The Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources (CIER) is seeking to hire an Indigenous Engagement and Conservation Coordinator for a contract position. Reporting to CIER and working closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Indigenous Engagement and Conservation Coordinator is responsible for tasks related to the following two areas of work:
- Coordinating engagement with Indigenous communities to support the sharing of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) related to species at risk. The Coordinator will also be working with communities to support the braiding of IK into species at risk recovery documents required under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
- Coordinating terrestrial species at risk related engagements with Indigenous communities in the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) and Prairie (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba) Regions, documenting information from these engagements, reporting on these activities, and maintaining databases.
Duties and Responsibilities
General
- Creation and delivery of a Needs Assessment survey to help identify areas where CIER can provide support within the scope of this project that is most beneficial for Indigenous communities and organizations
- Guiding engagement processes by informing Indigenous communities of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) and supporting communities wishing to provide ECCC with information about their interests and/or concerns, Indigenous knowledge, or other information relating to Species at Risk
- Species-specific workshops are determined by ECCC but may include Wolverine, Grizzly Bear, and Plains Bison, Monarch, and Peary Caribou
- Building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations to promote information sharing
- May include one-on-one discussions with communities about their SARA concerns and where CIER can provide support, and engagement with communities before and after workshops on SARA
- Documenting the processes of engagement and/or accommodation between CIER/ECCC and Indigenous communities
- Developing and maintaining databases to assist communities with building repositories of traditional use information for community-access only
Specific to Indigenous Knowledge
- Researching and reporting on Indigenous Knowledge initiatives across the North and Prairie Regions, and internationally through literature reviews and an annotated bibliography
- Coordinating meetings with Indigenous communities in the North and Prairie Regions
- Promoting Ownership, Control, Access and Possession (OCAP) principles in all engagement activities
- Assistance in the creation of data sharing or confidentiality agreements
- Supporting interested communities with collecting Indigenous Knowledge (e.g., arrange meetings, take notes, interview)
Specific to Engagement
- Coordinating and leading information sharing on behalf of CIER with Indigenous communities and other Indigenous organizations in the North and Prairie Regions to consolidate work and avoid duplication of effort
- Coordinating and leading information-sharing sessions with Indigenous communities and organizations to support their involvement in SARA listing and recovery planning activities
- The development of Standard Operating Procedures with communities to ensure all cultural protocols are respected (including communication)
- Supporting communities with establishing or documenting consultation protocols
Working Conditions
Given the virtual nature of CIER’s work, the successful candidate must have access to a secure and reliable internet connection and a laptop with fully functional WIFI, video, and audio capabilities. A valid class 5 license (or equivalent) is required. This position might include travelling to remote communities (when it is safe to do so).
Employment Requirements
| Education | Bachelors or Master’s degree in a relevant social science (anthropology, sociology, law, etc.) with experience directly relevant to the scope of this position (I.e. a combination of post-secondary education or training and relevant work experience may be considered). |
| Experience | Experience working within Indigenous organizations or with Indigenous Knowledge traditions. Experience working with or for Indigenous communities to deliver community-driven projects and programs. |
| Knowledge | Knowledge or familiarity with OCAP principles. A strong understanding of Indigenous histories, Aboriginal Rights and Title, environmental issues, policies and laws. Intermediate to advanced proficiency with MS Office applications. |
| Skills and Abilities | Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing; and work with all levels of participants who possess a wide variety of expertise. Ability to multi-task with limited supervision. Friendly, optimistic disposition with strong interpersonal skills. Superior attention to detail and deadlines. Superior analytical and organizational skills with an ability to balance multiple priorities and produce tangible results in a dynamic work environment. |
| Nice to Have | Fluency in Indigenous language(s). Experience working with google docs, Microsoft Teams, Zoom. Knowledge of wildlife, species at risk, or federal and provincial/territorial wildlife legislation Knowledge or familiarity with OCAP principles. |
Who Can Apply?
Preference will be given to applicants residing in the North (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) or across the Prairies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba). Although preference will be given to Indigenous applicants (including First Nations, Métis, and Inuit), all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applicants are asked to self-identify.
Effective Date
As soon as possible. This contract ends March 2023 with the possibility of an extension.
Salary
Annual salary range is $58,000 to $66,000.
Deadline for Submission
If you are interested in this position, please forward your resume and a brief cover letter to CIER c/o [email protected] by May 4th, 2022. If you do not have access to email you are invited to either fax your resume (866-288-3919) or mail it directly to us at PO Box 26092, RPO Maryland, Winnipeg, MB R3G 3R3.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
