Indigenous Initiatives Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

The Engagement and Indigenous Initiatives branch of Alberta Environment and Protected Areas is seeking an engaging, collaborative, and team-oriented individual who has knowledge and experience fostering relationships and engaging Indigenous communities.

These positions will play a lead role in:
•    the development of Memorandums of Understanding, bilateral, and other agreements for collaborative initiatives and represent Alberta in the implementation of such agreements.
•    supporting and enabling Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and to consider their rights, activities, and interest in the Ministries decisions, policies, and plans.

The successful candidates must possess exceptional interpersonal skills and will interact and communicate with various stakeholders and partners with differing opinions and worldviews, often under tight timelines. Individuals must possess a high degree of cultural knowledge, awareness and sensitivity, in particular with Indigenous communities and cultures across Alberta.  Further, the ability to navigate and articulate, lead and facilitate conversations, analyze and apply learnings from Indigenous communities back to ministry staff is an essential part of the role.

This position is accountable for providing advice, expertise, and direct support to departmental Senior Officials and decision makers who are responsible for negotiating accommodation agreements with Indigenous communities and coordinating with other levels of government to enable timely resource development decisions, and further strategic relationships.

This position participates in very complex and politically sensitive consultation/negotiating processes. You will be accountable to effectively manage or develop responses to emerging and systemic issues. You will be responsible to develop and promote sustained, respectful, and effective working relationships with Indigenous peoples, organizations/communities, partnering ministries, other jurisdictions, and industry stakeholders.

The successful candidate will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, political acumen and a strong commitment to client service and building collaborative relationships.

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.

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

University graduation in a related field (Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies) plus 6 years of directly related progressively responsible experience (negotiating for results, Indigenous consultation and engagement, community and stakeholder engagement). Equivalencies will be considered.

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 education.

Required:
•    A valid Class 5 driver’s license is required.
•    Excellent strategic thinking skills.
•    Strong interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Communication and collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
•    Analytical skills: Proficiency in analyzing data and information to make informed decisions and recommendations.
•    Organizational skills and attention to detail.
•    Demonstrated experience in leading, coaching, and managing a team.
•    Comprehensive knowledge of the relevant legislation, regulations, and Government strategic and policy directions as they relate to the Ministry’s mandate and initiatives with respect to addressing capital and operating planning and financial issues.
•    Experience with Ministry business plans, programs, mandates, and initiatives and related financial issues.
•    Sound political acumen.
•    Ability to work strategically and to assist in the management of a wide variety of issues, mobilizing resources and finding innovative solutions to complex issues and problems.
•    Demonstrated success in managing complex issues, with competing priorities, while still achieving positive results.

Assets:
•    Preference will be given to candidates with more than ten-years of related work experience.
•    Ministry legislation, regulations, policies, mandates, and direction.
•    Alberta's policies, guidelines, and procedures for consultation with First Nations and Metis Settlements.
•    Initiatives aimed towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, National Action Plan on MMIWG).
•    Government of Alberta decision-making processes.
•    Indigenous history and culture, protocols, and governance.
•    Strong analytical ability and written skills; with the ability to synthesize information and provide strategic advice and recommendations to the ministry.
•    Strong political acumen.
•    Effective interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This position is a full-time permanent opportunity.

This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time, or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.

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.

There may be a written component (i.e. development of Briefing note or letter) as part of the interview process.

What we offer:
•    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.