OPPORTUNITY PROFILE Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD)
ABOUT FORT MCKAY FIRST NATION Fort McKay First Nation (FMFN) is composed of over 800 band members, including those of Cree and Dane heritage, with approximately 400 members residing in the hamlet of Fort McKay a community located approximately 65 km north of Fort McMurray along the shores of the Athabasca River in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. It is a signatory to Treaty 8, and belongs to the Athabasca Tribal Council. As a community, Fort McKay boasts a longstanding history dating back to 1820 when the Hudson Bay Company first built a trading post near the current site. In 1912, the community was named after Dr. William Morrison MacKay Alberta s first resident doctor and the first President of the Northern Alberta Medical Association. The First Nation is managed by an elected Chief and Council and senior administrative body, led by the Band s CEO. The Fort McKay Band also has reserves at Namur Lake #174B and Gardiner Lakes #174A approximately 65In km northwest of Fort McKay. As a First Nation, FMFN is a leader in working collaboratively with industry, and holds a successful and longestablished record of strong relationship building with the various oil sands companies operating adjacent to its land. Given the importance of its relationship with the Federal and Provincial Government, industry and other stakeholders, Fort McKay created the IRC Industry Relations Corporation in 1993, to be the one window point of contact with industry, government and other stakeholders, dedicated to building greater efficiency and community access to information. In 2011, the IRC was changed to SD Sustainability Department. Fort McKay has aimed to maximize its participation in the economy to create sustainable, long-term growth and development within Aboriginal communities. Given its geographic location, Fort McKay has had many opportunities to work within the oil sands industry through developing its own companies. In 1986, the Fort McKay Group of Companies was established, which is fully owned and operated by the community. The Group serves a number of corporate clients in northeastern Alberta: from the oil sands, pipelines and forestry industries to the public sector. In addition to this, Fort McKay First Nation has also established numerous Joint Venture Companies. THE OPPORTUNITY The Fort McKay Sustainability Department is seeking a motivated and team-oriented individual to fill a fulltime position of Senior Manager, Industry & Government Relations. This position reports directly to the Executive Director of the Fort McKay Sustainability Department. The Senior Manager, Industry & Government Relations will be responsible to provide coordination, strategic and technical support for the research, design, implementation and maintenance of a government relations strategy, and must focus on building and maintaining relationships between government and industry contacts. This position will oversee the preparation of position papers, presentations, policy and briefs relating to these matters. The successful candidate will be required to work closely with the First Nation s Chief and Council, CEO, legal counsel, the Executive Director and all staff and consultants of the Sustainability Department. He/She will ensure that matters relating to the existing or to the development and implementation of new policies and regulations that may impact - the environment, the socio-economic development and the aboriginal and treaty rights of the community members are properly assessed, and the appropriate steps are taken to protect the Fort McKay community interests and rights. This position may involve overnight travel, working some evenings, some weekends, and some long hours as needed. The Senior Manager will oversee the community development and engagement team and a group of consultants. Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD) 1
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Coordinate and oversee general operating procedures and staff for Community Development and Engagement. Ensure that industry and project proponents are fully aware of the First Nation s approach to consultation and community engagement as a key component of the Fort McKay consultation/ regulatory process. Establish, maintain and update effective, workable community-based consultation policies and procedures for working with both government and industry. Work with and communicate well with legal counsel to develop and implement immediate, intermediate and long-term advocacy strategies related to social, economic and environmental sustainability including protection of Aboriginal, and First Nation Rights. Coordinate responses to policies, procedures and guidelines that may impact the reserves and traditional lands, rights and practices of Fort McKay. Manage, initiate and coordinate consultation activities with all levels of government, and determine the most effective use of their own time and the FMSD s time in consultation initiatives. Develop and maintain appropriate ongoing working relationships with staff of provincial and federal governments as well as industry and other stakeholders Assist legal counsel in representing Fort McKay in regulatory matters, development and implementation of environmental laws and standards, and as well as their implementation. Prepare, review and assist in the