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Indigenous Affairs Officer

The Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC), headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is seeking an experienced professional to fill the staff position of Indigenous Affairs Officer. This is a full-time position with an initial renewable contract through March 2027, open to nationals of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The position is situated within the Advisory Groups and Public Participation Directorate, which is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing activities supporting the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group (TEKEG), fostering Indigenous engagement and overseeing the development and overall inclusion of Indigenous considerations for initiatives and projects under the CEC cooperative work program.

The Indigenous Affairs Officer, under the overall direction and supervision of the Director of Advisory Groups and Public Participation, is responsible for identifying opportunities to advance Indigenous perspectives, engagement and protocol (including the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge) in North America and in the internal and external operations and activities of the organization. The Indigenous Affairs Officer assists the CEC to ensure the effective implementation and delivery of TEKEG activities and projects, provides advice to the CEC and its various bodies on Indigenous-relevant issues, including fostering the application of the CEC’s North American TEK Principles. An important responsibility of the Indigenous Affairs Officer is to identify opportunities to foster Indigenous participation in sustainable trade across North America.

You should apply for this post if you have expertise and experience in project management and Indigenous affairs, protocol and engagement in local, national and regional contexts, and if you want a unique experience working for an international organization that supports governments and communities to foster environmental cooperation, particularly as it relates to Indigenous Knowledge and engagement in North America.

Key responsibilities:

• Work with the Advisory Groups and Public Participation Directorate and the Executive Director, as appropriate, and with the TEKEG members, to identify opportunities that will advance Indigenous engagement and perspectives, the integration of TEK into environmental protection, and Indigenous-led stewardship and resource development across North America.
• Guided by advice from the TEKEG membership, and within the CEC team, design and develop strategies to integrate Indigenous approaches and perspectives in CEC internal and external work and activities. Manage and guide the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives and considerations when implementing CEC projects and initiatives across North America and in line with the organization’s planning and reporting cycles.
• Provide efficient management of TEK- and Indigenous Affairs-related CEC activities and projects, including monitoring and overseeing administrative and budgetary matters.
• Develop research protocols and guidelines for ethical research and emerging technology (such as artificial intelligence) relevant to Indigenous issues, including TEK.
• Promote and provide advice on the active engagement of Indigenous Peoples and communities and Indigenous leaders in CEC activities. 

Attributes and qualifications:

• Excellent understanding of Indigenous laws, rights, and protocols.
• Personal Indigenous affiliation is encouraged (note: Letters of Support from affiliated Indigenous community, tribe or nation will be required).
• A university degree in social or environmental sciences, law, public administration, and/or Indigenous affairs, is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years working and/or collaborating on public policies relevant to Indigenous matters.
• Experience in the development of policies and as a policy advisor to senior management, preferably on Indigenous matters.
• Expertise and a minimum of five (5) years of experience engaging and working with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada, Mexico, and/or the United States.
• Superior research, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English. Fluency in Spanish is advantageous. Knowledge of French is a plus.
• Availability to travel regularly within Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• Contract and project management skills and knowledge are important.
• Experience critical for this position includes working for, able to adapt to, and abiding by the political dynamics and constraints of an international organization.

The annual salary for this position ranges from C$130,000 to C$142,000 gross. Additionally, the incumbent will receive a benefits package equivalent to 25% of the net salary.  Professionals living in Quebec must contribute to the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (QPIP), Employment Insurance (IE), and the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP).

The CEC pays relocation expenses, should you desire to relocate.

The CEC promotes employment equity and encourages diversity.

Please submit your résumé and cover letter by e-mail at iaofficer@cec.org by March 7, 2025.  However, if strong candidates are identified sooner, we may proceed to interviews and close the call prematurely. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

No phone calls or email message inquiries will be accepted.