As the Director of Legislative Affairs and Justice, you will support MNC leadership to develop, influence and/or implement strategies, policies, and practices to positively impact the well-being of the Métis Nation. You achieve this by understanding the priorities of the MNC and ensuring that their interests and needs are accurately reflected in new and existing federal policies, legislation, and other initiatives.
As the primary advisor on federal and international laws, policies, regulations, and agreements impacting the Métis people, you provide analysis and guidance on legal implications to senior management and Governing Members. Your expertise in the law, especially as it relates to Indigenous Peoples, enables you to recommend and implement policy initiatives to further the MNC’s goals and objectives. You provide strategic advice, timely reports, and in-depth analysis on legislative affairs, including international legal matters, as well as justice-related initiatives.
You are responsible for building positive relationships, where appropriate, with external stakeholders and presenting the MNC perspective to legislators, committees, governing bodies, and other external groups.
The Director of Legislative Affairs and Justice is also responsible for ensuring that human and financial resources are allocated appropriately within the department to implement the organizational policies.
Key Responsibilities:
Participate and support work under the Permanent Bilateral Mechanism.
Create policy solutions and proposals that respond to the needs of the Métis Nation citizens, the legal and legislative structures of the relevant subject area and jurisdictions, and the positions, capacities, and priorities of the MNC and Governing Members.
As requested, represent MNC at various governmental and agency committees, forums, meetings, and conferences dealing with legislative or regulatory matters affecting Métis people.
Proactively exchange ideas and provide advice and feedback to external stakeholders on the effectiveness of current and proposed strategies, policies, programs, and initiatives. Ensure MNC priorities and interests are reflected in proposals. Identify gaps and recommend opportunities for improvement.
Assess and synthesize discussions emanating from federal department and agency consultations and prepare insightful and timely reports to MNC officials.
Establish relationships with regional, domestic, and international organizations and agencies and collaborate to shape policies, programs and strategies aimed at the Métis people.
Prepare or contribute to technical press releases, communications, position papers and responses to inquiries regarding MNC positions on legal or other relevant matters.
Keep abreast of federal and international legal developments impacting Métis peoples. Draft reports to ensure that the MNC and other key stakeholders are made aware of these developments and their implications in a comprehensive, clear, and timely manner.
Draft technical speaking and briefing notes and provide in-depth explanations of significant federal and international legal issues for the MNC President, Vice-President and other senior officials as needed.
Prepare proposals, workplans and budgets, and oversee contribution/funding arrangements, contracts, and program expenditures.
Convene and facilitate meetings of stakeholders, governing members, and government officials, as required.
Onboard, manage and evaluate staff to ensure that they are in alignment with and delivering on the organization’s goals and objectives in relation to justice and legislative programs and initiatives.
Present at national and international meetings and forums dealing with legal matters of interest to the Métis community.
Play an active role on the Policy team and support colleagues as needed.
Qualifications:
Hold a juris doctorate, or bachelor’s degree in law, and be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario, or in other provincial jurisdiction
In-depth understanding of UNDRIP, UNDA, Bill C-92, Bill C-53 and other legislation and policies affecting Métis people.
Research experience, including a solid understanding of quantitative and qualitative research principles and methods
Extensive experience working with and lobbying government agencies, elected representatives and committees at a national and international level as well as knowledge of the overall functioning of government
Experience in managing and mentoring staff to ensure they are meeting their goals and objectives through regular meetings and performance management.
Demonstrated leadership, problem-solving and decision-making ability
Superior relationship-building ability and ability to accommodate the needs and interests of others
Ability to manage multiple projects and teams simultaneously and adjust to frequently changing demands.
Successful financial negotiating skills and an ability to work with government and non-government agencies to secure the best funding outcomes on behalf of the organization.
Analytical ability to quickly synthesize complex information and situations and provide timely advice and creative, realistic and appropriate solutions in the best interests of the MNC.
Demonstrated passion for creating positive outcomes for Métis people.
Knowledge and Skills:
Understanding of Métis culture, history, and the unique challenges faced by Métis communities.
Knowledge of the Métis Nation’s historical, political and legal issues
High level of tact, diplomacy, discretion
Excellent judgement and creativity
Organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills
Resilience and adaptability
Excellent communication skills: professionally articulating a position and influencing others through reasoned and well-thought-out ideas.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify strengths and weaknesses and recommend areas for improvement and growth
Additional Requirements:
Complete a clean Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector.
Willinginess to travel domestically or internationally, at times with short notice.
What We Offer:
An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, languages, and art.
Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
Training and professional development opportunities.
This position offers a competitive salary and employee package which includes vacation and sick leave, Group Benefits, and RRSP Contributions.
Generous time off policies, including 3 weeks of paid vacation.
The Metis National Council is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to the principles of Employment Equity. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all ages, ancestry, place of origin, citizenship, genders, sexual orientations, including Indigenous persons, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Link to Job Posting: https://metisnationalcouncil.applytojobs.ca/justice+and+legislative+affairs/25771
Job Deadline/Expiry Date: 11/17/2023