• Make a lasting difference to the BCAFN by helping with their growth and development
• Become a key part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and diverse team that values every perspective
• Earn a competitive annual salary of $75,000 - $80,000, negotiable based on experience, plus comprehensive benefits! 

About the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN)

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country. The BCAFN is one of ten regional organizations affiliated with the National AFN whose members include 634 First Nations across Canada.

The Regional Chief provides the political leadership and activities for the BCAFN, and is elected to this role by the BC First Nations Chiefs for a term of three years. BCAFN is further governed by a Board of five directors, elected to three-year staggered terms. Each board member is a Chief or designate for their First Nation community. BCAFN hosts a Special Chiefs Assembly and an Annual General Assembly every spring and fall which allow for BC First Nations leadership to engage in open socio-political discussions in order to provide community-driven directives to the Regional Chief through resolution.

The BCAFN Regional Chief sits on the AFN Executive Committee whereby his/her role is to ensure regional concerns of BCAFN members are included in National political discussions and decision-making processes. The Regional Chief also holds specific portfolios that deal with national policy issues and concerns.

The BCAFN Society is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia. As an incorporated society, BCAFN operates with its own regionally specific mandates, and works towards creating new and better memories for First Nations that include meaningful participatory relationships with the provincial and federal governments as well as industry, and which aim to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

To learn more about us, please visit: bcafn.ca

About the Opportunity

BCAFN is looking for a full-time Climate Change Policy Analyst, based in Prince George, Vancouver or Willaims Lake, consideration will be given for a remote location.

This role involves providing policy support and coordination for climate change projects and engagements under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, the Regional Climate Change Coordinator and supported/mentored by the Climate and Environment Policy Analyst, contributing significantly to the development of a First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda. 

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitoring and analyzing federal and provincial climate-related legislation, policies, and plans to develop strategic responses that affect Aboriginal Title, Rights, and interests of BCAFN members
• Conducting in-depth research and providing analysis, advice, and recommendations on climate and environmental policy, including identifying gaps and implications for First Nations' interests
• Leading coordination efforts for engagement with First Nations communities and organizations to implement the First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda and other climate projects
• Preparing comprehensive agendas and communication materials, taking detailed meeting notes, and planning and facilitating Steering Committee meetings
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with contractors and consultants to ensure positive collaboration and timely project deliverables
• Proactively monitoring and managing project timelines, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved on schedule
• Creating and presenting detailed position and research papers, briefing notes, proposals, presentations, and policy documents to support BCAFN’s climate change objectives
• Coordinating and supporting the organization in virtual and in-person meetings and events with stakeholders including First Nations, provincial, and federal governments, to advocate for First Nations' climate interests

To read the full position description, please click here.

More About You

To qualify, you will need post-secondary education in a related field of study and 2+ years of experience of relevant experience, ideally in policy analysis, research, or project coordination related to climate change, environment, and First Nations.

The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:

• Proven knowledge of the AFN Climate Strategy, BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and provincial and federal climate policies and legislation
• Holistic understanding of how climate policy and policy changes affect the lives and sovereignty of First Nations communities
• Strong computer literacy, particularly in data analysis and Excel
• Experience with various research methodologies, including both First Nations and Western approaches
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, to translate complex policy and legal language into understandable concepts for a variety of audiences
• Developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective networks and positive relationships
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the team, with occasional evening and weekend work
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce results within deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

Our ideal candidate is a self-driven, independent thinker, adept at collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Your keen eye for detail and curiosity propels you to delve into the complexities of policy development, legislation, and its impacts on First Nations communities, fostering a deep understanding and innovative solutions. This exploration is always through a First Nations lens, reflecting a lived, worked, or deeply understood experience that honours the perspective and values of First Nations communities.

Above all, you are defined by your flexibility, initiative, and a strong passion for First Nations Climate Action and advocating for First Nations' rights, titles, and interests. Skillfully navigating governance and organizational structures with respect, empathy, and diplomacy, you exhibit a well-rounded personality, emotional intelligence, and the discernment necessary to tackle various professional scenarios.

This is an impactful and dynamic position that requires a motivated individual who is ready to contribute to meaningful climate change initiatives within the First Nations communities. We are looking for a candidate who is not only skilled and experienced but also shares our values of respect, solidarity, and teamwork.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations or Indigenous ancestry. 

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $75,000 - $80,000, negotiable depending on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a great host of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• RRSP Matching of up to 6% of Your Salary
• 3 Weeks of Vacation to Start (Negotiable)
• Paid time off: Christmas Break & National Indigenous Day 
• Moving Expenses (Negotiable)

If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing organization, apply today!