Amended - Indigenous Liaison Specialist

AMENDMENT: The option for alternate work arrangements for these positions is no longer available.

Do you have a genuine interest in building partnerships and collaborating with Indigenous communities in Ontario?

In this position, you'll have an opportunity to lead, coordinate and facilitate relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities to support the government's transportation goals and commitments in relation to initiatives and programs while advancing related community economic development goals.

This position will require frequent travel over long distances and to remote locations, often independently.

Notes:
Effective April 1, 2024 the salary range for this position is $88,496.00 to $128,625 per year in compliance with AMAPCEO collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to April 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.

This competition will be used to fill two (2) Indigenous Liaison Specialist positions in the North (area east) and one (1) Indigenous Liaison Specialist position in the North (area west).

In the North (area east), the successful candidates will be required to work from 447 McKeowen Avenue, Floor 4, North Bay, ON.

In the North (area west), the successful candidate will be required to work from 615 James St S, Thunder Bay, ON

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this position, you will:
• Provide expert advice to senior management and corporate support to project staff on Indigenous relations issues and in the development and implementation of transportation policies and programs
• Provide front-line service and response to Indigenous communities in support of consultation initiatives and to develop and foster critical linkages and partnerships
• Plan, develop and coordinate the development of briefing materials, reports and issues management plans pertaining to Indigenous matters
• Act as liaison between the ministry, branch and Indigenous communities as part of a cross-divisional functional team
• Provide strategic planning, project management, negotiation and facilitation in the development, evaluation and implementation of initiatives and programs
• Provide support to the communities in pursuing procurement opportunities with the MTO.

How do I qualify?

Knowledge of Indigenous Affairs:

• You have knowledge of economic, legal, and political issues underlying Indigenous relations, the history, culture, governance, community perspectives, protocols, agreements and services affecting Indigenous communities, and related legislation and case law.
• You have extensive experience leading complex projects and liaising with Indigenous communities to fulfil the ministry's duty to consult.
• You have knowledge of strategic directions for Indigenous affairs and economic development, corporate Indigenous policy and approaches, and processes and strategies for managing Indigenous relationships.
• You have knowledge of transportation and/or land use services related to Indigenous communities, research techniques and principles and transportation economic principles.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:

• You have the ability to develop and implement strategies to engage and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities and act as liaison for specific transportation projects and planning, issues, and related project delivery matters.
• You have strong problem-solving skills to anticipate and resolve complex, inter-related, and highly political issues.
• You have the ability to interpret Indigenous constitutional law and evaluate impacts on ministry corporate policy and programs.
• You have strong analytical skills to identify gaps and barriers to Indigenous economic development, conduct environmental scans, lead economic modeling, cost-benefit analyses, and risk assessment/reduction analysis.

Interpersonal and Relationship Management Skills:

• You utilize developed facilitation, negotiation and consensus-building skills to resolve issues between Indigenous communities and stakeholders, and act as a liaison between Ministry, Division, Branches and regional offices and diverse communities.
• You utilize relationship management skills to maintain partnerships with stakeholders and lead relationship-building forums and/or site visits.
• You have strong interpersonal skills to act as an expert on Indigenous relations and represent the region on committees and task forces.

Communication Skills:

• You can lead consultations, attend conferences, provide training and provide recommendations related to Indigenous rights and transportation development projects.
• You can respond to issues in writing, research and prepare briefing notes, Issues Management plans and presentations using standard software programs and tools.

Project Management Skills:

• You have knowledge of project management principles, program evaluation methods, and statistical, forecasting, risk management and economic modeling techniques and principles.