Tsawout First Nation

POSITION: Intergovernmental Relations Liaison
DEPARTMENT: Governance and Administration
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
HOURS OF WORK: Full-time; occasional evening, weekend, and overnight travel may be required
WAGE RANGE: $ 110,000 &amp; Up based on experience and Education
POSITION SUMMARY
The Intergovernmental Relations Liaison is a management-level position that provides strategic, technical, negotiation, research, analysis, and coordination leadership for intergovernmental relations, Crown consultation, referrals, negotiations, agreements, and external engagement activities, as directed by the Executive Director, senior leadership, and Chief and Council.
Working under approved direction and within established mandates, the Liaison supports negotiations, consultations, referral processes, and agreement development with governments, industry, and external partners. The role gathers information, coordinates input, prepares options, and provides recommendations for leadership consideration. All work is culturally grounded, community-led, and aligned with SȾÁUTW̱ laws, teachings, stewardship responsibilities, and the Nation's long-term vision.
This role is administered by SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation and functions within established organizational, legal, and governance frameworks.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership-Directed Negotiation, Representation, and Advisory Support
<ul>
<li>Leads assigned negotiations, consultations, and discussions with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, other First Nations, and industry proponents within approved mandates, delegated authority, and leadership direction;</li>
<li>Prepares negotiation materials, briefing notes, issue summaries, options, risk analyses, and recommendations that uphold SȾÁUTW̱'s inherent rights, title, jurisdiction, and laws, including the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Marine Use Law and the QEN,T Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (QEN,T IPCA);</li>
<li>Develops, maintains, and oversees leadership-approved workplans and negotiation plans for assigned matters, including objectives, background information, engagement requirements, roles, timelines, budgets, performance measures, risks, reporting requirements, and decision points;</li>
<li>Coordinates negotiation-related work on self-government agreements, land acquisition, economic development, natural resources, infrastructure, and fisheries, ensuring proposed positions and commitments are brought forward for leadership review and approval;</li>
<li>Participates in intergovernmental committees, task forces, and working groups to gather information, communicate approved direction, and coordinate follow-up;</li>
<li>Develops proposed negotiation options and strategic considerations grounded in SȾÁUTW̱ governance systems, laws, teachings, and traditional knowledge for leadership consideration;</li>
<li>Works with legal counsel and leadership to support the drafting, review, implementation, and tracking of agreements, MOUs, protocols, contracts, and capacity-funding commitments, ensuring approval and signing authorities remain with the appropriate leadership or governance body.</li>
</ul>
Referral and Consultation Process
<ul>
<li>Provides technical, strategic, and coordination support to leadership on Crown consultation and accommodation processes, ensuring analysis is consistent with SȾÁUTW̱ laws and governance frameworks, including the SȾÁUTW̱ Marine Use Law, Consultation Protocol, and QEN,T IPCA management objectives;</li>
<li>Manages the intake, triage, multidisciplinary review, escalation, tracking, quality assurance, and closure of referrals and consultation requests in accordance with the SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation Consultation Protocol and Policy;</li>
<li>Assesses referrals and consultation requests for potential impacts on lands, waters, cultural heritage, rights, and title, and prepares analysis, options, and recommendations for leadership consideration;</li>
<li>Coordinates internal reviews with Lands, Fisheries, Environment, and Cultural Heritage departments so leadership decisions are informed by technical expertise, cultural knowledge, and community priorities;</li>
<li>Prepares and quality-assures written responses, briefing notes, issue analyses, decision documents, and proposed negotiation positions for approval by the Executive Director and Chief and Council;</li>
<li>Monitors timelines and coordinates follow-up with proponents and agencies, supporting only those accommodation measures, responses, or commitments that have been reviewed and approved by leadership.</li>
</ul>
Research, Analysis, and Strategic Development
<ul>
<li>Conducts research and analysis to support leadership-directed negotiations, referrals, consultation activities, and external engagement, including environmental, legal, cultural, and economic considerations;</li>
<li>Reviews and interprets technical, policy, and regulatory documents to identify risks, opportunities, and implications for SȾÁUTW̱ and to support informed leadership direction;</li>
<li>Contributes to the development and refinement of proposed policies, protocols, procedures, and strategies for review and approval through SȾÁUTW̱'s established leadership and governance processes;</li>
<li>Ensures all research, analysis, and recommendations support SȾÁUTW̱'s long-term vision for stewardship, sustainability, governance integrity, and community benefit.</li>
</ul>
Relationship Building and Advocacy
<ul>
<li>Builds and maintains respectful, productive relationships with government agencies, industry proponents, and other First Nations consistent with SȾÁUTW̱'s values, approved mandates, and leadership expectations;</li>
<li>Communicates SȾÁUTW̱'s approved laws, priorities, and governance positions clearly and consistently to external partners;</li>
<li>Represents SȾÁUTW̱ in regional, provincial, and federal forums within approved mandates and refers matters requiring authority back to senior leadership and Chief and Council;</li>
<li>Supports community engagement sessions to promote transparency, integrity, follow-through, and inclusion in negotiation, referral, and communication activities, while ensuring community input is brought forward for leadership consideration;</li>
<li>Works collaboratively across departments, with leadership, and alongside community members to support shared success and consistent implementation of approved direction;</li>
<li>Demonstrates a positive, respectful, and collaborative approach to work, supporting teammates and internal departments in achieving goals established by leadership.</li>
</ul>
Reporting and Communication
<ul>
<li>Prepares and quality-assures clear, timely reports, briefings, issue analyses, decision-support materials, dashboards, and presentations for the Executive Director, senior leadership, Chief and Council, and the community as directed;</li>
<li>Maintains accurate records of all negotiations, consultation activities, referral files, decisions, and engagement input in accordance with organizational requirements;</li>
