The opportunity
The Advisor, Indigenous Relations reports to the Senior Manager, First Nations & Métis Relations. This position supports the Senior Manager 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 based in Ontario and requires travel to First Nation communities and Métis councils across the Province.
What you'll be doing
- Maintain key contacts and promote ongoing dialogue with First Nations and Métis communities with the objective to foster a cooperative and sustainable working relationship between these communities and the IESO
- Provide support to the Senior Manager when the IESO is undertaking constitutional consultation with First Nations and Métis 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 First Nations and Métis communities related to power system planning, power purchase agreements, Indigenous support programs, and conservation programs.
- Provide expert guidance to IESO client group in the development of the provincially funded programs intended to assist the First Nations and Métis 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 First Nations and Métis communities across multiple jurisdictions to inform program development such that it meets the current needs of communities.
- Work collaboratively with First Nations and Métis 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 First Nations and Métis 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, Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, Environment and Climate Change, 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 Senior Manager and Vice President of Planning, Engagement & Innovation.
- This position requires travel to First Nation and Métis communities throughout Ontario.
- 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.
- Indepth knowledge and understanding of First Nations and Métis 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
- Strong inter-personal skills and an ability to develop trusted relationships
- Knowledge of the electricity sector
- 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
Independent Electricity System Operator
1600-120 Adelaide Street West
Toronto
Ontario Canada
www.ieso.ca
