Executive Lead & Negotiations Manager

Job No: 88477

Location: Williams Lake, British Columbia

Closing Date: 1 Jul 2017 AEST

• Make a significant contribution to the future of Tsilhqot’in communities and people
• Negotiate major First Nation self-government agreements with the Province of B.C. and Federal Government 
• Receive a highly competitive remuneration package, plus pension plan and relocation assistance 

About the Opportunity 

The Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG) is currently seeking a full-time Executive Lead and a Negotiations Manager to join the Negotiations and External Affairs Branch. Based in Williams Lake and traveling frequently, both positions are being offered on a five-year term with possible extension. 

About the Tsilhqot’in National Government

The TNG serves the six Tsilhqot’in communities in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Region of British Columbia. Established in 1989, the TNG works to empower Tsilhqot’in people to exercise their right of self-determination in their traditional territories, in ways which reflect Tsilhqot’in philosophy, values, experience and culture.  On June 26, 2014, the Supreme Court of Canada rendered a historic judgment by declaring the Tsilhqot’in Nation holds Aboriginal Title to approximately 1,900 square kilometers of land, including the community of Xeni Gwet’in. In February 2016, the Tsilhqot’in Nation and B.C. Government entered the Nenqay Deni Accord, a five-year agreement establishing a framework for negotiations to improve the lives and lands of Tsilhqot’in. In January 2017 a Letter of Understanding was entered with the Federal Government to negotiate a Nation-to-Nation relationship with Canada.

About the Negotiations and External Affairs Branch

The Negotiations and External Affairs Branch was established in 2016 to manage inter-governmental negotiations, community consultations, and external affairs, as directed by the Council of Chiefs. The Branch includes the Negotiations Support Team and Managers of five Sub-tables responsible for specific portfolios under the Nenqay Deni Accord. The TNG Operations Branch provides technical support including accounting, forestry, lands, resources, fisheries, language and culture.

At the Federal level, the Negotiations and External Affairs Branch works to obtain self-government status along with stable funding for community initiatives and self-government. At the Provincial level, the Branch negotiates self-government under a reconciliation framework agreement with B.C. (the Nenqay Deni Accord).

Executive Lead, Negotiations and External Affairs

As the senior executive of the Negotiations and External Affairs Branch, the Executive Lead reports to and takes direction from the Council of Chiefs. Primarily responsible for developing and implementing negotiation strategies and plans, managing the negotiation process and staff and protecting the Nation's Aboriginal rights and title, the Executive Lead provides leadership on high-profile inter-governmental negotiations.

Politically savvy and with superior analytical and evaluation skills, the Executive Lead must accurately assess the positions/opinions of all negotiating parties and formulate innovative strategies for achieving consensus amongst diverse interests. 

Key areas of responsibility include: 

• Develops and implements negotiation strategies and plans, with legal and technical assistance from the Negotiations and Operations Branches, as directed by the Council of Chiefs
• Communicates negotiation strategies and mandates to the Negotiations Manager, Support Team and Sub-table Managers
• Manages dispute resolution mechanisms to address claim-related issues
• Represents the Tsilhqot’in Nation in meetings with provincial, federal and First Nations staff
• Oversees development of discussion papers and policy proposals for consideration by the Council of Chiefs
• Supports the Council of Chiefs at senior-level negotiations and political functions
• Oversees negotiation of resource sharing agreements with B.C.
• Leads and directly supervises the Negotiations Manager; indirectly supervises all staff in Negotiations and External Affairs

The successful candidate for this role will have: 

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Commerce, International Relations, Public Administration, Law or another relevant discipline
• Previous experience in an Intergovernmental or First Nations reconciliation executive role (Federal or Provincial)
• Previous experience negotiating land claim treaty or major land claims/self-government agreements
• Experience with issues management to achieve consensus and minimize conflict
• Sound understanding of the government decision-making process and strong communication skills
• Experience and understanding of First Nations’ culture, values, needs and aspirations
• Knowledge of the Indian Act (Canada) and other relevant legislation and policies
• Ability to travel extensively to attend negotiation meetings, political forums and community consultations

Manager, Negotiations and External Affairs

Reporting to the Executive Lead, Negotiations and External Affairs, the Negotiations Manager oversees budget and agreement administration, funding applications, reporting requirements, staff supervision, community consultations and policy development. The Negotiations Manager will directly supervise  Branch staff, and be responsible for administering funding agreements and budgets. The incumbent will maintain effective communication with the Council of Chiefs; Executive Lead, Negotiations and External Affairs; and TNG’s Finance Manager and Executive Director (Operations Branch).

This role is well suited to a senior public policy analyst with previous experience managing programs, supervising staff, administering funding agreements, intergovernmental relations and/or First Nations affairs. Key areas of responsibility include: 

• Administers and secures contribution funding to achieve community priorities and enhance the Branch’s programs
• Drafts and oversees development of discussion papers, policy proposals and briefing notes
• Develops and implements consultation strategies, as directed by the Executive Lead and Council of Chiefs
• Collaborates with the Finance Manager to develop budgets and ensure spending is within budgets
• Ensures proper reporting of activities and outcomes to the Executive Lead, Council of Chiefs and funding providers
• Supports staff on information and consultation activities in communities to identify priorities, obtain input and report on progress
• Participates in meetings with Tsilhqot’in Communities, Band Councils, Council of Chiefs and as directed by the Executive Lead

The successful candidate for this role will have:

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Business Administration, Commerce, International Relations, Public Administration, Law or another relevant discipline, or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Previous experience managing programs, supervising staff, developing policy and securing and managing contribution funding agreements
• Understanding of the political decision-making approach for First Nations
• Superior analytical and written communication skills
• Understanding of accounting and auditing standards for non-profit sector
• Experience and understanding of First Nations’ culture, values, needs and aspirations
• Knowledge of the Indian Act (Canada) and other relevant legislation and policies
• Ability to travel, especially within the six Tsilhqot’in communities

About the Benefits

Today, the TNG continues the fight of our six War Chiefs of 1864 and is firmly focused on securing the future of our six member communities. Progressive, inspiring and resilient, the TNG team is working hard to obtain self-government status and stable funding for community priorities and self-government. More information is available on the TNG website at www.tsilhqotin.ca

The successful incumbents will receive a highly competitive remuneration package that is commensurate with their experience, skills, and qualifications, including comprehensive health benefits and a pension plan. Relocation assistance may be offered.  

These positions offer a unique and challenging opportunity to use your expertise to make a lasting impact on the future of the Tsilhqot’in communities and people. Please submit your application online today.