06 Feb
National Judicial Institute
Ottawa
The National Judicial Institute (NJI) is an independent, bilingual, not‐for‐profit organization, based in Ottawa and Montreal, with a mandate to provide continuing education to members of the judiciary across Canada. An acknowledged world leader in the design and delivery of judicial education, NJI also shares its judicial training expertise abroad. In its international work, NJI seeks to strengthen the rule of law through judicial education and judicial reform.
Since its inception in 1988, the NJI has offered in-person programs and a wide range of digital resources designed to foster judicial excellence. As part of its curriculum, the NJI delivers over 70 in-person judicial education programs each year.
The NJI’s digital resources include self-study courses, Electronic Bench Books, podcasts, videos, judge-facing tools, and more. Alone or in partnership with courts and other organizations, the NJI is involved in the delivery of the majority of education taken by judges in Canada.
The NJI is looking to fill the indefinite position of Counsel, Digital Education based in Ottawa (hybrid work environment); however, we are open to staffing this position remotely within Canada.
The competition is open to all candidates. We encourage qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, Métis) to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Counsel, Digital Education (CDE) is a legal professional working in law, education, and pedagogy who works with judges and subject matter experts to produce educational resources and tools for use by members of the Canadian judiciary on Indigenous-led justice initiatives, Indigenous law, and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Counsel, DE works in close collaboration with the Director, DE, other DE Counsel, members of the Canadian judiciary,
and subject-matter experts. In particular, they will work closely with Indigenous community members, service providers, leaders, Elders, judges, academics, and counsel in developing online educational resources for judges on Indigenous law and legal practices including how diverse sources, resources, and methodologies inform an understanding and application of these laws and practices. In addition to organizing, coordinating, supporting, and facilitating on-the-land meetings with different communities across the country, they will research, draft, edit, and review judicial education resources and will design and develop innovative online professional development products (e.g., courses, podcasts, webinars, judicial tools, etc.).
In all aspects of the role,
the CDE will incorporate adult education methods responsive to a continuous professional learning culture. The CDE contributes to the Digital Education Department planning process, online curriculum, and faculty development.
Primary responsibilities include:
Digital Education Development
1. Develop online resources and tools for Canadian judiciary, including online courses, podcasts, videos, interactive tools, etc.;
2. Research, draft, update, edit, review, and design innovative and accurate online educational resources;
3. Curate subject matter collections;
4. Maintain an understanding of adult pedagogical theory and the learning needs of the judiciary;
5. Obtain appropriate judicial/peer reviews and approvals;
6. Oversee the work of contract writers and external contributors, as required;
7.
Ensure that the Institute resources are appropriate for use by the Canadian judiciary and are relevant and meet current and emerging professional development needs;
8. Maintain strong and collaborative relationships with judges and subject matter experts;
9. Monitor social, legal, and judicial developments in Canada, including developments in the field of Indigenous law and the revitalization of Indigenous laws and legal practices in Canada;
10. Represent the organization nationally;
11. Maintain an understanding of Judicial Ethics, Canadian Judicial Council policies, and Professional Development requirements for Judges in Canada;
12. Build relationships and collaborate with Indigenous communities, community organizations, members, leaders, justice stakeholders and others, including Indigenous Elders, to develop and deliver judicial education, as required;
13. Provide 1:1 or group training to Canadian judges on NJI’s Digital Education Resources,
as required; and
14. Work collaboratively to ensure resource distribution, publication, delivery and promotion.
Administrative Support
1. Conduct meetings and conference calls with judges, planning committees, subject matter experts, justice stakeholders, community members and organizers, Indigenous Elders, academics and other counsel, etc.;
2. Participate actively in learning, following, and contributing to internal DE processes and procedures, task management systems, and communication expectations on an ongoing basis; and
3. Contribute to corporate and DE Grant reporting, including data collection and analysis.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
1. Law School Degree (LLB, JD);
2. Minimum of 6 years’ experience working with professional or community organizations (i.e. law firms, government, universities,
public legal education institute, not-for-profit, community organizations);
3. Extensive experience in legal research and writing;
4. Experience working within Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous-led justice initiatives;
5. Ability to write on a broad range of legal topics;
6. Fluent in English (R/W/O);
7. Proficiency with Microsoft 365; and
8. Membership at the Bar.
Desirable
1. LL.M or other postgraduate degree;
2. Bijural (common/civil law) knowledge;
3. Experience in the development and design of digital products such as podcasts, online courses, videos, webinars, creative design, documentaries, etc.;
4. Experience in the design and delivery of adult, professional, or legal education;
5. Experience in project management;
6. Fluently bilingual in French and English (R/W/O);
7. Any proficiency in Indigenous languages (e.g. Cree, Ojibway,
Inuktitut, or other);
8. Proficiency in SharePoint; and
9. Proficiency in Project Management Software, such as Asana.
SKILLS
1. Deal with sensitive interpersonal situations using effective interpersonal skills, professionalism and integrity;
2. Exhibit a positive attitude; build and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, clients and stakeholders using integrity and respect; consistently leverage effective persuasion and problem-solving skills to build consensus;
3. Meet deadlines, work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and consistently demonstrate the ability to work on a team;
4. Conduct in-depth research into specific problems, concerns, or issues; develop options and make a recommendation for final decision-making;
5. Ability to remain current with legislation,
adult pedagogy and judicial learning needs; ensure continued improvement of service delivery; and
6. Maintain professional ethics and discretion; protect sensitive information.
COMPENSATION
Compensation is to be determined at the time of hiring, based on the successful candidate’s experience and profile, within represented salary band 7: $95,424 to $119,280 annually.
What We Offer:
- A hybrid work environment, with core office days – allowing you the best of both working from home and in-person, in a collaborative team environment.
- A competitive salary with step increases based on experience.
- Employer–paid health and dental benefits, starting on your first day with us.
- A competitive vacation package with an annual holiday closure.
- Work-life balance: 35-hour work week, personal days, and schedule flexibility.
- Organization-wide social events and training opportunities.
- A meaningful career supporting education for judges on topics that matter to all Canadians.
We invite interested candidates to submit their application (resume and cover letter) below.
We would appreciate receiving applications before February 21, 2025.
While we appreciate all responses, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. The National Judicial Institute is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with provincial Human Rights and Accessibility legislation. If contacted for an interview or employment testing, please advise Human Resources if you require accommodation.
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