Regional Advisor, Indigenous Relations

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us?

You've got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn't happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You'll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences - and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province's power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province's electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario's electricity needs - now and into the future.

The opportunity

The Regional Advisor, Indigenous Relations reports to the Supervisor, Relationships. This position supports the Supervisor in managing positive relationships with First Nations and Métis communities in order to assist the IESO in meeting its specific objective of purposeful engagement and the broader province's objectives with respect to advancing the involvement of Indigenous communities within the energy sector. The involvement of Indigenous communities could include, but is not limited to power system planning, renewable energy generation, transmission, funding support programs and conservation initiatives. In addition, this position will support the IESO with respect to the Duty to Consult. The position is regionally based as an embedded community resource and requires travel to First Nation communities and Métis councils across the Province.

What you'll do

• Maintain key contacts and promote ongoing dialogue with Indigenous communities with the objective to foster a cooperative and sustainable working relationship between these communities and the IESO
• Provide support to the Supervisor when the IESO is undertaking constitutional consultation with Indigenous communities
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the issues of this group of stakeholders and support their resolution within the IESO.
• Provide sound advice/guidance/information to Indigenous communities related to power system planning, power purchase agreements, Indigenous support programs, and conservation programs.
• Provide expert guidance to IESO's other client groups in the development of the provincially funded programs intended to assist the Indigenous communities in developing renewable energy generation, transmission and conservation initiatives and programs
• Provide analytic and research expertise related to the partnership and economic development initiatives with Indigenous communities across multiple jurisdictions to inform program development such that it meets the current needs of communities.
• Work collaboratively with Indigenous communities to support activities related to the development of renewable energy generation, transmission and conservation.
• Act as an ongoing source of expertise and a conduit between IESO and Indigenous communities as it relates to the broad mandate of the IESO.
• Provide communications and training initiatives for IESO staff to build internal awareness of Indigenous issues and interests.
• Develop and maintain relationships with various government ministries and agencies, including (but not limited to) the Ministries of Energy, Northern Development and Indigenous Affairs, Environment, Conservation and Parks, Natural Resources and Forestry; Hydro One and private transmitters; and with OPG and private generators.
• Prepare reports and correspondence and make presentations as required internally and externally in support of the Supervisor.
• Assists the Supervisor in the IESO's annual First Nations Energy Symposium
• This position requires travel to Indigenous communities throughout Ontario.
• Provide support in the Indigenous Relations program areas in a rapidly evolving legal and social context to deliver sustainable and responsible business results, including timely and effective project support
• Lead the execution of engagement in line with the IESO's Indigenous Peoples Policy
• Monitor, analyze and communicate emerging issues, risks and opportunities
• Participate in industry and Indigenous forums, as required, to enhance the sharing of best practices and lessons learned, and is viewed as a subject matter expert
• Complete other duties as requested/required
• And other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned.
  

What you need to succeed

• Post-secondary degree in engineering, energy, business, environmental studies, political science or a technical discipline is preferred; a post graduate degree is an asset
• 6 - 8 years' of relevant experience in the energy sector with experience in indigenous relations, stakeholder engagement, and policy development.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities' history, culture and treaty relationships
• Willingness to build trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, participating in open exchanges of experiences and culture
• Experience working and building relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations
• Experience with policy development and translation to programs
• A superior level of tact and diplomacy
• Current and up to date knowledge of the federal and provincial regulatory and Impact Assessment processes and consultation guidelines in Ontario
• Experience engaging with Indigenous groups in Ontario, and working with representatives and community members to resolve complex and often contentious issues
• Ability to be a team player and work independently to achieve project deliverables
• Strong inter-personal skills and an ability to develop trusted relationships
• Knowledge of the electricity sector as asset
• Strong research and analytic skills
• Excellent communications skills - both oral and written
• Effective presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to manage large public meetings
• Political acuity
• Use of Microsoft Office

Licensing Requirements:

• Valid Class G Driver's License or equivalent as recognized by the Province of Ontario.
• Ability to travel to remote field locations frequently and for multiple days

What's in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry
  

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment - one that values every team member's unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located in Ontario.

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