Indigenous Relations Advisor
Valard
- Toronto, ON
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Initiate, develop, and maintain strong working relationships with Indigenous communities and their economic development organizations throughout Ontario.
- As directed by the Senior Director, develop, and maintain working relationships with all appropriate government agencies, crown corporations and utilities in Ontario.
- Support Valard’s pursuits and assist in leading the Indigenous engagement for strategic projects through engagement with Indigenous communities and by finding solutions to provide Indigenous content to support successful bids through to execution and delivery of projects.
- Work toward creating sustainable business partnerships with the First Nations on all energy-related projects. The partnership activities may include developing and participating in varying types of Memoranda of Understanding and Subcontract Agreements.
- Initiate, develop, and maintain strong working relationships with the private sector business community (including mining, oil & gas; energy generation and transmission; heavy industry, construction, and energy-related consulting) with a view to creating partnerships and undertaking contracts in Valard’s core business competencies.
- Participate and support strategic planning in Valard’s Indigenous Relations Advisor activities and budgets, in addition, providing recommendations on industry conferences and sponsorships; priority project evaluations as well as creating and maintaining workplans.
- Contribute and lead the development of Indigenous engagement plans and assist with the development of achievable targets (i.e., subcontracting and employment) by incorporating the early engagement knowledge of key communities prior to the bid stage of proposed projects.
- Strategic to the role will be maintaining an in-depth awareness of relevant political, socio-political, and socio-economic issues throughout Ontario.
- Report on all issues and make recommendations to the Senior Director on all matters that may impact Valard’s ability to successfully participate in the regions’ economy where there is a primary focus.
- Plan and participate in Trade shows and Job Fairs as necessary as well as representing Valard at key industry conferences.
- 5 – 10 years applicable experience.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in business administration or a business-related discipline is preferred but not essential.
- An appropriate combination of education and experience is acceptable if the experience has been gained through a successful career in Indigenous relations, business and partnership development including significant experience in the field of energy generation and/or construction.
- Self-motivation and influential leader with demonstrated management experience in strategy development and program implementation.
- Superior critical analysis and research skills to be able to oversee sensitive and high-profile strategic and/or operational issues.
- Strong understanding and awareness of Indigenous cultures and communities from a historical and current perspective
- Ability to develop strategic priorities that consolidates input from and mirrors the needs of contemporary Indigenous communities.
- Track record of developing and sustaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through collaborative and consultative work processes
- Demonstrated success in managing complex and sensitive issues including associated risk management.
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills required to deliver on complex matters (written and verbal)
- Strategic communicator experienced in managing and speaking to complex situations earning the trust of internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven political acumen, demonstrate sound judgement on sensitive issues.
- Clear understanding and appreciation that in order to be successful in this role that significant and frequent travel will be required with medium length absences from home, including, frequent travel in small aircraft and remote road(s) to communities.