negotiations for accommodation and mitigation of government policies and activities. Ensure that strategies are developed to increase awareness of the Sustainability s Department activities through the community of Fort McKay. Work with the Executive Director, report to community members on status and results of negotiations and advocacy efforts with government and industry Provide the Executive Director with quarterly updates on operations and strategies. Work with the Communications Department to prepare and coordinate media releases, position papers and presentations designed to raise awareness of Fort McKay s positions related to sustainability and protection of the aboriginal and treaty rights. Lead and represent Fort McKay in meetings, conferences and forums with government and other organizations. Manage and implement the existing SD communications processes to ensure effective two-way communication with community members. Coordinate responses to policies, procedures and guidelines that may impact the reserves and traditional lands, rights and practices of Fort McKay. Manage work flow, communications and document management as well as liaise with consultants. Research provincial, municipal and federal policies, regulations and positions related to environmental stewardship, land use, economic development, and aboriginal relations, or Aboriginal and Treaty rights that may affect Fort McKay First Nation or Metis Community. Provide coordination, analytical and technical support in matters related to the development and implementation of industry and governmentrelated consultation matters, coordinate and manage strategic responses. Manage and coordinate funding opportunities for the FMSD in relation to consultation efforts. Advocate for the protection of the Community s Aboriginal and Treaty Rights at all times. Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD) 2
THE PERSON Minimum 8 years experience in government and/or industry working with Aboriginal communities in the areas of relationship management and consultation. Minimum 5 years experience in government affairs/relations working at both the technical and bureaucratic level. Strong knowledge of government policies, regulations, procedures and guidelines. The following would be considered an asset: Exposure/experience working with an Aboriginal organization, having a strong appreciation for Aboriginal culture and tradition, and an awareness/sensitivity to the realities of First Nations people and communities. Legal training Familiarity with the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP), the Moose Lake Access Management Plan and the Government Aboriginal Consultation Policy. LOCATION Preference will be given to candidates willing to relocate to Fort McMurray. The successful candidate office base will be in Fort McKay, Alberta, which is about 40 minutes north of Fort McMurray. A company vehicle will be provided for this position. PRIME SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES Leadership Skills - Have a strong, diverse management style, administratively strong and have exceptional organization skills; ability to collaborate with stakeholders both internal and external to an organization. Will be an advocate of open, honest and consistent communication among people. You have high ethical standards and an uncompromising sense of integrity. Proven ability to motivate people and have high expectations for performance. You look for input from others and can challenge when necessary. Interpersonal and Communication Skills Has an open, honest and consistent approach to working with others. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both informally and formally. Is an active listener and has excellent presentation and public-speaking skills. Seeks out and values others input and expertise when appropriate. Both professional and diplomatic in approach. Personal Management Skills Demonstrates self-confidence and interpersonal flexibility, perseverance and integrity. Establishes and monitors achievement of performance measures as a basis of effective management. Politically Astute Has the necessary understanding of political and environmental culture and the many diverse public and private stakeholders to the Fort McKay First Nations. This person will present facts clearly and logically to support an argument. Multi-task Oriented Ability to change gears quickly. Manage heavy workloads and tight deadlines, analyze and assess and make appropriate recommendations both internally and externally. Committed to Personal Excellence Continuously seeks to stay current and be at the leading edge in their field. Understands organizational challenges and is a progressive idea person committed to excellence and innovation in the workplace. Self-motivated and encourages others to achieve personal excellence. Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD) 3
COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview. Please see www.fortmckay.com for more information on our Client. FOR APPLICATION INFORMATION: PLEASE CONTACT Allan Nelson or Anurag Shourie 530, 1000 7 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 5L5 Phone: (403) 263-0600 Email: calgary@daviespark.com 501, 10226 104 St. NW Edmonton, AB T5J 1B8 Phone: (780) 420-9900 Email: edmonton@daviespark.com Additional information can be found at: www.daviespark.com Fort McKay Sustainability Department (FMSD) 4