Indigenous Engagement Advisor

Northback is a Canadian company focused on the development of the Grassy Mountain steelmaking coal project in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.

We are seeking an enthusiastic Indigenous Engagement Advisor to join our team in either our Crowsnest Pass office or our downtown Calgary office. Reporting to the EVP External Engagement, the Indigenous Engagement Advisor represents Northback with First Nations communities in southern Alberta. Working closely with the EVP and the Senior Manager Indigenous Partnerships, you will help develop and deliver Northback’s community relations strategy and expand regional support for the Grassy Mountain Project. You will also contribute to developing Northback’s Indigenous programs and agreements.

Pre-employment Drug Test: An offer of employment for this position will be conditional on an applicant passing a pre-employment drug test. This test assesses for use of drugs including cannabis. Failure to pass a pre-employment drug test may prevent an applicant from being hired.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Indigenous Engagement:

- In coordination with the External Affairs team, play a key role in engagement, community relations, and partnership development with First Nations communities in Alberta, with particular focus on the Treaty 7 area

- Build meaningful relationships and encourage opportunities for working together

- Effectively communicate plans to ensure project updates and opportunities are distributed appropriately and efficiently

- Identify and respond to issues relating to Indigenous economic, social, land or resource management interests

- Represent Northback externally with confidence and credibility, both in initial engagement and managing ongoing partnerships

- Provide support for field work and site tours at the Project, as required

- Provide administrative support with engagement tracking software entries

Commercial:

- AsNorthback evolves its Indigenous relations program to include developing commercial opportunities for First Nations, this role will assist with commercial negotiations with Indigenous suppliers, contractors, and service providers to secure optimal performance commitments

- Advise internal stakeholders on commercial opportunities for Indigenous companies, including scopes of work and procurement approaches

- Ensure that First Nations capacity is considered in procurement, contracting and other work opportunities

- Support the Senior Manager Indigenous Partnerships with drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide range of agreements, including consultation/negotiation and impact benefit agreements

- Coordinate with the Commercial and Legal departments to ensure consistency with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

This role also supports the External Affairs team with other stakeholder consultation and engagement efforts in the southwest Alberta region and assists with regional community programs and special events as necessary.

These activities require extensive travel throughout southern Alberta to various communities.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

- Post-secondary education related to natural resource sector (e.g., resource management, environmental science, forestry), social sciences (e.g., political science, law, archaeology), or business

- 5+ years of directly applicable experience engaging with First Nations communities (preferably in mining, oil and gas, or other resource development)

- Experience working respectfully and effectively across Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities; demonstrated ability to build trust-based relationships

- Working knowledge of provincial regulatory requirements, guidelines and policies in relation to resource development

- Experience supporting or leading commercial negotiations with Indigenous communities

- Experience in policy development and implementation of operational agreements with Indigenous communities

- Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-management skills; confident public speaker able to represent Northback externally

- Demonstrated ability to identify community priorities and collaborate on options to address issues and concerns

- Strong organizational, documentation, and analytical skills; proficient with engagement tracking software and standard office applications

- Self-directed, collaborative, and professional; able to remain calm, impartial, and objective in challenging situations

- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel extensively throughout southern Alberta

LOCATION

This role will be based out of our Crowsnest Pass office, or our downtown Calgary office.

Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resumé electronically.

We appreciate that it takes time and effort to tailor a cover letter and resumé for a job application and will endeavor to respond to all applicants who do so.

Please note that prior to an offer of employment, all position-required credentials will be verified.