience working with First Nation organizations or communities, preferably in Ontario. In addition to a deep understanding of First Nations child welfare services, including historical and contemporary issues.
- Knowledge of First Nation traditions, cultures, values and rights – particularly, those of First Nations that reside within the boundaries of the province of Ontario. Familiarity with
- Indigenous legal traditions, jurisdiction, sovereignty, and self-determination is considered an asset.
- Experience in governance, policy development, or program implementation, ideally in a First Nations or intergovernmental context.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to guide collaborative processes and contribute to strategic decision-making.
- Experience in managing or overseeing the management of federal, provincial, or First Nation social programs.
- Experience in evaluating programs and making recommendations on program design and funding.
- Ability to work collaboratively in consensus-based decision-making environments.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to adapt to changing
priorities and meet tight deadlines.
