Senior Manager Government Relations

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD)

Senior Manager, Government Relations

General Description:

Fort McKay First Nation is seeking a motivated and team-oriented individual who is flexible, and multitasks well, to fill a full-time position of Senior Manager, Government Relations in the Sustainability Department. Reporting directly to the Fort McKay Sustainability Department Executive Director, the Senior Manager, Government Relations will be responsible to provide coordination, strategic and technical support for the research, design, implementation and maintenance of a government relations strategy, and must focus on building and maintaining relationships between government and industry contacts. This position will oversee the preparation of position papers, presentations, policy and briefs relating to these matters. The incumbent will be required to work closely with the First Nation’s Chief and Council, legal counsel, the Executive Director of the Sustainability Department and all staff and consultants of the Sustainability Department to ensure all matters relating to immediate, intermediate and long-term sustainability-social, economic, and development strategies are included in the consultation and government affairs relations function of the Department. This is a full-time, permanent position and is based on seventy-five (75) hours bi-weekly. This position may involve overnight travel, working some evenings, some weekends, and some long hours as needed.

Duties:

• Coordinate and oversee general office operation procedures including staff Office Management, Community Development and Engagement.
• Ensure that industry and project proponents are fully aware of the First Nation’s approach to consultation and community engagement is a key component of the Fort McKay consultation / regulatory process.
• Establish, maintain and update effective, workable community-based consultation policies and procedures for working with both government and industry.
• Work with and communicate well with legal counsel to develop and implement immediate, intermediate and long-term advocacy strategies related to social, economic and environmental sustainability including protection of Aboriginal, and First Nation Rights.
• Coordinate responses to policies, procedures and guidelines that may impact the reserves and traditional lands, rights and practices of Fort McKay.
• Manage, initiate and coordinate consultation activities with all levels of government, and determine the most effective use of one’s time and the FMSD’s time in consultation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain appropriate on-going working relationships with staff of provincial and federal governments.
• Assist legal counsel in representing Fort McKay in regulatory matters, development and implementation of environmental laws and standards, and as well as their implementation.
• Prepare, review and assist in the negotiations for environmental accommodation and mitigation of government policies and activities.
• Ensure that strategies are developed to increase awareness of the Sustainability’s Department activities through the community of Fort McKay.
• Work with the Executive Director, report to community members on status and results of negotiations and advocacy efforts with governments.
• Provide the Executive Director with Quarterly updates on operations and strategies.
• Work with the Communications Department to prepare and coordinate media releases, position papers and presentations designed to raise awareness of Fort McKay’s positions related to sustainability.
•  Lead and represent Fort McKay in meetings, conferences and forums with government and other organizations.
• Manage and implement existing the SD communications processes to ensure effective two-way communication with community members.

• Coordinate responses to policies, procedures and guidelines that may impact the reserves and traditional lands, rights and practices of Fort McKay.
• Manage work flow, communications and document management as well as liaise with consultants.
• Research provincial, municipal and federal policies, regulations and positions related to environmental stewardship, land use, economic development, and aboriginal relations, or Aboriginal and Treaty rights that may affect Fort McKay First Nation or Metis Community.
• Provide coordination, analytical and technical support in matters related to the development and implementation of industry and government-related consultation matters, coordinate and manage strategic responses

• Manage and coordinate funding opportunities for the FMSD in relation to consultation efforts.
• Advocate for the protection of the Community’s Aboriginal and Treaty Rights at all times.

Qualifications Requirement:

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in government, industry and working with Aboriginal communities in the areas of relationship management and consultation
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in government affairs working at the technical and bureaucratic level
• Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration or Political Science, or related field
• Knowledge of governments’ policies, regulations, procedures and guidelines
• Some experience working in an Aboriginal organization, preferred

• Strong administrative skills and have exceptional organization skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, and be professional and diplomatic.
• Legal training an asset

• Knowledge of First Nation and Aboriginal culture and tradition an asset
• Awareness and sensitivity to realities of First Nation people and communities an asset
• Ability to speak either Dene or Cree language an asset

• A valid class 5 drivers’ license as travel will be necessary
• Experience in First Nations community is a definite asset

Key Competencies:

Location:

• Preference will be given to candidates willing to relocate to Fort McMurray
• The successful candidate office base will be in Fort McKay, Alberta, which is about 40 minutes north of Fort McMurray
• A company vehicle will be provided for this position
• Fly-in-fly-out is negotiable