NYA Next Group Leaders (3 Positions)

Onsite Full-Time Contract Position, Ottawa ON – approx. July 2nd to August 2nd

Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) is on the lookout for three individuals to join us as Group Leaders for the NYA Next program! If you’re passionate about working with youth, love leadership roles, and thrive in dynamic environments, this is your chance to make a real impact. Group Leaders work together to form a team of leaders who will supervise, coordinate, and support a group of 16 youth (16-22 years old).

Northern Youth Abroad (NYA) is a registered charity that offers youth aged 15 to 22 living in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories opportunities to acquire skills and training, hands-on work experience, and high school credits through cross-cultural work and learning experiences in southern Canada and abroad. Through our programs, NYA seeks to foster cross-cultural awareness, individual career goals, and global citizenship in Northern youth and promotes leadership development, healthy self-confidence, and self-esteem by providing life-changing experiences.

Working at NYA:

The most important aspect of every job at NYA is supporting the success of our Participants and Alumni. This means that our approach, hours, and philosophies support their needs, their potential, and their excellence.
Our work and approach are directed by our guiding principles (https://nya.ca/about-us/who-we-are/).
We are a northern-serving and northern-focused organization. It’s important that every staff member is knowledgeable and connected to the people and places we serve. Through diversity, openness, and collaboration, NYA provides a unique opportunity to learn, share, and grow while reflecting the culture and lifestyle of the Canadian North.
NYA’s environment is a balance of fun, flexibility, and friendliness; passionate and energetic; and totally committed. This means it is a good fit for people who like versatility, a fast pace, and working together to take on big challenges.
We consider ourselves a training organization and offer lots of opportunities to be involved in program creation, learning new areas, and contributing ideas and input, even for short-term staff.

The Role

As a Group Leader, you’ll be part of an energetic team responsible for leading, supervising, and supporting a group of 16 youth as they complete the NYA Next program. During the program, youth will live on-site at Algonquin Campus and take part in a trades program, volunteering, public speaking, cultural and social activities, and written work. As a group leader, you will:

Co-ordinate logistics like meals, travel, finances and scheduling
Co-ordinate fun and engaging activities, community events, and excursions.
Help the youth grow, learn, and develop leadership skills.
Live and work onsite at Algonquin College with the youth and your fellow leaders for the full duration of the program.
Lead, mentor, and support participants throughout their journey.
Facilitate workshops, activities, and training sessions.
Be a role model and create a positive, inclusive team environment.
Co-ordinate with the NYA office and report on progress.
Help with Orientation and Re-Orientation workshops in Ottawa.
Support participants in their volunteer work placements and personal growth.
Work with the Participant Achievement Coach to meet learning goals.
Ensure safety, well-being, and fun for everyone involved!

Who We’re Looking For

Experience working with Northern and/or Indigenous youth is an asset.
Experience working with youth in a supportive or mentoring role.
Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
A team player with lots of energy, patience, and enthusiasm.
Ability to adapt, think on your feet, and create a positive environment.
Comfortable enforcing program rules and policies in a respectful way.
First Aid training (or willingness to get certified before the program).

More Information

All travel, accommodation, food, and related incidentals are covered during all aspects of the placement, the training weekend, and at the Orientation and Re-Orientation, along with a weekly salary during the placement.
Travel to and from Ottawa (at the beginning and end of the placement) is not normally covered but may be requested (please state in your cover letter if you are requesting this).
There is potential to work in the NYA office in May/June on other program-related tasks (this would not include accommodations and would reflect a normal Monday-Friday work week). If this is of interest to you, please indicate so in your cover letter.