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In 2005, ninety seven First Nations across British Columbia that are impacted by the mountain pine beetle epidemic came together in a remarkable show of unity and organization to face the single greatest natural disaster these communities have ever faced. They formed the BC First Nations Interim Mountain Pine Beetle Working Group. Based on the success of the Working Group, the BC Leadership Council supported a motion that a First Nations Forestry Council would be the next logical step to serving all forestry needs for First Nations Communities. In the spring of 2006, the First Nations Forestry Society incorporated as a not-for-profit society in British Columbia to conduct its business under the name “First Nations Forestry Council” (FNFC).
Immediate issues that the FNFC will address are a more active role in managing the mountain pine beetle natural disaster; this will include, but will not be limited to: improving and funding the referrals process for First Nations, Forests for Tomorrow opportunities, First Nations employment opportunities in forestry, addressing hunting access and wildlife pressures along new forestry roads, and improved First Nations participation in and access to provincial funds and programs.
The FNFC will provide its program delivery through third party organizations, preferably experienced Aboriginal organizations. The program delivery agents will be contracted through “Partnership Performance Agreements” (PPA) that outline the objectives and values that both partners (the FNFC and the delivery agent) agree to, and the specifics that each party will agree to undertake under the contract. This will enable the FNFC to utilize other existing First Nations organizations to the extent possible and will help minimize staffing needs.
The interim Board of Directors is now in place and seeking a respected resource management professional with a successful track record to develop and lead this highly organized and historical organization.
THE CANDIDATE:
Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors the Executive Director will bring a combination of executive and resource management skills and expertise. Possessing a strong understanding of the issues and First Nations liaising expertise, the successful candidate will lead and direct the implementation of an operations plan reflecting the strategic priorities of the membership as determined by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director will provide leadership and direction to both permanent and contractual FNFC staff, safeguard the financial integrity of the organization, and manage active communication channels between FNFC, its members, its patron organizations, and the government. The successful candidate will be passionate about the mandate and mission of the organization and possess the following fundamental requirements:
- A post secondary education in business, public administration or resource management combined with extensive participation in management development programs and a minimum of 10 years experience in a First Nations senior management role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
- An experience-based understanding of the complex challenges facing First Nations in the area of natural resources development;
- Demonstrated strong understanding of community decision processes among BC First Nations including a broad understanding of the diverse cultural values;
- Sound knowledge of the nature of intergovernmental relationships among First Nations communities, their Aboriginal political organizations, and the Provincial as well as Federal governments;
- Superior verbal and written communications skills, including negotiation and presentation skills, and an ability to communicate complex information to a wide variety of audiences; and
- Demonstrated sound judgement, diplomacy, and tact complemented by excellent relationship building and interpersonal skills with an ability to build and maintain effective networks and relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.
A highly competitive compensation package is offered for this British Columbia-based position. If you are qualified and want to assist the First Nations Forestry Council achieve its goals, please provide your resume in complete confidence by November 15th, 2006 to:
Brenda LaRose, Phone: (204) 257-9929, bhiggins@higginsinc.com or
Stan Higgins, Phone: (204) 231-8182, stanhiggins@higginsinc.com
at Higgins International, Inc., 15 Zachary Drive, St. Andrews, Manitoba R1A 3B8