Head of Indigenous Relations
Job Summary
Who We Are:
At Northland were enablers of change united by our journey to transform the energy sector into the foundation for a sustainable future.
Since our inception weve been early movers in the energy industry adopting new initiatives that pave the way for communities across the globe and helping forge their path towards a carbon-neutral landscape.
Were a different kind of independent power producer. As developers owners and operators who are at the forefront of the energy transition were uniquely positioned to leave a lasting impact in the regions where we operate. Weve expanded our business across Canada the United States Latin America Europe and Asia to become a global leader all by bringing together industry experts to find solutions with an entrepreneurial mindset.
While our work powers communities across the globe Northland is powered by our people.
The Indigenous Relations Advisor is responsible for advancing and maintaining respectful constructive and outcomes-focused relationships with Indigenous Nations and organizations in support of Northland Powers development construction and operations activities. This role provides strategic advice and hands-on leadership related to Indigenous partnerships engagement Duty to Consult negotiations and economic participation ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements corporate objectives and Indigenous priorities.Role Overview
The Indigenous Relations Advisor is responsible for advancing and maintaining respectful constructive and outcomes-focused relationships with Indigenous Nations and organizations in support of Northland Powers development construction and operations activities. This role provides strategic advice and hands-on leadership related to Indigenous partnerships engagement Duty to Consult negotiations and economic participation ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements corporate objectives and Indigenous priorities.
Indigenous Engagement & Relationship
- Develop and lead a company-wide Indigenous strategy that complements and strengthens Northland Powers corporate business strategy.
- Build maintain and steward long-term trust-based relationships with Indigenous Nations including First Nations Métis and Inuit communities across all phases of the project lifecycle.
- Serve as the primary senior point of contact between Northland Power and Indigenous leadership including Chiefs Councils and designated representatives including participation on the Board of Directors with all First Nations partnerships
- Cultivate and actively manage critical high-level relationships with Indigenous leaders to ensure community interests priorities and concerns are meaningfully understood and addressed.
- Apply a deep working knowledge of Indigenous histories territories governance structures and inter-Nation relationships to inform engagement risk management and partnership strategies.
Consultation & Regulatory Leadership
- Provide senior-level leadership for Indigenous and community consultation programs to meet provincial federal and international regulatory requirements including Duty to Consult matters.
- Coordinate closely with development construction and operations teams to design execute and manage region-specific Indigenous and Community Affairs programs across jurisdictions.
- Act as a company-wide subject matter expert on Indigenous-related legislation government policy regulatory frameworks and emerging best practices.
- Advise senior leaders and project teams on consultation strategies risks mitigation measures accommodation approaches and regulatory positioning.
Agreements Partnerships & Economic Participation
- Support the negotiation of agreements with Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities including MOUs LOIs Impact Benefit Agreements equity and shareholder agreements and operations and maintenance agreements.
- Identify structure and advance economic participation opportunities including equity ownership procurement and subcontracting training and long-term employment opportunities.
Internal Advisory Governance & Reporting
- Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to senior leadership providing expert guidance on Indigenous and community matters across the portfolio.
- Direct the preparation of briefings reports and recommendations for the Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors.
- Regularly report on Indigenous and Community Affairs strategy progress risks and priorities both at the portfolio level and for specific projects.
- Provide leadership on Indigenous and social policy matters offering insight on evolving government priorities and regulatory trends.
External Representation & Oversight
- Manage Northland Powers participation in industry associations stakeholder forums and working groups related to Indigenous and community relations.
- Oversee external Indigenous and Community Affairs advisors and consultants by defining scope setting expectations establishing reporting standards and ensuring consistent quality and outcomes.
- Partner with internal teams to source contract and manage external resources across multiple jurisdictions.
- Develop and manage annual budgets related to Indigenous and Community Affairs activities.
Travel
- Frequent travel across Canada is required to support project development operations and relationship-building.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelors degree in business History Social Sciences Indigenous Studies or a related discipline.
- 8 years of experience leading Indigenous engagement consultation and negotiations with a demonstrated record of building trusted relationships.
- 5 years of experience in renewable energy infrastructure and/or large-scale project development.
- Formal training or certification in dispute resolution alternative dispute resolution and conflict management.
- Experience developing or supporting Social Impact Assessments for Equator Principles Category A projects
- Working knowledge of Indigenous financing mechanisms including loan guarantee programs and related funding structures.
Whats In It for You:
Our employees are the driving force behind our achievements. We are unwavering in our commitment to not only recognise your contributions but also to empower you to excel in every aspect of your life. Heres a glimpse of why Northland is the place where youll truly thrive:
Thoughtful benefits A competitive RRSP matching scheme of 8%; extended health dental and vision benefits for yourself and your immediate family from day one; paid parental leave; Accident and Life Insurance and disability benefits are just a few of the benefits youll be able to access.
Wellbeing first Staying true to our taking care of ourselves and each other value you will have access to our global Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program including access to mental health resources.
Floating days and Birthdays off As part of our commitment to promoting a healthy work-life balance you will get your birthday off so you can celebrate however you choose! You will also receive three additional days off annually to observe any other events that are important to you.
We hire talented and passionate people from different backgrounds. If youre excited about a role but your past experience doesnt align perfectly with this job description we still encourage you to apply. Learn more about our diversity inclusion and belonging commitments.
#LI-SM1 #LI-ONSITE
Pay Range:
$106400.00 - $133000.00This document is a guide. The duties responsibilities and requirements of the jobs as described herein are not inclusive and are subject to change.
Northland Power is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to creating a fair inclusive and accessible environment. As part of our commitment we work to ensure our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you require special assistance or accommodation during the hiring process please notify a member of the HR Department.
We use AIenabled tools to help identify applications that meet jobrelated criteria. All applications are reviewed and decisions are made by people.
This is a replacement position.Required Experience:
Director