Commission for Environmental Cooperation

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous Affairs Officer

The Secretariat of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation of North America (CEC), headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, is seeking an experienced professional to fill the staff position of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Indigenous Affairs Officer. This is a full-time, two-year position with possibility of renewal, open to nationals of Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The position is situated within the Advisory Groups and Private Sector Engagement Unit, which is responsible for developing, planning, and implementing activities supporting the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) and the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group (TEKEG), and oversees the development and overall direction of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) initiatives/projects under the CEC cooperative work program.

The TEK and Indigenous Affairs Officer, under the overall direction and supervision of the Head of Advisory Groups and Private Sector Engagement and working closely with the Executive Director, will be responsible for identifying opportunities to advance TEK, Indigenous perspectives, and Indigenous-led stewardship practices for the organization. The work will also help the CEC develop mechanisms ensuring the effective implementation and delivery of TEKEG activities and projects, as well as providing advice more broadly to the CEC and its various bodies on TEK issues, in addition to building activities that promote the engagement of Indigenous and other relevant stakeholders in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, and that include government officials, industry, academia, and international and nongovernmental organizations.

You should apply for this post if you have expertise in project management and Indigenous engagement, if you are versed in Traditional Ecological Knowledge, if you are seeking to promote Indigenous issues and engagement in local and regional contexts, and if you want a unique experience working for an international organization that supports governments in addressing environmental protection, particularly as it relates to Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous engagement in North America.

Key responsibilities:

• Work particularly with the Advisory Groups Unit and the Executive Director within the CEC Secretariat, and with the TEKEG members, to identify opportunities that will advance the integration of TEK, Indigenous perspectives, and Indigenous-led stewardship practices and actors in CEC operations and across North America, more generally.
• Guided by the advice from the TEKEG membership, and with the CEC team, design and develop a strategy to integrate Indigenous approaches and perspectives in CEC work and activities. Manage and guide the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives when implementing CEC projects across North America and in line with the organization’s planning and reporting cycles.
• Provide efficient management of TEK- and Indigenous Affairs-related CEC activities and projects, including monitoring and overseeing administrative and budgetary matters.
• Develop research protocols and guidelines for ethical research related to TEK.
• Promote and provide advice on the active engagement of Indigenous Peoples and communities and Indigenous leaders in CEC priority activities.

Attributes and qualifications:

• Excellent understanding of Indigenous perspectives and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
• Personal Indigenous affiliation is encouraged.
• A university degree in social or environmental sciences, law, public administration, and/or Indigenous affairs, is preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years working and/or collaborating on Indigenous matters as relates to public policy.
• Experience in the development of policies and as a policy advisor to senior management, preferably on Indigenous issues.
• Expertise in engaging and working with Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada, Mexico, and/or the United States.
• Superior research, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Very good knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• Availability to travel regularly within Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
• Contract and project management skills and knowledge are important.
• Experience working for and able to adapt to and abide by the political dynamics and constraints of an international organization are critical for this position.

The annual base salary for this position ranges from a net minimum income of US$52,000 to a maximum of US$62,000 (C$68,000 to C$82,000), net of federal and provincial taxes as these are paid by the CEC. A generous and additional benefits package, amounting to 25% of base salary (including health as well as other monetary benefits), is also included (elevating the salary range to US$65,000-77,000, net of taxes; this is similar to a pre-tax salary + benefits range of approximately US$85,000-$100,000). Relocation to Montreal is paid by CEC. Note that Canadian citizens must contribute RRQ, QPIP and IE.

The CEC promotes employment equity and encourages diversity.

Please submit your résumé and cover letter by e-mail at tekiaofficer@cec.org by 6 March 2023.

No phone calls or email message inquiries will be accepted.