Manager, Indigenous Relations

Overview

Are you ready to make a significant impact? We are recruiting for the role of Manager, Indigenous Relations to join our team. Collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities are critical in enabling the energy transition. This role will focus on building long-term, trust-based relationships and mutual understanding. You will provide essential support to Indigenous communities, ensuring their active participation in our adjudicative processes, as well as offering your expertise to Commissioners as an active participant in those processes. 

This role will serve as a primary point of contact for Indigenous communities at the OEB, with a focus on building long-term, trust-based relationships and promoting collaboration and mutual understanding. The Manager, Indigenous Relations will provide expertise, training, and other information to Indigenous communities to support their participation in the OEB’s regulatory process. The position will also participate in regulatory proceedings, working with other OEB staff to review evidence, ask interrogatories, and make submissions on the adequacy of consultation where in the scope of the OEB’s purview. This individual will also implement projects and initiatives aimed at facilitating Indigenous participation in the OEB’s regulatory process. This role will provide expertise, guidance, and strategic advice to OEB staff and commissioners on complex issues related to the Duty to Consult, and will foster a spirit of teamwork, cohesiveness, and innovation by working with staff across the OEB. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain long-term, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding.
• Serve as the main liaison between the OEB and Indigenous communities, ensuring clear, transparent, and consistent communication.
• Represent the OEB at meetings with Indigenous communities.
• Offer comprehensive support and information to Indigenous communities regarding the OEB’s regulatory processes before, during, and after proceedings.
• Collaborate with OEB staff and other stakeholders to support continuous improvements to the OEB’s processes and facilitate engagement and participation from Indigenous communities.
• Work with OEB staff and consultants to create and implement a comprehensive engagement strategy.
• Provide expertise, guidance, and strategic advice on issues related to the adequacy of the Duty to Consult in OEB proceedings and relevant policies, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are effectively integrated.
• Review Indigenous Consultation Reports (ICRs) and other relevant evidence, asking interrogatories and making submissions on the adequacy of consultation.
• Collaborate with all levels in the organization on procedural matters and technical issues related to Indigenous matters as needed.
• Maintain expert knowledge of the evolving legal landscape with respect to the Duty to Consult and issues related to Indigenous communities.
• Provide advice and support to leadership on issues related to Indigenous communities.
• Focus on fresh ideas and solutions that promise to deliver the highest levels of quality, service, and value.
• Identify challenges, emerging risks and issues faced by the organization and recommend solutions to reduce and eliminate challenges

Qualifications

• University degree in Indigenous Studies, Finance, Law, Business Administration, Engineering, or related discipline.
• A graduate degree or professional designation is an asset.
• 7 years’ experience in the energy sector or related field, with experience working with Indigenous communities.
• Expert knowledge of issues for Indigenous communities and organizations, including the Crown's Duty to Consult, and social and economic implications of energy sector activities, as well as relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated experience with traditional practices in Indigenous engagement and understanding of Indigenous history and culture.
• Demonstrated experience as a relationship builder and trusted liaison, by demonstrating integrity and being authentic, collaborative, inclusive, and a creative problem solver.
• 3 to 5 years of management experience, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Project management and organizational skills to undertake complex assignments and successfully implement projects.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including formal presentations to audiences.
• Ability to comprehend technical and regulatory documents and to communicate technical issues in clear and plain language.
• Knowledge of the OEB’s Environmental Guidelines and adjudicative process.
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Teams.