Indigenous Consultation Advisor

Detailed Job Description

Join us in enabling trade through Canada's largest port

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is an arm’s-length federal agency responsible for the shared stewardship of the lands and waters that make up the Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest port. Our mandate, as outlined in the Canada Marine Act, is to enable Canada’s trade objectives on behalf of all Canadians, ensuring the safe movement of goods through the Port of Vancouver while protecting the environment and considering local communities.

As an organization with a significant impact on communities and businesses across Canada, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. We strive to create a workplace that mirrors the richness of our community, empowering all employees to achieve their full potential.

Under direction, the Indigenous Consultation Advisor conducts Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (port authority) Indigenous consultation with those Indigenous groups who may be impacted by potential projects and initiatives in the port authority jurisdiction. The incumbent works closely with various internal groups that may include the Community and Government Affairs, PER, Ecosystem & Environmental Programs, Infrastructure Projects – Regulatory & Consultation Programs, Planning and Development, Real Estate, Project Communication teams as well as port tenants. Additionally, an Indigenous Consultation Advisor may engage with other federal or provincial agencies to coordinate engagement and/or consultation. As well, the Advisor assesses and/or advises on the sufficiency of Indigenous consultation for project applications, port authority led projects and/or corporate strategic initiatives as they relate to Indigenous rights, issues, interests and opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Plans and conducts Indigenous consultation for the port authority or tenant-led development projects.
• May also conduct Indigenous consultation on land use policies and plans, and strategic initiatives.
• Develops, implements and reviews consultation plans for projects that require an environmental assessment pursuant to the Impact Assessment Act and, when appropriate, aligns with the BC Environmental Assessment Act.
• Works with a cross-functional team to consider all aspects of port development projects and other initiatives and recommends whether consultation is required.
• Works closely with contractors on engagement and consultation activities.
• Works closely with relevant port authority departments on known Indigenous issues to ensure they are addressed appropriately through the consultation process.
• Applies existing legal principles and factors to the analysis of Indigenous interests.
• Monitors and analyzes evolving legislation, case law and applicable policy as it may affect port authority Indigenous consultation processes, and advises management.
• Tracks and records all Indigenous engagement/consultation activities in accordance with port authority practice and appropriate federal, provincial or other applicable standards.
  
  
  

What You Bring

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, Indigenous studies, law or another acceptable degree along with a minimum of 4 years demonstrable experience developing and implementing complex Indigenous consultation and communication strategies around challenging projects.
• Exceptional research, writing and analytical skills.
• Established relationships with Lower Mainland Indigenous groups would be considered an asset.
• Must be a self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, including tact, diplomacy and the ability to liaise effectively and positively with both staff and outside contacts.
• Ability to to analyze individual initiatives in the context of the bigger picture, identify issues, provide advice and escalate situations when necessary.
• Good organizational skills and flexibility to perform multiple tasks are required.
  
  
  

What We Offer

• Market-competitive base salaries and variable incentive plan
• Generous and inclusive benefits offering including retirement benefits plan
• Flexible remote work program
• Learning, development, and advancement opportunities
• Onsite gym with towel service in a national landmark in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront
• Friendly, unique, and respectful workplace
  
  
  

Location: Vancouver, Canada

Job type: Bargaining Unit, Full-Time, Temporary, Hybrid

Working environment: Normal office conditions with occasional off-site, evening and weekend work to attend events. Flexibility to occasionally respond to issues during non-working hours.

This is Canadian-based employment, and it is expected that all employees maintain legal entitlement to work in Canada. Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be subject to background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and members of visible minorities. Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require support applying to our openings, please contact us at [email protected].

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our indigenous relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website.