JOB OPPORTUNITY – UNION OF BC INDIAN CHIEFS, VANCOUVER

Contract, Full-Time Project Manager

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs (UBCIC) is seeking a full-time Project Manager for a six-month contract to support the work of our organization and the First Nations Leadership Council (FNLC). Reporting to the UBCIC Policy Director, the successful candidate will lead the technical development of the First Nations Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (FNCCSAP). The successful candidate will demonstrate experience working to advance Indigenous Title and Rights and addressing climate change and managing dynamic projects in a limited timeline. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a leading, member-driven Indigenous political advocacy organization.

About the UBCIC

The UBCIC is a not-for-profit organization representing and taking direction from over 100 Indigenous Nations in BC. Our aim is to protect and advance the political and territorial rights of Indigenous people in BC. We support Indigenous Peoples at regional, national, and international forums. The UBCIC’s mandate is to work towards the implementation, exercise, and recognition of our inherent Title, Rights, and Treaty Rights, and to protect our lands, waters, and resources through the exercise and implementation of our own laws and jurisdiction. The UBCIC strengthens Indigenous Nations to assert and implement their Aboriginal Title, Rights, Treaty Rights, and Right of Self-Determination as Peoples.  The UBCIC upholds the principles and standards articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for the establishment and maintenance of a universal framework of minimum standards for the survival, dignity, well-being, and rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Key Job Functions include:

• Collaborate closely with the FNLC policy team to complete, discuss, and update iterative drafts of the FNCCSAP.
• Adapt a workplan and an engagement plan to engage First Nations on the development of the FNCCSAP based on the information contained in the project proposal.
• Liaise with relevant partners on climate change initiatives (AFN, provincial government, climate change networks, etc.) to advocate for First Nations’ priorities, needs, gaps and challenges, and the inclusion of First Nations knowledge in adaptation practices.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborate with FNLC policy staff to outline and deliver a first draft of FNCCSAP based on the FNLC Climate Emergency Survey and documented resources;
• Coordinate the establishment and work of a First Nations Climate Action Technical Advisory Group (“Technical Advisory Group”), including coordinating input from the Technical Advisory Group for inclusion in the FNCCSAP and any other immediate next steps;
• Engage with First Nations leadership and host five regional virtual sessions to discuss initial drafts of the FNCCSAP;
• Prepare outreach communications in relation to the FNCCSAP for First Nations communities and organizations;
• Host individual meetings upon request from FNLC executives, First Nations leadership, First Nations organizations, academic experts, and others as needed to develop the FNCCSAP;
• Coordinate and participate in remote meetings as required;
• Travel as required and with the prior approval of FNLC. Travel costs are compensated separately from this Contract with travel rates subject to FNLC’s approved Travel Rates;
• Support the FNLC policy team for the final FNCCSAP approval in the FNLC organizations’ respective assemblies;
• Prepare a final report for submission to the Province of BC.

Qualifications:

• Strong understanding of Indigenous historical, political, and legal issues in British Columbia;
• Knowledge of climate change, climate mitigation and adaptation, and climate policy;
• Experience working with legislation, regulation, and policy, preferably within a First Nations provincial/territorial organization or First Nation administration;
• Strong organizational skills, excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce results within specified timelines;
• Excellent analytical, judgemental, persuasive, and consensus-making skills;
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills, including the ability to write clearly and persuasively.

Payment will be $7000 per month for the duration of the contract (six months). Please send a cover letter, resume and references to the attention of the UBCIC Policy Director. If sending by email, please send to Tracy Point ([email protected]), with the subject line “Project Manager Contract.”  We thank all candidates for their interest. Only those candidates who are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted. Open until filled. 

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. Qualified Indigenous applicants will be given priority.

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