Indigenous Relations Advisor

Position Summary

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS ADVISOR

JOB ID: 6697

SHORT-TERM (6 MONTHS)/FULL-TIME

LOCATION: BURNABY, B.C

To be considered for this role, applications MUST be submitted online, by clicking on 'Apply' below.

• Join one of BC’s Top Employers!
• Be part of an exceptional company culture with great employee benefits and a healthy work/life balance!

BC Housing thanks all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

THE ORGANIZATION

BC Housing is a provincial Crown Corporation that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options for those most in need across the province to address critical gaps across the housing continuum ranging from emergency shelter through to rent assistance in the private market and affordable home ownership. Share in the rewards of working with an organization that offers challenging work and competitive compensation and supports the growth and development of its people.

Our mission is to provide access to safe, quality, accessible, and affordable housing options. We do this to promote strong, inclusive communities where people can thrive.

BC Housing offers competitive salaries and an excellent benefits package. But a job is more than a pay cheque. We also offer our staff the opportunity to work together to make a difference. When employees go home at the end of the day, they experience the satisfaction of knowing they’ve helped provide safe, affordable housing for British Columbians. And while they’re here, employees can take advantage of many opportunities:

• In-house training, and training at other institutions, for courses related to employees’ current positions or to prepare them for advancement within BC Housing.
• Wellness programs including physical fitness, programs to help employees quit smoking, free flu shots, mental health resources, and lunch-and-learn lectures and seminars.
• Recognition programs including long-term service awards, idea recognition and outstanding performance awards.
• Livegreen incentives include an employee transit pass program, and other initiatives that encourage alternative, sustainable transportation (even a bike purchase program!).
• An active Social Club that organizes special events like seasonal parties and arranges group discounts to other events.
• Participation in community and charitable events.

** Please note: Eligibility for benefits offered is based on employment status **

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS ADVISOR:

$86,007.24 - $97,679.59 (Annually)

Reporting to the Director Indigenous Relations, the Indigenous Relations Advisor is responsible for promoting and facilitating partnerships and developing engagement strategies to address Indigenous housing needs and capacity building within the Indigenous sector. He/she/they performs research and analysis to support the development of programs and initiatives to strengthen Indigenous engagement and consultation. The position establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, organizations, and institutions.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

The successful candidate will have the following:

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy and Planning, Social Sciences, with a focus in Indigenous Relations Studies or a relevant field.
• Considerable experience in Indigenous consultation and engagement, capacity building and community development.
• Considerable experience working with Indigenous associations and non-profit societies in the delivery of social housing services and community-based programs.
• Or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience acceptable to the Employer.
• Criminal record check required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Works closely with the Director, Indigenous Relations and other key internal stakeholders, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, and institutions with whom BC Housing partners, including consultation and negotiation discussions with First Nations related to the delivery of BC Housing programs and services. Identifies new areas for partnerships, collaboration and joint initiatives with other organizations and Indigenous communities where BC Housing can have a positive impact on the community, e.g., capacity building and responding to local housing needs.
• Oversees and facilitates the execution of Indigenous Relationship agreements between BC Housing and Indigenous communities, organizations, and institutions. Utilizing knowledge and understanding of Indigenous programs and services, provides support, advice, and consultation to support effective operations of programs and jointly resolve issues to ensure appropriate and effective access to programs and services.
• Researches, drafts, and recommends policies, programs, and initiatives to strengthen Indigenous engagement and consultation in collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaises with and supports Indigenous-led housing organizations, as requested, to foster strong partnerships and promote Indigenous self-management of social housing in B.C.
• Assists the Board of Directors/Executive Directors of external organizations in the development and maintenance of cultural safety programs, operational procedures, and policies.
• Liaises with Supply Chain Management regarding the Indigenous Relations procurement policies. Ensures contracts with providers fulfill the terms and conditions outlined in the Indigenous Relations policies. Provides advice and guidance in the interpretation of the policy and assists in the development and maintenance of Indigenous procurement policy, procedures, and strategies through in-depth research and internal and external stakeholder consultation.
• Participates and contributes to the development and establishment of corporate goals, objectives and strategies for BC Housing related to enhancing Indigenous relationships and partnerships. Works with the Reconciliation & Equity Strategies Team in understanding community needs, identifying key barriers and benefits, and developing strategies to support the development and coordination of BC Housing’s activities and strategies in addressing Indigenous housing needs and increasing self-reliance within the sector.
• Provides advice and recommendations to enhance BC Housing’s provincial and regional level of knowledge and understanding of Indigenous issues, cultural aspects, and best practices and to ensure a comprehensive understanding of risks, opportunities and trends that could affect Indigenous partnerships and relations.
• Works collaboratively with Corporate Research & Planning to develop performance measurements and monitoring of BC Housing’s activities in support of Reconciliation and Progressive Indigenous Relations (PAR) certification, as well as to identify and support research projects related to Indigenous housing and related issues.
• Monitors issues, tracks trends, and prepares updates on relevant initiatives, regulations, policies, and legal matters relating to Indigenous people in BC. Drafts written materials, presentations, and information for senior management, as assigned.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, provides guidance and recommendations on Indigenous recruitment, retention, and career advancement opportunities. Analyzes and summarizes review results and provides recommendations for the development and implementation of Indigenous HR programs to improve the experience.
• Represents BC Housing at government or community initiatives that may be established related to Indigenous housing, including making presentations or conducting special studies as appropriate.
• Maintains current knowledge and understanding of community and social issues impacting the delivery of Indigenous housing and related issues.
• Performs other related duties that do not affect the nature of the job, including participating on project task teams or assisting with special assignments.