Head of Indigenous Relations

Northland Power Inc. • Toronto, ON

53d

About The Position

At Northland, we’re enablers of change, united by our journey to transform the energy sector into the foundation for a sustainable future. Since our inception, we’ve 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. We’re a different kind of independent power producer. As developers, owners and operators who are at the forefront of the energy transition, we’re uniquely positioned to leave a lasting impact in the regions where we operate. We’ve 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 Power’s 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 Power’s 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a company-wide Indigenous strategy that complements and strengthens Northland Power’s 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manage Northland Power’s 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.
• Frequent travel across Canada is required to support project development, operations, and relationship-building.

Benefits

• 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 you’ll 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.

What This Job Offers

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