Indigenous Liaison Officer

Do you have experience in working with remote First Nation communities, knowledge of Indigenous rights and interests, and strong communication skills? If so, consider this opportunity with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, where coordinating and facilitating enhanced Indigenous community relations and working closely with other resource-based and economic development ministries to facilitate delivery of programs in the Ring of Fire area will be your focus.

About Us:
The Indigenous Consultation and Partnerships Branch provides information and advisory services regarding Indigenous affairs to all divisions and branches of the ministry. These services are primarily focused on information and advice regarding the duty to consult, Aboriginal and treaty rights, facilitating partnerships and relationship building with Indigenous communities in Ontario, supporting Ring of Fire community wellness initiatives and infrastructure developments.

The Location
Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. Thunder Bay promotes economic development, education, friendship, goodwill, education, and tourism.
The City of Thunder Bay provides a balance of services that improves our quality of life and supports our economy in a responsible manner. From parks and recreation to transportation, clean drinking water or waste management, Thunder Bay is always working to live up to our motto, Superior By Nature.

Discover Thunder Bay on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/visitthunderbay/

What can I expect to do in this role?

In the role of Indigenous Liaison Officer, you will:
• establish and strengthen community relationships, coordinate consultations, coordinate information sharing and provide strategic advice
• liaise with representatives from Indigenous communities and organizations, the mineral and economic sectors and all levels of government
• assist in the management of critical mineral and economic development issues, including negotiating, facilitating meetings and exchanging information
• coordinate and lead teams contributing to the development, implementation and management of mineral and economic issues/initiatives
• plan and facilitate bilateral/trilateral discussions and negotiations with First Nations and government, and support key responsibilities, including communications, research, planning and coordination activities to implement the Secretariat initiatives
• support Indigenous funding opportunities through application to existing provincial and federal programs and creation of transfer payment agreements

Note: this position requires the ability to regularly travel and work in remote locations

How do I qualify?

Specialized Knowledge:

You have:
• sound knowledge of Indigenous culture, governance, community perspectives, protocols and political dynamics gained from experience in direct dealings with Indigenous communities
• knowledge of mineral and economic issues affecting exploration and development, infrastructure development (e.g. road, broadband), land management issues and economic development programs and services

Business Knowledge:

You have:
• sound knowledge of, and skills in, acquisition and management of contractual resources, budgeting and transfer payment accountability
• sound knowledge of community-based land use planning and other government science programming
• knowledge of economic development supports and programs delivered in northern Ontario

Communication, Negotiation and Advisory Skills:

You have:
• demonstrated abilities in team leadership, negotiation, multi-party facilitation and consensus building
• proven political acuity and experience in providing strategic advice and recommendations on Indigenous, resource or economic issues
• established communication and presentation skills

OPS Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti- racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit theOPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 22, 2022 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.