Indigenous Relations Specialist

Indigenous Relations Specialist

As part of the Business Development and Stakeholder Relations team, the Indigenous Relations Specialist is responsible to build and maintain relationships with the 26 First Nations on whose unceded, ancestral lands PNG operates. A primary focus of the role is to cultivate and nurture genuine, lasting relationships with Indigenous Communities based on mutual trust and respect. The Indigenous Relations Specialist is integral to advance PNG’s initiatives related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and provision of safe and reliable natural gas service.

The successful candidate is responsible to lead PNG’s Indigenous Community engagement and relationship management and to support the co-ordination and facilitation of Indigenous procurement, economic development and permitting for both active projects and routine operational and maintenance activities. The role provides in-house Indigenous Relations support to PNG’s Lands and Environment, Asset Management, Operations, and Project Delivery departments. The candidate will work closely with PNG’s executive team to ensure that the overarching corporate Indigenous Relations program is realized at the operational and community level. The candidate will also liaise with external stakeholders (such as regulators, landowners, new and prospective customers, government and non-government agencies) with interest in PNG’s activities.

The position reports to the Director of Business Development & Stakeholder Relations. The location of the role is flexible - the candidate can choose to work from any of PNG’s regional offices in Northern BC (being Terrace, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Dawson Creek, or Fort St. John) or from head office in Vancouver. A company vehicle will be provided if working from a regional office. Frequent regional travel in Northern BC is required (e.g., to/from Indigenous Communities and work sites). This is a permanent full-time position, with competitive base pay and eligibility for incentives.

Salary Range:

• $ 101,700 to $119,700 per annum

What You Will Do:

Responsibilities:

• Build, nurture and maintain positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Indigenous Communities in PNG’s operating areas
• Lead engagements with Indigenous Communities (including elected officials, hereditary leaders, community staff, economic development entities) and provide expert advice to PNG personnel re: unique considerations for engaging and communicating with First Nations
• Oversee the assessment of Indigenous Community partnerships and local content for project procurement
• Support the development of / administer strategies, activities and initiatives to sustain and improve PNG’s relationships with Indigenous Communities and PNG’s reputation as a trusted and responsible operator
• Support the proactive planning, permitting, coordination, and execution of capital projects and maintenance/operational activities by leading and providing advice pertaining to Indigenous Community engagement, land use, access rights, cultural sensitivities, etc.

Duties:

• Cultivate collaborative and meaningful relationships with Indigenous Communities / First Nations in PNG’s operating areas.
• Fulfill all related aspects as the PNG single point of contact for First Nations / Indigenous Communities within PNG’s operating areas.
• Identify and facilitate opportunities for PNG Senior management to engage with Indigenous leadership.
• Work in conjunction with PNG Asset Management, Operations and Project Delivery teams to coordinate and fulfill the social license and permitting requirements associated with Indigenous Community engagement and consultation respecting lands, environmental, archeological, cultural and Aboriginal rights for PNG activities.
• Lead Indigenous Community engagement efforts and initiatives and maintain accurate engagement records for internal use and for submission to provincial regulators in support of PNG’s regulatory permitting and compliance requirements
• Coordinate and communicate with both internal and external stakeholders to ensure project and operational deliverables are met in accordance with identified project and business objectives and in compliance with regulatory requirements and timelines.
• Coordinate and manage the activities of other team members (internal and external to PNG) who support Indigenous and Stakeholder Relations
• Identify opportunities to engage with and support Indigenous Communities through participation in celebrations, community initiatives, education and training programs, etc.
• Support the preparation of monthly and quarterly reporting materials for the PNG executive team

What You Will Need to Succeed:

Education and Experience:

• Strong knowledge of Indigenous Peoples’ unique histories, cultures, protocols, values, beliefs and governments, preferably within British Columbia.
• Post-secondary degree or diploma in Indigenous or First Nations studies, anthropology, archeology, environmental science, resource management, land use planning, public or community relations, or an acceptable equivalent (e.g., an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered).
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in Indigenous relations, project permitting, land or resource management, natural resources, environmental or archeological consultancy, community investment and development, stakeholder engagement, and/or government relations.
• Experience working with Indigenous Communities on projects, events, agreements, permits, environmental assessments, etc.
• Experience working with industrial sector regulators, such as the BC Energy Regulator (previously the BC Oil and Gas Commission), BC Utilities Commission, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, etc..
• Experience within the oil & gas, mining, forestry, electricity, or renewables industries is considered an asset.
• Working knowledge of provincial/federal regulatory and impact assessment processes, First Nations engagement guidelines, British Columbia utility regulatory environment is considered an asset.
• Ability to travel and spend time in the Indigenous Communities in PNG’s service territories in NE and NW BC.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build authentic, respectful relationships with diverse and varied groups both internally and externally.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence others to achieve company objectives.
• Ability to work in both a team setting and independently in order to achieve deliverables and broader objectives that are often in an evolving context.
• Well-developed and effective communication, writing, and presentation skills in the English language, with ability to speak publicly (small and medium size group presentations)
• Strong initiative with the ability to work with minimal supervision in both centralized and de-centralized (geographically spread) teams.
• Proficient computer and organizational skills, including database management, document preparation, file management, etc.
• Fluent in the use of the MS Office suite (Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and business management and operations systems platforms (such as SharePoint).
• Familiarity with principles of mapping and survey, with experience in the use of mapping applications, is considered an asset

Other Considerations:

• In support of the forgoing responsibilities and duties, attend business meetings, ceremonial functions, site visits, tours, etc. within the Traditional Territories of the Indigenous Communities in which PNG operates.
• Position can be flexibly located in Vancouver, or any of PNG’s Northern BC regional offices (being Terrace / Prince Rupert / Smithers / Dawson Creek / Fort St. John), with regular and frequent travel within PNG’s Northern service areas.
• Position reports to the Director, Business Development & Stakeholder Relations (located in Vancouver, BC.)

What We Will Provide:

PNG is committed to your professional development and your overall health and safety. When you join our team, here is what you can expect:

• Competitive compensation and annual incentive plans.
• Extended health and dental plan, and wellness allowance.
• DB or DC pension plans and savings plans.
• Generous vacation and flex days.
• A safety-centric culture.

Inclusive Workplace:

At PNG, we are dedicated to an inclusive workplace that celebrates the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We believe that our differences empower us to become a stronger team, leading to better decisions, innovation, and business results.

Ready to Join Us?

If you are eager to be a part of our team and make a difference in the energy industry, please submit your resume in confidence through our career page. We look forward to receiving your application!