AEP Support Officer

The Organization

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association ("NACCA") is dedicated to stimulating economic growth for all Indigenous people in Canada, driven by a network of over 50 Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs). Our mission is to ignite economic progress for all Indigenous communities by empowering entrepreneurs and advancing prosperity. We champion Indigenous economic development through unified representation, transparent reporting of IFI accomplishments, strategic partnerships, and targeted programs and services tailored to the specific needs of IFIs.

Why NACCA?

• Attractive compensation package with excellent benefits, including:
• Health, Paramedical, Vision, Dental, and Employee Family Assistance Program.
• Defined Benefits Pension Plan.
• Supportive workplace environment and benefits focused on Indigenous culture and sensitivity.
• Ongoing Professional Development.
• Scheduling to support work-life balance.
• Paid Time Off including:
• 14 Statutory Holidays for Full-Time Employees.
• Sick Time.
• Competitive Vacation Time/Pay.
• Personal Days.
• December Holiday Period.

Position Summary
The Support Officer, AEP is primarily responsible for the processing of Aboriginal Entrepreneurship Program (AEP) applications, claims, payments, legal documents, and related reporting information from assigned regions and apply approved policies and procedures related to the Aboriginal Business Financing Program (ABFP), Aboriginal Capacity Development Program (ACDP), Aboriginal Development Lending Assistance (ADLA), and Interest Rate Buy-Down (IRB). This role will provide client services to Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) within assigned regions and maintain frequent communications by providing support and guidance to assigned members of the IFI network on current AEP policies and procedures, along with any other support IFIs may require.

Key Responsibilities

Application & Claims Processing

• Process applications, claims, and payments from assigned inventory of IFIs within five (5) business days of receipt.
• Draft legal documents within approved AEP policies and procedures.
• Verify completeness and quality of information submitted.
• Provide recommendations on approvals/remediations to senior management concerning applications, claims, and payments to ensure risk mitigation and compliance with existing policies and procedures.
• Ensure that due diligence and proper risk management processes are followed in the delivery of services to the IFI network concerning applications, claims, payments, legal documents, and related reporting information.
• Maintain client files to ensure accuracy and compliance in reporting/payments.

Client Service Delivery

• Maintain frequent, consistent, and timely communication with assigned IFIs and their staff.
• Interpret, provide advice, and guidance to assigned members of the IFI network of current AEP policies, directives, guidelines, and procedures related to the suite of programs.
• Send communications to assigned IFIs to advise of upcoming Committee meetings, reporting period deadlines, payments, and requested corrected or missing documentation.

Peer Review & General Inquiries

• Review other applications and claims of peers to ensure adherence to established AEP policies and consistency of internal processes and decision-making.
• Respond to general inquiries received via cold calls and emails and refer them to the appropriate IFI based on the inquirer’s place of residence.

IT System & Information Management Support

• Maintain IFI client and/or project files and records to ensure information and historical/statistical data is stored properly, easily accessible, and meets confidentiality requirements according to the policies of the organization.
• Recommend file classification for AEP related documents where required.
• Provide recommendations regarding ongoing maintenance of corporate records.

Support Services

• Provide all relevant documentation and information requested by business and/or functional areas who participate in departmental committees or meetings with stakeholders.
• Attend working groups as necessary and participate in special projects when required.
• Work collaboratively with other NACCA programs and entities to facilitate efficiency across all operations.
• Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion. May be requested to undertake related duties as required.

Qualifications

Education

• Completion of College Diploma in Business Administration is required.
• While a post-secondary education is preferred, candidates with a combination of relevant experience and education may also be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 1-3 years of client service delivery experience is required.
• Prior experience working with Indigenous communities and/or organization is preferred.

Abilities, Knowledge & Skill

• Proficiency in general office procedures.
• Ability to complete basic accounting procedures and strong understanding of accounting principles.
• Skilled in providing excellent customer service through addressing inquiries and resolving issues efficiently and professionally.
• Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent documentation skills.
• Strong cross-cultural skills.
• Knowledge of Canadian public policy and Indigenous economic policy is considered a significant asset.
• Ability to meet time-sensitive deadlines and work under pressure.
• Bilingualism is considered a significant asset, with proficiency in English, French, and Indigenous languages.

This unionized position is based in Ottawa, Ontario. Remote work may be considered with the requirement for occasional travel.

Persons of Indigenous ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, section 24 (1)).

The National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If contacted for an employment opportunity or interviewing, please advise if you require accommodation.