Employer: NISICHAWAYASIHK CREE NATION
Position: INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS
Deadline: FEBRUARY 9, 2026
Start Date: ASAP
Salary Range: TO COMMENSURAT WITH EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Ref #: NCN-2026-23-01-001

PURPOSE:

The Interim Executive Director of Intergovernmental Relations and  Special Projects  is responsible for ensuring positive intergovernmental relations with other First Nation communities and regional and national entities, including provincial, federal and municipal governments, partners, business associates, and other organizations and agencies; and managing all Special Projects assigned by the NCN government, in accordance with NCN government strategic plans and priorities as set by Chief and Council.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Interim Executive Director Intergovernmental Relations and Special Projects’ general scope of responsibilities is establishing positive relations with other jurisdictions, proposing, monitoring and advocating for various internal and external  legislation of importance to NCN, conducting special projects related to NCN government strategic plans and priorities; and ensuring that performance measurement systems are in place to monitor how entities are achieving desired outputs and outcomes. The Interim Executive Director Intergovernmental Relations and Special Projects Officer is a member of the Senior Management Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Acts as a member of the Senior Management Team to provide senior level support and advice to the Chief and Council, Council Committees, NCN departments, and entities on inter-governmental matters, emergent issues and special projects related to NCN government strategic plans and priorities.
  • Acts as liaison between the NCN government and other levels of government, including business partners, financial lending organizations, investors, and local, regional, and national organizations, including federal and provincial elected officials, regulatory bodies, and corporations.
  • Oversees all intergovernmental relations and activities, including the planning and supervision of broad information systems that supports the overall NCN government’s performance measurement system requirements and an inter-jurisdictional network.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of strategies, policies, procedures, and priorities that support legislative and policy actions that will support NCN government priorities and directives.
  • Researches, tracks, monitors, and reports on legislative and policy issues, including identifying opportunities that may have an impact on NCN government plans and priorities.
  • Develops and recommends policy positions on inter-governmental affairs and legislative issues.
  • Prepares technical reports, briefing notes and negotiation proposals and strategies relevant to intergovernmental affairs and special projects.
  • Leads the collection, analysis, and synthesis of data relevant to intergovernmental affairs and special projects and prepares reports on the findings for the Senior Management Team and Chief and Council.
  • Coordinates special projects as assigned by the Senior Management Team.
  • Functions as member of the Senior Management Team to advise on the necessary management, planning, systems, and controls required to support the strategic planning process and priorities.
  • Advises on the development of policies and procedures that will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the overall operations of the NCN government e.g. financial, human resources, operational.
  • Supports the Executive Director of Operations in the development of an internal and external communication plan to ensure timely communication of intergovernmental announcements, new initiatives, shifting priorities, etc.
  • Prepares quarterly and annual reports on intergovernmental and special projects.

Risk Management:

  • Advises the Senior Management Team and NCN Council on all intergovernmental relations matters and related emergent issues and obtains advise from Council approved legal, financial, and business advisors as required to support the provision of timely and effective decision-making and regulatory participation.
  • Participates as a member of the Senior Management Team and contributes to the short and long term planning associated with the strategic planning processes,  which includes monitoring and reporting on the results of the performance measurement systems and managing the changes that are required for alignment with NCN government strategic direction and priorities

Ethics and Code of Conduct:

  • Acts ethically in all situations and upholds the NCN government principles of Kihche’othasowewin (Constitution/Great Law of the Creator), Nehetho laws and customary principles and other relevant laws.
  • Ensures that all business is conducted in an ethical and accountable manner in accordance with Kihche’othasowewin, Nehetho laws and customary principles, established NCN government strategic directions, plans, policies and procedures and other relevant laws.
  • Works closely with the Senior Management Team to ensure the code of conduct and ethical standards in Kihche’othasowein is adhered to at all levels within the NCN government.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

  • University degree in public administration, business administration and certification in project management or other relevant education and experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of treaty and aboriginal rights, relevant federal, provincial, and municipal legislation and policies respecting First Nations governments and their entities; principles and practices of intergovernmental relations; sound political decision-making and performance measurement systems.
  • Aware of the current social, political, and economic trends and ability to recognize potentially emergent issues.
  • Ability to maintain standards of conduct and demonstrate sound work ethics in a consistent and fair manner.
  • Proficiency with computer software programs for office management, word processing, and databases.
  • 5 or more years of progressive work experience in an intergovernmental liaison position combined with experience working with First Nations peoples, communities, and organizations.
  • Demonstrated competencies in policy making, research, effective decision-making, planning, organizing, problem solving, leading, communicating effectively, fostering teamwork, building relationships, financial planning, and project management.
  • Proficiency in the use of computers and information technology systems i.e. Internet, Email, Word Processing, etc.
  • Knowledge of Kihche’othasowewin,  Nehetho laws and customary principles; and Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation history, peoples, culture, language, cultural protocols, economies, historical and contemporary relationships, and business relationships and connections to other Indigenous government and service delivery organizations.
  • Demonstrated competency as a leader of a team of professionals within a complex organizational structure to achieve strategic goals and objectives and deal with time sensitive issues/matters leading to outcomes that support overall strategic directions.
  • Excellent oral and written communication, plain language writing, organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently within a team environment as well as the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Regular work conditions, including evening and weekend work may be required during specific periods of time related to timely conclusion of negotiation processes, completion of projects, the reporting and planning cycle, Council meetings, and community meetings.

DIRECT REPORTS:

  • May be assigned supervisory duties as determined by Council.

TO APPLY:

If interested, please forward your cover letter, resume, Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check to:

[email protected]

Shirleena Tait
Human Resources Assistant
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation
Phone: (204) 484-2332

We thank all who apply, however, only those who meet the minimum requirements will be invited for an interview.