Framework Coordinator

About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca 

Position Summary:

This position coordinates technical and administrative work necessary for effective “framework” negotiations with the federal government and where directed with the provincial government. The result of these negotiations will be new arrangements with Canada for Musqueam to be self-determining and self-governing based on traditional Musqueam values and teachings.

The Coordinator will report to the Manager of Intergovernmental Affairs, and receive instructions from Musqueam’s lead negotiator(s). Acting under the direction of MIB lead negotiators the Coordinator will:

• work with MIB administration and contractors to support Musqueam negotiations with the federal government;
• oversee the preparation of documents, in a timely way, for MIB’s negotiations with the federal government;
• oversee day to day communications between the lead negotiators, MIB staff and contractors to ensure there is ongoing and effective communication and understanding of the direction and progress of negotiations;
• coordinate the development of communication materials for Council, administration and community members;

This is a 2 year termed position that has opportunity to extend based on funding.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Coordinates, researches and assists in developing documents for Musqueam’s “framework” negotiations with Canada;
• Coordinates communications and schedule meetings between Musqueam leadership and negotiation team, as well as with Canada;
• Prepares work-plans, briefing notes, Band Council Resolutions and other materials as required by the Working Group to assist in the negotiations with Canada;
• Engages with leadership, administration and the framework team;  
• Prepares funding and grant applications and reports for any requirements set out in contribution agreements and/or grant applications;
• Prepares and assists in managing budgets for Framework negotiations
• Establishes and prepares information materials for the Framework working group
• Plans, schedules and facilitates negotiation team meetings;
• Co-ordinates the work of external planning and development consultants when and where involved in Musqueam Framework planning work;
• Maintains positive working relationships with internal and external personnel and/or organizations/agencies;
• Works with other various departments within the organization in a coordinated effort toward the community objectives;
• Prepares basic information concerning Framework development and act as a resource person for Musqueam departments, members and Council on Framework processes, procedures and protocols;
• Organize community information sessions;

• Other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in related field or equivalent work experience (e.g., Aboriginal Studies, Public Administration, Geography, Interdisciplinary, Community Planning, Social Development, etc.);

• Experience in working with First Nations and First Nations organizations

• Working knowledge of participatory and inclusive engagement with community members and others;
• Demonstrated experience in: Conducting research and analysis; Writing correspondence and reports; Providing policy and program services to a First Nation or Aboriginal organization; Resolving disputes; Planning and conducting meetings; and Managing projects and assignments;

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work as a team player to effectively interact with other Musqueam departments and staff, elected officials, members, service providers, and local government agencies and officials;
• Solid research and analytical skills;
• Exercising good judgment, applying innovative and strategic thinking;
• Exceptional organization and time-management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks;
• Strong problem solving, collaboration, consensus building, negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
• Proficient computer skills, including document formatting and file management;
• Highly motivated and ability to work in demanding and fast-paced work environment;

• Exceptional communicator with excellent writing skills, grammatically exact and in a conversational style complimented with editing skills;
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and complete tasks/projects in accordance with stated deadlines;

• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently competing demands ;

• Desire to learn best practices in communication and office administration;
• Be adaptive, flexible, and be able to prioritize multiple comparing demands with frequent interruptions;
• Ability to exercise good judgement in a variety of situations, with strong written and verbal communication, administrative, and organizational skills;

• Strong organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly with excellent attention to detail;
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability;

• Demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Understanding project management methods and skills;

• Ability to be discrete, use tact, and good judgment;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Successful criminal record check;

• Valid Driver’s Licens;

• Criminal Record Check.

Working Conditions

• The work is performed in an office environment.

Why work for Musqueam?

Our success as a leader as a First Nations Government is built on the traditional teachings of our people, initiative and dedication of the Musqueam Indian Band.  Providing a highly engaged traditional government that is member focused.

• Competitive salary
• Training and career development
• Business casual environment
• Community fitness and gym access
• Comprehensive group benefits plan and pension plan
• Centrally located with free parking; free onsite gym and class access; close to nature trails at UBC and along the Fraser River, shops, restaurants and services.