• Make a lasting difference at BCAFN by prioritizing First Nations' inherent rights and title in environmental matters
• Become a key part of a progressive and diverse provincial, territorial organization that values every perspective
• Earn a competitive salary of $70,000 - $80,000 based on skills, experience and qualifications, 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 Assembly of First Nations 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

The BCAFN has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Regional Nature Coordinator to join our team at the BCAFN, based in Vancouver or Prince George, BC (remote work model may be available for the right candidate).

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director, your role involves policy support and serving as the main liaison for the BCAFN Nature portfolio on biodiversity, wildlife, fisheries, and environmental issues. This includes collaborating with the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Water Coordinator to ensure regional engagement and streamline information flow for AFN nature-related projects and initiatives.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Collaborating closely with AFN's National Nature Coordinator and emerging networks to co-design and inform national priorities
• Organizing and facilitating meetings, engagements, and dialogues, including developing agendas
• Initiating communications, following up on reporting, and preparing documents regionally
• Collecting and transmitting local and regional data/information to AFN's national office
• Assisting BC First Nations in addressing nature and biodiversity issues
• Liaising with BC First Nations leadership, Knowledge Keepers, youth, and women, as well as AFN's Environment sector
• Collaborating on the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation with relevant ministries and organizations
• Interfacing with regional and federal officials as necessary
• Identifying sustainable funding sources and additional resources for regional environmental initiatives
• Participating in monthly teleconferences with Regional Nature Coordinators and the National Nature Coordinator
• Engaging in training, workshops, and information sessions for capacity building
• Undertaking additional duties as required to support the role's objectives

More About You

To qualify, you should have post-secondary education, in a technical field such as environmental sciences, water management, resource/project management, or a related field. Additionally, 2+ years of experience in biology, environmental research, activism, coordination, and delivery is preferred, with an emphasis on incorporating traditional ecological knowledge. 

Equivalent combinations of post-secondary education and relevant experience within a First Nation will be considered. If you possess fewer years of experience but have transferrable skills and the determination to excel within the organization, we encourage you to reach out to us.

The following are required:

• Ability to undergo an RCMP security check
• Access to reliable transportation

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

• Lived or work experience in a First Nation setting (asset)
• Experience in Land and/or Water policy experience (asset)
• Hold a PMP certificate (asset)
• Developed project management skills
• Demonstrated computer literacy
• Familiarity with relevant environmental policy and legislation
• Proficiency with report writing, business correspondence, and oral/visual presentations
• Proven meeting facilitation skills
• Strong organizational skills to work well under tight timeframes and prioritize effectively
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and travel domestically when needed

Our ideal candidate is a self-driven, independent coordinator capable of collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Your curiosity fuels your motivation to delve deep, learn, and understand the intricacies of every challenge.

Above all, you embody flexibility, initiative, and an unwavering passion for our collective goals. With assertiveness and a forward-thinking perspective, you stand as a beacon of innovation, all while navigating governance and organizational structures with respect and empathy.

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

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $70,000 - $80,000, negotiable dependent 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 Peoples Day

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