Advisor, Indigenous and Rural Relations

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo • Derwent, AB

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Indigenous and Rural Relations department is dedicated to fostering strong, respectful, and collaborative relationships with Indigenous and rural communities across the region. The team ensures that municipal programs, services, and decisions are informed by meaningful engagement, cultural awareness and a commitment to reconciliation. Key functions of the department include: Leading engagement and consultation with Indigenous and rural communities. Supporting cultural awareness and reconciliation initiatives across the Municipality. Developing and maintaining protocols that respect Indigenous traditions and practices. Providing advice and guidance to Council and administration on Indigenous and rural matters. Advocating for the unique needs and priorities of rural communities. Partnering on community development projects that enhance inclusion, sustainability and quality of life. By advancing partnerships, supporting community voices, and celebrating the diverse histories and traditions that shape the region, Indigenous and Rural Relations plays a vital role in creating an inclusive and connected Wood Buffalo for today and future generations.

The Advisor, Indigenous and Rural Relations, is responsible for liaising and communicating with designated communities and partners on municipal services and agreements, and to obtain input and feedback on issues or concerns as they relate to Indigenous and Rural Relations. Primary responsibilities of this position include: Program Development: Assists the Manager with overall program service delivery with direct involvement in daily operations and overall administration. Researches and assists with the development and implementation of departmental strategies, tools, administrative directives based on best practices for continuous improvement. Departmental Advice: Acts as a departmental advisor to provide technical and functional guidance regarding policies, procedures, program implementation, and legislation to management and other staff. This advice will ensure consistent, innovative, and legislatively compliant administrative guidelines, policies, procedures, and precedents. Service Delivery: Supports community and Indigenous organizations that benefit the various hamlets and Indigenous communities. Develops and implements Indigenous engagement policies and strategies. Works with rural staff to develop appropriate policies, to address current and emerging community issues and to build awareness within the Municipality of the unique relationship and civic responsibility to Indigenous residents. Coordinates the Municipality’s engagement and communication processes with rural and Indigenous communities and partners.

Requirements

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, leaders, and external contacts.
• Interacts in a manner that builds trust, credibility, and rapport.
• Proven ability to interpret legislation and regulations.
• Leadership, motivational, communications, and facilitation skills that enable collaborative work with staff at all levels.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills that enable the incumbent to clearly inform and advise others.
• Problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Must be a self-starter able to work with minimal supervision and direction.
• Proficient in various computer applications.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture issues, communities, and protocols.
• Sound judgement and ability to maintain confidentiality of material and information.
• Degree in Indigenous Studies, Community Development, Social Work, Education, Indigenous Law, or equivalent.
• Five (5) years of experience working with, or in, Indigenous communities.
• Submission of a Criminal Record Check.
• A valid Class Five (5) Operator’s License is required as incumbent will be required to operate a personal or municipal vehicle for business use on a regular basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a public sector environment considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Manager with overall program service delivery with direct involvement in daily operations and overall administration.
• Researches and assists with the development and implementation of departmental strategies, tools, administrative directives based on best practices for continuous improvement.
• Acts as a departmental advisor to provide technical and functional guidance regarding policies, procedures, program implementation, and legislation to management and other staff.
• Supports community and Indigenous organizations that benefit the various hamlets and Indigenous communities.
• Develops and implements Indigenous engagement policies and strategies.
• Works with rural staff to develop appropriate policies, to address current and emerging community issues and to build awareness within the Municipality of the unique relationship and civic responsibility to Indigenous residents.
• Coordinates the Municipality’s engagement and communication processes with rural and Indigenous communities and partners.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level