Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) is a proud Coast Salish nation with our land base situated in Tsawwassen, B.C. on the Salish Sea, near the mouth of the Fraser River. In 2009, the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement came into effect – being the first modern urban treaty in BC and the first treaty to be successfully negotiated through the BC Treaty Commission process.

Tsawwassen has a professional public service that supports the day-to-day day operations of the Tsawwassen government. TFN currently has an exciting opportunity for a qualified Intergovernmental Relations Analyst. This position is responsible to the Manager of Policy & Intergovernmental affairs.

Position Summary

The Intergovernmental Relations Analyst plays a key role in advancing TFN’s interests and upholding Tsawwassen Treaty rights throughout Tsawwassen Lands and Traditional Territory.

This is a new position created to lead engagement and consultation on policy and legislative initiatives with TFN’s Treaty Partners. It is a blend of policy and intergovernmental functions and is suitable for someone who is comfortable working with a wide range of policy areas, rather than specializing in one area. The successful candidate will work closely with others inside the organization to identify potential impacts on TFN and provide relevant input back to our treaty partners. In some cases this will mean supporting others to engage with BC or Canada, and in other cases the Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator will lead the engagement by representing TFN in meetings and correspondence.  The position will report to the Manager of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. As this is a new position, there is also opportunity to support development of new processes and procedures.

Specific Responsibilities May Include:

• Review policy and legislative initiatives of other governments and identify potential interactions with the TFN Final Agreement, Side Agreements, Tsawwassen Laws, regulations, and other important documents.
• Make recommendations about the priority of engagement requests from the Provincial and Federal governments (in collaboration with your supervisor and team mates).
• Work with Policy Analysts and other departments to develop TFN’s policy positions with respect to other governments’ initiatives.
• Communicate TFN’s interests through correspondence and in engagement and consultation meetings with other governments. Note this is limited to policy and legislative initiatives. Major and minor project referrals are handled by a separate team.
• Research information on government related activities and politically sensitive issues, identifying and, where appropriate, preparing policy memos with strategic analysis and recommendation on significant developments.
• Participate in co-development processes with TFN’s treaty partners.
• Build and maintain relationships with officials from other governments.
• Support TFN leaders and staff in meetings with other governments by drafting briefing notes and speaking notes.  

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Social Sciences, Public Policy or Administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Three to five years’ experience working on research, and/or policy analysis, and/or intergovernmental relations.

• Knowledge of Tsawwassen First Nation and the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement.
• Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities and governments. Understanding of the current and historical culture of the Coast Salish Peoples.

• Familiarity working with legislation and regulations. 
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to write clear, concise, logically connected reports and briefing notes.

• Highly self-motivated and proactive, with demonstrated experience taking initiative to address challenges or realize opportunities. A creative and unconventional approach to problem solving is an asset.

• Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to undertake and analyze quantitative and qualitative research.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to solve practical problems in a culturally-appropriate manner.

• Willingness to work collaboratively.

Additional Assets

• Legal education/experience.
• Subject matter expertise or experience working with fiscal policy, governance structures, municipal planning, environmental and natural resources policy, health policy, or social services policy.
• Negotiations experience.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and includes a comprehensive benefits package including enrolment in the BC Municipal Pension Plan.

This position is open for consideration and discussion regarding remote work arrangements.

Pursuant to the Tsawwassen First Nation Government Employees Act, first priority in hiring among qualified applicants will be given to Tsawwassen Members, second priority to spouses (as defined in s. 3 (1) of the BC Family Law Act) of Tsawwassen Members, and third priority to members of other First Nations. If you fall within one of these categories and you wish to have this voluntary information considered as part of your application, please indicate the applicable category in your cover letter.