Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

PERMANENT FULL-TIME POSITION (37.5 hours per week)
LOCATION: Provincial Office – Station Tower (13401 – 108ᵗʰ Avenue, Surrey)

CLOSES: Position will remain posted until filled and will close without notice

ABOUT MÉTIS NATION BRITISH COLUMBIA

Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) develops and enhances opportunities for our Métis communities by implementing culturally relevant social and economic programs and services. Through teamwork, respect, dedication, accountability, integrity, and professionalism, MNBC strives to build a proud, self- governing, sustainable Nation in recognition of inherent rights for our Métis citizens, assisting in the delivery of services based on policy, process, and specified regulations.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a highly motivated, team-orientated individual to join our Ministry of Public Affairs team as a Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.
Reporting to the Chief Public Affairs Officer, the primary purpose of the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs is to advance our priorities in developing government-to-government relationships between Métis Nation of British Columbia and the Crown.

MNBC’s Employer of Choice Initiatives offers employees a competitive total compensation package including:
✓ comprehensive group benefit package or health-care spending account and enrollment in the Municipal Pension Plan
✓ 14 paid days per year for statutory and cultural days (Indigenous People Day & Louis Riel Day)
✓ carpool, parking & public transit subsidies (Provincial Office only)
✓ educational spending account and professional development allowances to provide annual funding to continue lifelong learning and skills upgrade.
✓ remote workplace supports.
✓ internal advancement & redeployment opportunities

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Research and Policy
• Monitoring, identifying and analyzing legislative developments and government priorities that could affect MNBC ’s organizational objectives.
• Conducting research to determine which trends may positively or negatively impact MNBC or our objectives in light of government priorities, developments and trends.
• Actively working with provincial, federal, municipal and Indigenous government officials to promote MNBC, its priorities and its key policy initiatives.
• Ensuring briefing notes are prepared for meetings with the MNBC Board of Directors or senior government officials.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to coordinate their participation in government meetings and briefings as appropriate.
• Writing, reviewing, evaluating and approving documents, briefs and reports.
• Ensuring MNBC staff, volunteers or officials who interact with government at an operational level are appropriately aware of emerging issues and opportunities that may affect their interactions, and
• Educate relevant stakeholders about MNBC’s key messages/strategies per 2021-2024 Strategic Plan.

Relationships
• Building relationships with provincial, federal, and municipal government officials and facilitating relationship building between elected representatives and MNBC to raise understanding of and support for MNBC.
• Networking and developing relationships with government bodies, including agencies, boards and commissions, in order to advance MNBC priorities.
• Maintaining MNBC’s intergovernmental initiatives, including relationships with provincial and federal Ministries in relation to Métis interests.
• Maintaining positive and productive working relationships on behalf of MNBC, at an officials’ level, with the Government of Canada and Government of British Columbia.
• Managing the relationship with external contractors or consultants.
• Establishing and maintaining positive and productive working relationships with other MNBC Ministries.
• Working in collaboration with MNBC leadership, MNBC citizens, and MNBC contractors on related projects.
• Representing MNBC or acting as a liaison as necessary in meetings with governments.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law or other relevant program from a recognized university or college, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A post-graduate degree (i.e. Master’s) in Public Administration or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working or interacting with federal, provincial municipal and Indigenous governments.
• Demonstrated experience in effective policy development.
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and in partnership with government and other stakeholders• High degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment.
• Knowledge of the Métis and/or Indigenous policy issues, or demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand their knowledge of Métis specific matters is a definite asset.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced multi-issue environment, serving a wide range of varied internal and external interests.
• Demonstrated ability to identify key stakeholders and build a plan to establish and maintain effective relationships with same.
• Demonstrated understanding of government processes and protocol.
• High degree of political awareness and appropriate interpersonal skills required when dealing with government partners and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong advocacy skills.
• Significant skill and experience speaking to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to communicate effectively via phone and videoconference as well as in person, in English; bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
• Detail-oriented and results-focused, with strong problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as superior organization skills and time/priority-management.
• Ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
• Able to work extended hours or on weekends as required.
• Able to obtain and maintain a valid British Columbia driver’s license.
• Willing and able to travel, at times, with overnight stays in other communities.

OTHER COMMENTS
• Other duties may be assigned as needed to help ensure the efficient operation of MNBC
• There will be a need to attend meetings and events which may require work and travel outside of the normal business hours
• Ability to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s license and access to reliable personal vehicle for work purposes

The above requirements are what MNBC is seeking in the ideal incumbent at the time of posting and are subject to change based on needs.

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants who self-identify as Aboriginal (First Nation, Métis or Inuit). All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.
How to Apply

PLEASE NOTE THAT CANDIDATES MUST APPLY using “Director of Intergovernmental Affairs” in the subject line of your email, please send your resume and cover letter to:

Derek Robitaille
Executive Assistant to the Chief Public Affairs Officer Métis Nation British Columbia
Email: drobitaille@mnbc.ca