Indigenous Relations Advisor

The Indigenous Relations Advisor – Indigenous Relations (IR) will be involved primarily in supporting the operations of new and existing projects through responsive Indigenous business and relationship engagement endeavours. The successful candidate will use a combination of strategic thinking and relationship building skills to further the success of Valard’s Indigenous engagement efforts in supporting the delivery of projects.

Working closely with the Indigenous Relations team and Valard’s other business units, this role will support the building of new as well as enhance existing Indigenous relationships while supporting the advancement of opportunities for business growth.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated professional with a demonstrated track record in cultivating robust relationships, a background in the energy sector, and a comprehensive grasp of Indigenous matters, both in Ontario and across Canada.

Position Location

Toronto, Ontario: Preference is for the position to be based in either Toronto (Vaughn) Ontario, however, frequent travel to communities throughout Ontario is essential to the success of the role.

The position is responsible for initiating early engagement activities with communities that result in Valard participating in projects in energy generation, transmission and distribution. All aspects of Valard’s core business competencies are to be promoted to potential clients and partners.

Success in the role will be developing successful and loyal relationships through meaningful engagement that set the foundations for long and trusting relationships with local and Indigenous communities. The primary focal point will be local and Indigenous communities; including First Nations; Indigenous organizations and businesses throughout Ontario. In this context, reference also includes other Indigenous groups (Métis, Innu, Inuit) recognized by the Government of Canada.

1. Initiate, develop and maintain strong working relationships with Indigenous communities and their economic development organizations throughout Ontario.
2. As directed by the Senior Director, develop and maintain working relationships with all appropriate government agencies, crown corporations and utilities in Ontario.
3. Support Valard’s pursuits and assist in leading the Indigenous engagement for strategic projects through engagement with Indigenous communities and by finding solutions to provide Indigenous content to support successful bids through to execution and delivery of projects.
4. Work toward creating sustainable business partnerships with the Indigenous communities on all energy-related projects. The partnership activities may include developing and participating in varying types of Memoranda of Understanding and Subcontract Agreements.
5. Initiate, develop and maintain strong working relationships with the private sector business community (including mining, oil & gas; energy generation and transmission; heavy industry, construction and energy-related consulting) with a view to creating partnerships and undertaking contracts in Valard’s core business competencies.
6. Participate and support strategic planning in Valard’s Indigenous Relations Advisor activities and budgets, in addition, providing recommendations on industry conferences and sponsorships; priority project evaluations as well as creating and maintaining workplans.
7. Contribute and lead the development of Indigenous engagement plans and assist with the development of achievable targets (i.e. subcontracting and employment) by incorporating the early engagement knowledge of key communities prior to the bid stage of proposed projects.
8. Strategic to the role will be maintaining an in-depth awareness of relevant political, socio-political and socio-economic issues throughout Ontario.
9. Report on all issues and make recommendations to the Senior Director on all matters that may impact Valard’s ability to successfully participate in the regions’ economy where there is a primary focus.
10. Plan and participate in Trade shows and Job Fairs as necessary as well as representing Valard at key industry conferences.
11. Accountable to ensure all Indigenous Communications are being recorded and tracked per any project requirements, including Records of Engagement, Commitments, and Issues.
12. Collaborate with Project Management Teams (PMT) on Project Information Packages for distribution to Indigenous Communities, Leadership, Business Ventures, and online audiences.
13. Coordinate and schedule Indigenous Community Open Houses, collaborating with PMT, Employee Services, and Procurement teams.
14. Work with the Construction PM to ensure that any actions arising from Operational discussions are recorded and addressed, including follow-up with Indigenous communities.
15. Coordinating notifications to Indigenous Communities throughout project lifecycle, updating on project status or upcoming activities (i.e., brushing, burning, implosive splicing, stringing, etc.).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

1. 5 – 10 years applicable Indigenous Relation or Community Engagement experience.
2. Completion of an undergraduate degree in business administration or a business related discipline is preferred but not essential.
3. An appropriate combination of education and experience is acceptable if the experience has been gained through a successful career in Indigenous relations, business and partnership development including significant experience in the field of energy generation and/or construction.

KSAs (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, & PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES):

1. Self-motivation and influential leader with demonstrated management experience in strategy development and program implementation
2. Superior critical analysis and research skills to be able to oversee sensitive and high-profile strategic and/or operational issues
3. Strong understanding and awareness of Indigenous cultures and communities from a historical and current perspective
4. Ability to develop strategic priorities that consolidates input from and mirrors the needs of contemporary Indigenous communities
5. Track record of developing and sustaining positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders through collaborative and consultative work processes
6. Demonstrated success in managing complex and sensitive issues including associated risk management
7. Exceptional presentation and communication skills required to deliver on complex matters (written and verbal)
8. Strategic communicator experienced in managing and speaking to complex situations earning the trust of internal and external stakeholders.
9. Proven political acumen, demonstrate sound judgement on sensitive issues.
10. Clear understanding and appreciation that in order to be successful in this role that frequent travel will be required with medium length absences from home, including, frequent travel in small aircraft and remote road(s) to communities

Valard Construction LP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse workforce. We offer a competitive salary and a complete range of employee benefits.

Please forward resume and cover letter in confidence through the posting on this page.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' education and experience best meets the needs of the position. Only individuals selected for interviews will be contacted.