Indigenous Relations Advisor

POSITION:               Indigenous Relations Advisor (New)

REPORTS TO:           Vice President, Passenger Rail and Motor Coach

DEPARTMENT:         Passenger Services

LOCATION:               North Bay

REFERENCE:             500-85-23

WHO WE ARE:

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission (ONTC) is an Agency of the Province of Ontario that provides efficient and vital transportation services.  We employ over 750 skilled professionals and are over 120 years old and proud of our heritage and connection to the communities we serve.  We are focused on moving forward with the goal of being a valued leader in transportation.  We offer competitive salary, excellent benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, paid vacation, 3 paid personal leave days along with discounted transportation on our bus and passenger rail services.

ACCOUNTABILITY STATEMENT:

The Indigenous Relations Advisor develops strategic plans, policies and approaches, and builds partnerships/strong relationships to help develop a strong future with Indigenous communities, organizations and people. This role will foster collaboration with First Nations, Métis and Inuit while promoting rail and passenger transportation planning and program delivery. The Indigenous Relations Advisor ensures alignment with the rapidly evolving legal, regulatory and social context to deliver sustainable and responsible results.

MAJOR DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop strategic plans, policies and approaches to further advance reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
• Work with the Executive team to develop Ontario Northland’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
• Lead the development of principles related to Indigenous relations and reconciliation, ensuring alignment of Indigenous policies, programs, and communications across the organization.
• Articulate, research and assess the needs, obligations, and opportunities for development of business strategies pertaining to Indigenous relations, including maintaining awareness of national, regional and local issues that could affect operations and opportunities (e.g., growth, plans).
• Execute reporting and monitoring mechanisms that track the progress and overall effectiveness of programs, initiatives, and activities.
• Provide strategic advice, ongoing reporting, and/or presentations to senior management regarding Indigenous engagement, consultation with respect to Ontario Northland’s plans and major projects.
• Ensure the organization’s compliance with legal, regulatory obligations and standards in relation to Treaty rights and Aboriginal rights of Indigenous communities.
• Maintain knowledge of Indigenous communities and organizations, and legal precedents affecting Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with MTO – Indigenous Relations Branch and the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs to ensure alignment of Ontario Northland’s approach with Ministry plans, policies, and interests.
• Identify options and alternatives for finding resolution while balancing cultural, territorial, environmental, and other considerations
• Consult with both internal and external key parties, including the CEO’s Office, Operations, Marketing, Communications, Human Resources, and Legal. Leads community consultations, and works directly with Indigenous community partners and groups, acting as a facilitator to communicate and share transportation planning and program needs within the community, while ensuring alignment with and execution of agreements.
• Play a key role in negotiation where required to obtain mutually beneficial agreements (both short and long-term) with Indigenous communities to help build clarity across groups.
• Lead the First Nations component on capital projects where relationship, legal, environmental, reputation and other key risks are moderate to high.
• Plan, lead or participate in engagement activities, ensuring appropriate notification procedures are in place and there is a consideration of Treaty rights and asserted Aboriginal rights for Ontario Northland projects. Lead strategic initiatives and attend events and ceremonies as well as engage with new partners.
• Support the development and implementation of a cross-functional Indigenous relations program, including the integration of employee engagement into Ontario Northland’s business planning and decision-making processes.
• Work with internal stakeholders (Directors, Organizational Change Management, Communications & Human Resources), to develop strategies/opportunities for employees to learn and engage with Indigenous communities to advance reconciliation.
• Coordinate training and development for staff in the continued learning of Indigenous history and current events, and support senior management in meetings.
• Provide strategic advice with respect to Indigenous recruitment, retention, and advancement, including assessing and reporting on existing barriers that prevent community members from participating in employment opportunities.
• Bolster engagement and inclusive workforce efforts that reflect and promote Indigenous awareness.
• Consult and participate in the development of recruitment and marketing campaigns in the hiring, promotion, and retention strategies specifically targeted for Indigenous people.
   

REQUIREMENTS:

• University Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or Communications 5+ years’ experience as a subject matter expert in First Nations and Indigenous relationship building, consultation and engagement including experience working with Indigenous peoples to advance projects
• Knowledge of land and resource management
• Demonstrated commitment to furthering reconciliation with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
• Experience with environmental assessment and preparing provincial and federal regulatory applications and consultation requirements for capital projects
• Demonstrated experience in using consultative techniques to build strong relationships with Indigenous partners
• Political acuity, sound judgment, highly developed problem solving and decision-making skills
• Proven analytical and systematic problem solving
• Superior verbal and written communication Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word
• Must be committed to Company Health and Safety

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION:

The successful candidate will need to successfully complete the following clearances:    

• Criminal record check
• Employment references
• Education verification

CLOSING DATE:  November 14, 2022 no later than 11:59 p.m. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Qualified individuals are invited to apply in writing with a current covering letter and resume (provided in one document), stating reference name and number to:

jobs@ontarionorthland.ca

Ontario Northland

Attention: Human Resources Advisor

555 Oak Street East, North Bay, ON P1B 8L3

Fax: 705.475.5055  

Posting Date: November 4, 2022

Acceptable file formats: DOC, DOCX, PDF

Ontario Northland is an equal opportunity employer. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources.

Pour des renseignements en français composez le 1.800.363.7512 poste 494.