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LEGAL EDUCATION & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Six Month Contract (Maternity Leave)

The Legal Education & Communications Coordinator (LECC) is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the existing public legal education program of Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation (NALSC). The LECC is also responsible for making improvements and exploring innovations in public legal education practice and service delivery. Public Legal Education (PLE) at NALSC promotes public awareness of developments in law and policy; familiarity with the western legal/justice system, individual & community awareness of rights and obligations in the legal system while ensuring that this information is disseminated to the communities in a culturally appropriate and relevant manner. The legal education program must reflect the mission and vision of NALSC in accordance with mandates given by the Chiefs of Nishnawbe Aski Nation; obligations of NALSC under the Legal Aid Services Act; and the corporate Letters Patent.

The Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation is currently seeking a Legal Education & Communications Coordinator for a six-month contract position.

DUTIES:

During the six months, the LECC will be responsible for:

• . the distribution of the Corporation's Fall newsletter, as well as the completion, editing, printing, distribution and translation of the Winter edition;
• . the design and distribution of the Corporation's yearly calendar and Christmas greeting;
• . contacting NAN schools, Chief and Council of the NAN communities and distributing our program information to promote awareness of our activities;
• . canvass school principals and Chief and Council on current legal areas of concern that can be addressed through PLE;
• . develop at least one publication regarding one recommended area of concern for distribution in the NAN Communities;
• . participate in and facilitate OJEN's Adopt-A-School Project;
• . research funding sources and complete and submit proposals for the expansion of the PLE program, and other projects of interest such as Elder Abuse, Frauds and Wills workshop;
• . complete monthly activity reports and updates for the Board as needed;
• . update the Corporation's website monthly;
• . become familiar with the Indian Residential School Settlement and be able to answer client questions.
• . manage the Corporation's law library and keep books updated on a monthly basis;
• . coordinate NALSC's participation in public events, public relations activities and any other public events such as career days, exhibits, booth requests, etc.;
• . ensure the availability of PLE pamphlets and update them on a monthly basis; and
• . assist NALSC staff, LAO lawyers and duty counsel with planning and conducting training by facilitating their access to legal materials as requested.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• . possess a post secondary degree or diploma in law, education, political science or related field;
• . experience in legal or law related capacity such as corrections, justice policy or law enforcement, or in adult education, training or facilitating with community groups is desirable;
• . be familiar with Treaty 9, the NAN Communities, the Indian Act, Aboriginal issues and legal issues and laws and policies governing Aboriginal people;
• . ability to address complex legal PLE community needs, respond appropriately to requests, mobilize resources and synthesize results is necessary;
• . ability to work independently and be a self starter;
• . ability to collaborate with wide range of community groups and network effectively;
• . excellent organizational, research, written and computer skills are required, including familiarity with software such as Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, Access and Book Collector; and
• . possess a valid G driver's license and personal vehicle.

Ability to speak Ojibway or Cree an asset.

SALARY: Negotiable.

CLOSING DATE: Monday, September 29, 2008 @ 5:00 p.m.

SEND RESUME & COVER LETTER TO:

Attention: Larry W. Jourdain, Executive Director
Re: Public Legal Education & Communications Coordinator
Nishnawbe-Aski Legal Services Corporation
86 Cumberland Street South
Thunder Bay, ON  P7B 4W6
Fax: (807) 622-3024
Email: jmckenzie@nanlegal.on.ca

Please contact Jennifer McKenzie at (807) 622-1413 (1-800-465-5581) for a complete job description or if you require any further information or visit our website at www.nanlegal.on.ca .