Consultation Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Region Lead, the Consultation Advisor functions within the parameters, and is required to have knowledge of applicable AER and GoA Ministries’ legislation, regulations, policies, directives and procedures. The position is responsible for implementing Alberta’s First Nations Consultation Policy and Guidelines on Land Management and Resource Development in support of Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks mandates.  

1. The Consultation Advisor is responsible for providing comprehensive consultation services relating to the mandates of the AER and GoA Ministries to ensure the GoA’s duty to consult has been met. 

• Identifying and initiating any consultation activities required on Crown or proponent led proposed projects. 
• Providing direction and/or advice to proponents, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks on the interpretation and implementation of consultation policy, guidelines and procedures, including whether consultation is required, and to what degree. 
• Provide clarity, advice and guidance to First Nations and Metis regarding consultation policy, guidelines and procedures. 

2. The position is responsible for advancing strategic engagement and consultation at the regional, sub-regional and local levels.  

• Effectively delegating procedural aspects of First Nations and Metis consultation to industry proponents, municipalities (eg: landfill sites, gravel pits, roads, etc.) and other stakeholders (eg: agricultural leaseholders) where/when appropriate.  
• Supporting the effective and consistent implementation of the GoA and Aboriginal Consultation Office (ACO) consultation/engagement frameworks, guidelines, policies and procedures. 
• Maintaining effective working relationships at the regional, sub regional and local levels, with individual First Nations, Métis communities, provincial ministries, federal agencies, industry and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication on GoA Ministry initiatives, public and private sector land use and resource development projects, and information sharing and advice.  
• Creating and maintaining strategic and meaningful relationships with First Nations, Métis communities, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks, GoA Ministries, federal agencies, municipalities, industrial stakeholders and the public to prevent or mitigate emerging issues. 

Role Responsibilities cont.

3. The position is responsible for identifying consultation issues to collaborate on improving the consultation/engagement processes, frameworks, and guidelines between First Nations, Metis, GoA Ministries, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks, and other stakeholders.

• Reviewing information regarding land use and resource development and providing issues assessment and potential solutions to prevent or mitigate legal and political risk and resulting impact on Aboriginal Community and stakeholder relationships.  
• Actively seeking input on consultation matters from Alberta Energy Regulator staff, GoA Ministry staff, Aboriginal Consultation Office (ACO) staff, Stewardship and Policy Integration Branch staff, First Nations, Métis Communities, industry, other levels of government and agencies.  
  
  

4. As a member of the Regional Team, the Consultation Advisor is responsible for contributing to the effective and efficient delivery of the Aboriginal Consultation Office (ACO) mandate. 

• Contributing to the Aboriginal Consultation Office’s information databases (LAIRT) and project tracking systems.  
• Providing briefing material, analysis and responses for information and to action requests pertaining to Aboriginal consultation matters. 
• Provides advice to the Region Lead in relation to opportunities, challenges, and issues within the assigned Region; develops recommendations regarding prevention or mitigation strategies and approaches.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: 

• Good knowledge of Alberta's First Nations Consultation Policy and Guidelines.
• Familiar with Alberta's Indigenous communities history, culture, and legal issues. 
• Understanding of natural resource development and economics in Alberta. 
  
  

Knowledge of provincial and federal legislation and consultation policies, including: 

• Provincial: Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Water Act, Forests Act, Public Lands Act, Fisheries Act, Mines and Minerals Act.
• Federal: Constitution Act, Fisheries Act, Canadian Environmental Protection Act, Navigable Waters Act.
• Awareness of Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks Environmental Assessment & Approvals Process and related program areas (Land Use, Rangelands, Forest Management, Forest Protection, Fish & Wildlife). 
• Familiarity with Alberta Energy’s land tenure processes and Aboriginal Community Link. 
• Understanding of Alberta’s Land Use Framework, Cumulative Effects Management, Energy & Minerals Strategy, and Clean Energy Initiatives. 
• Knowledge of Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Energy & Minerals Ministry, Environment and Protected Areas, Forestry and Parks approval processes and applicable legislation. 
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, Sharepoint) and information management systems (e.g., ACO-DS, EDS, LAIRT). 
• Experience in communicating clearly both verbally and in writing to a broad audience. 
• Experience in collaborating with colleagues.

Please click on this  link  to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

• Agility: you will need to provide results in a complex, diverse and changing environment.
• Drive for Results: you will work with your team to set goals and priorities and to deliver outcomes that are consistent with the direction of the department. 
• Develop Self and Others: you will drive by example a team culture that is focused on continuous learning and growth and encourage self-development through experience sharing
• Build Collaborative Environments: you will establish and maintain business relationships with clients, encourage or facilitate discussions and build long lasting relationships.
• Develop Networks: you will seek input from a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to solve complex problems and provide the best solutions.
• Systems Thinking: you will consider the whole system when developing, evaluating and implementing process and technology change.
• Creative Problem Solving: Have the ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

 
This link will assist you with understanding competencies:

https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

Qualifications

A University degree in a related field (natural resource, environmental management, etc.) supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible related experience is required.

Equivalency:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required experience

• Project management experience (e.g., managing several projects concurrently and changing priorities.
• Experience with establishing positive working relationships with stakeholders (e.g., communities, proponents, Alberta government representatives and regulators.)

Assets

• Experience in implementing The Government of Alberta’s First Nations and Metis Settlements Consultation Policies on Land and Natural Resource Management, the associated Guidelines, and The Government of Alberta’s Proponent Guide to First Nations, Metis Settlements and Credibly Asserted Metis Communities Consultation Procedures, 2024.
• Experience in dealing with potentially litigious consultation concerns requiring good communication/facilitation skills to resolve conflicts (e.g., Between Indigenous communities and proponents, etc.).
• Experience with Indigenous communities and’ Treaty rights and/or traditional uses interests/concerns associated (e.g., natural resources management projects/activities, etc.). 

Notes

Hours of Work:

• 36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:

• Permanent
• Hybrid work options (remote/in-office)

Location:

• Edmonton

Cover letter is Mandatory. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.