<li>Tracks commitments, approvals, agreements, risks, deadlines, budgets, contracts, capacity funding, action items, and follow-up requirements, promptly escalating material concerns or matters requiring additional authority;</li>
<li>Provides functional leadership to employees, contractors, consultants, and cross-departmental teams by setting priorities, coordinating contributions, and monitoring deliverables within approved authority;</li>
<li>Ensures that updates, proposed agreements, correspondence, and commitments are documented and brought forward for appropriate review, direction, or approval before implementation.</li>
</ul>
WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical Demands
<ul>
<li>Extended periods of sitting at a desk and using a computer and other office equipment;</li>
<li>Lifting approximately 25 lbs., bending, or stooping may be required;</li>
<li>Potential for conflict from employees, the public, Nation members, or negotiators from Canada, British Columbia, or industry;</li>
<li>Attendance at meetings, conferences and events outside normal office hours may be required;</li>
<li>Overnight travel out of town to attend meetings, conferences, workshops, or related activities may occasionally be required.</li>
</ul>
Tools and Equipment
<ul>
<li>Office tools and equipment such as computers, laptops, scanners, photocopiers, calculators, fax machines, telephone systems, and audio-visual equipment;</li>
<li>Computer applications such as databases, electronic mail, spreadsheets, and word processing software.</li>
</ul>
CORE COMPETENCIES
<ul>
<li>Cultural humility, respect, confidentiality, and integrity;</li>
<li>Leadership-directed negotiation support and decision-support preparation;</li>
<li>Research, analysis, policy interpretation, and strategic thinking;</li>
<li>Collaboration, relationship building, and cross-departmental coordination;</li>
<li>Sound judgment, discretion, organization, and attention to detail;</li>
<li>Ability to work within approved mandates, governance frameworks, and delegated authority.</li>
</ul>
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
<ul>
<li>Bachelor's degree in Political Science, First Nations Studies, Aboriginal Law, public administration, environmental studies, or a related discipline;</li>
<li>Minimum of five years' experience supporting negotiations in a tripartite or multi-jurisdictional environment under approved leadership direction;</li>
<li>Experience developing professional relationships with other First Nations, provincial and federal government departments, industry proponents, and external partners;</li>
<li>Experience supporting complex agreement discussions, preparing options and recommendations, and understanding all levels of government operations within Canada;</li>
<li>Experience coordinating cross-departmental input and supporting team-based work within band council, board, or governance structures;</li>
<li>Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered;</li>
<li>Experience executing, managing, and completing multi-jurisdictional projects;</li>
<li>Experience developing and delivering written reports, proposals, policies, procedures, presentations, and other documentation in accordance with organizational directives and regulatory guidelines;</li>
<li>Valid Class 5 driver's licence, clean driver's abstract, and reliable vehicle are required;</li>
<li>Clean criminal record check is required.</li>
</ul>
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS &amp; ABILITIES
<ul>
<li>Thorough knowledge of self-determination, referrals, environmental issues, and concerns pertaining to SȾÁUTW̱;</li>
<li>Thorough knowledge of court cases and precedent law regarding self-determination, referrals, and environmental matters;</li>
<li>Sound knowledge of current trends, issues, best practices, philosophy, and techniques in First Nation contemporary governance;</li>
<li>Advanced public speaking, professional judgment, coordination, and social awareness skills;</li>
<li>Advanced critical thinking, organizational, and problem-solving skills;</li>
<li>Advanced negotiation support skills in a continually evolving environment, including the ability to prepare options, recommendations, and decision-support materials;</li>
<li>Sound analytical and evaluation skills, including the ability to apply innovative thinking, creativity, common sense, and past experience to identify solutions;</li>
<li>Proficient computer skills in Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and database programs;</li>
<li>Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to discuss service issues in language suitable to the audience;</li>
<li>Ability to recognize and respect cultural diversity and demonstrate a thorough understanding of SȾÁUTW̱ culture;</li>
<li>Ability to prioritize a complex and evolving schedule, write proposals and reports, and exercise sound judgment within approved direction and collaborative governance frameworks;</li>
<li>Ability to process and assess large amounts of information;</li>
<li>Ability to self-regulate, meet deadlines, and give attention to detail;</li>
<li>Ability to act with humility and care toward the community, leadership, environment, and external partners;</li>
<li>Ability to honour SȾÁUTW̱'s responsibility to protect, manage, and sustain marine and land resources for future generations;</li>
<li>Ability to arrive at constructive solutions while maintaining positive relationships;</li>
<li>Ability to observe and identify underlying issues, develop constructive options, make recommendations, and support operational improvements within approved authority.</li>
</ul>
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé outlining their qualifications and interest in the position. Email all applications attention to Rosa Horne Executive Director to <a href="mailto:hrapplications@stautw.ca" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">hrapplications@stautw.ca</a>
SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is committed to building a workforce that reflects the community it serves. In accordance with Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified Indigenous applicants, including Indigenous, Métis, and Inuit candidates.
All applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their application if they choose. Hiring decisions will be made based on merit, qualifications, and organizational needs, while supporting SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation's commitment to Indigenous employment and self-determination.
OTHER FACTORS
Culture/Language
Respect for and working knowledge of the W̱SÁNEĆ culture and SENĆOŦEN language is required.
Personal Attributes
The Liaison maintains strict confidentiality in performing their duties and demonstrates the following personal attributes: respect, empathy, strength, pride, and equality.
Our benefits package includes:
<ul>
<li>Medical insurance</li>
<li>Dental insurance</li>
<li>Vision insurance</li>
<li>Long-term disability insurance</li>
<li>Life insurance</li>
</ul>
DEADLINE: October 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Intergovernmental Relations Liaison

Intergovernmental Relations Liaison

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