Description:
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Indigenous Partnerships, this position is responsible for the development and execution of an Indigenous Engagement strategy in support of project objectives, ensures integration with projects, and delivers educational materials; OPG’s Indigenous Relations Policy and related governance. The Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations will support the Indigenous Partnerships team with development and execution of engagement strategies with Indigenous Nations and communities.
Key Accountabilities
- Advise project staff on Indigenous engagement requirements, best practices, and opportunities.
- Work with project staff to ensure complex information is communicated in clear and understandable terminology and recognizes the worldviews and interests of the Indigenous Nation and communities.
- Establish budgets, staffing, and schedules and participate in other planning as required to execute the project.
- Meet with government officials at the local, provincial and federal level, industry and Indigenous Nations and associations;
- Apply judgment, discretion and initiative in managing sensitive issues involving Indigenous communities and their citizens, including Aboriginal and treaty rights, and negotiating outcomes that strike the appropriate balance between the interests of OPG and the respective community;
- Establish and implement consultation plans necessary to influence and secure regulatory and government approvals;
- Develop educational materials to support ongoing internal learning at OPG to ensure organizational readiness to engage and partner with Indigenous Nations and communities;
- Negotiate agreements for capacity, traditional knowledge studies, accommodation and potential partnerships.
Qualifications
- 4 years Bachelors degree in Public Policy, Indigenous Studies or Business.
- Specific academic focus on Indigenous Studies is considered an asset
- Minimum 8 years of experience working with or for Indigenous communities
- Experience in the energy/utilities sector considered an asset
- Experience working in a cross-functional and dynamic team considered an asset
- Hands-on demonstrated expertise as a subject matter expert in advising stakeholders on Indigenous engagement requirements, best practices, and opportunities.
- Prior experience in establishing, building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous Nations and communities and leaders as well as Indigenous associations, Indigenous Provincial and Territorial Organizations (PTOs) and maintain with government officials at the local, provincial and federal level
- Past experience negotiating agreements for capacity, traditional knowledge studies, accommodation and potential partnerships between organizations and Indigenous communities
- Must possess a high level of integrity and personal accountability with a focus on engaging employees to perform at their best, while promoting the development of the team.