(UQN-433) Director of Metis Rights, Claims and Litigation & Legal Counsel

105 Main Street West, Atikokan, Ontario, Canada Date Posted: Thursday, May 23, 2024 Closing date: May 29, 2024 Hybrid position MNO’s culture is at our core The MNO workplace culture is full of potential ready to be unlocked. As our Self-Governance agreement materializes, we are building a workplace culture of action, responsibility, and most importantly a desire to serve the Metis community. When defining what MNO culture is, it’s difficult, because of our diverse leadership styles, and the different programs and services offered. What that really means is there is a place for almost everyone under the MNO employer umbrella. We recognize people are different, and that is our source of strength. We bring opinions together, welcome healthy conflict, and look to always find answers, not problems. Click here to learn about the Metis Nation of Ontario, and help you decide if we are the right fit for you What We Can Offer You Comprehensive employer-paid health benefits and pension plan Generous vacation allotment starting at 25 days Annual paid two-week holiday closure in December 16 paid public and employer holidays 15 paid health & wellness days Challenging, multi-disciplinary work environment that fosters learning and professional development Substantial educational incentive to promote personal and professional growth An opportunity to make a direct or indirect impact on the lives of the Metis Peoples across the Province Other perks Employee Assistance Plan Telemedicine plan Health care spending account Goodlife corporate membership discount Bell Mobility’s exclusive partner program Staple’s corporate discount Dell member purchase program Mark’s corporate discount About the Role The Director of Metis Rights, Claims and Litigation Management & Legal serves as in-house legal counsel to the MNO and reports directly to the MNO Chief Strategy Officer. they will provide legal advice to the MNO in relation to a variety of matters and contribute to the MNO’s overall strategic direction with respect to advancing Metis rights, claims, and litigation management (both ongoing and future). The Director/Legal Counsel will work closely with a team of policy and research advisors to provide cross-Branch support (including specifically with MNO Community Relations, MNO Intergovernmental Relations, MNO Education and Training, MNO Communications MNO Lands, Resources & Consultation, and others) in order to ensure a consistent description and framing of Metis rights and claims across the MNO as a whole. This includes: working with a team of policy and legal analysts to draft updated consultation materials, review education materials, and develop updated descriptions for the MNO website regarding the Metis communities represented by the MNO working closely with research advisors (internal and/or external) to identify research needs and questions with respect to Metis claims and to implement plans or strategies to fill those gaps, particularly for the MNO’s existing negotiations/exploratory discussion processes; and providing strategic advice in preparation for, and attending with MNO staff and leadership, government-to-government meetings between the Metis Nation of Ontario and federal, provincial, municipal and other Indigenous governments (e.g., First Nations and other Metis governments) regarding MNO’s rights, research, claims, or other priorities. The Director/Legal Counsel will also work closely with the MNO’s General Counsel (Aird & Berlis LLP) and other external legal counsel on all matters related to current and prospective (e.g., matters that may become litigious) litigation. This includes: contributing to the MNO’s litigation strategy, drafting litigation materials, attending court hearings and related processes, and preparing briefing notes for MNO leadership and senior officials on key litigation updates; and coordinating the MNO’s approach to litigation with respect to Metis claims, including working with external legal counsel and researchers on gathering and building the historic evidence necessary to support litigation on Metis claims. While this position does not currently have any direct reports, it is anticipated that staff (EA and administrative assistant) and policy support (policy or legal analysts, research advisor, etc.) will be required. The MNO will work to second or allocate staff from other MNO Branches to support the Director/Legal Counsel in advancing the priorities listed below. What you will be doing Metis Rights and Claims Advance key priorities of the MNO’s rights, research, and policy agendas, as determined by the Provincial Council of the Metis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Advance a coordinated approach to MNO’s research, policy, and planning priorities, including identifying and implementing a strategy to further MNO’s Metis claims research needs and fill strategic gaps to support MNO’s negotiation and litigation strategy on Metis claims Support the MNO’s self-government implementation processes, including working closely with the MNO’s Director of Legal Services and Director of Self-Government on advancing MNO Framework Agreement, Self-Government Agreements, and other Metis rights related agreements (e.g., supporting the Northwestern Ontario Metis Community Agreement negotiations and the exploratory discussions with the Sault Ste. Marie Metis Community) Oversee and advance work on Metis rights related policy development, including but not limited to, the inherent right of self-government, self-determination, duty to consult, citizenship, etc.; Develop and oversee the implementation of updated consultation tools and materials (e.g., assertion letters, fact sheets, Metis community historic and modern descriptions, etc.), including working closely with the MNO Director of Lands, Resources & Consultation to assist the Metis communities represented by the MNO engagement in duty to consult related discussions with the Crown, industry, and other stakeholders Develop and implement processes for effective communication about Metis rights, policy, research, and related activities both within the MNO (e.g., cross-Branches) as well externally with stakeholders, government (federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous) and others Work with provincial, municipal and other Indigenous government officials to promote the MNO, its priorities and its key initiatives related to Metis rights, claims, and self-government, including facilitating relationship building between elected representatives and the MNO to raise understanding of and support for the MNO and Metis rights Liaise with subject matter experts across MNO Branches who sit on various provincial committees to support them to advance MNO’s goals and objectives with respect to Metis rights, claims, self-government, and related matters. Litigation Management and Support Provide expertise in response to complex litigation needs and support to MNO’s General Counsel (Aird & Berlis LLP) and other external legal counsel on litigation related matters, including conducting caselaw research on various areas of the law, draftingn factums or affidavits, attending case management calls and other court dates/hearings, and providing briefings and updates to MNO senior management and others (as required) Research and prepare detailed and accurate reports, briefing notes, and presentations, including on legal updates, litigation matters, and advances in the law related to Metis rights or related matters (e.g., duty to consult, duty to negotiate, etc.) Other/Misc. Attend meetings with Ministers or other senior federal/provincial government officials, including working collaboratively with the Director of MNO Legal Services to institute a review and approvals process for MNO staff assigned to prepare briefing notes, reports, and other documents to ensure MNO leadership are prepared for meetings Work with the Director of MNO Legal Services to design and oversee a process to ensure MNO staff or officials who interact with government at an operational level are appropriately aware of emerging issues and opportunities that may affect their interactions, and make them aware of MNO’s key message/strategies on Metis rights, claims, self-government, and litigation Travel to communities for meetings to give presentations or attend meetings (this may require overnight stays in the community and a varied work schedule) Collaborate with other MNO departments to identify ways to improve program effectiveness and implement viable ideas cross-Branches Deal with complex, confidential, and sensitive issues in a timely manner, with tact, discretion, maturity and judgement Manage relationships with external contractors or consultants Build and maintain positive and productive working relationships with other MNO Branches Other reasonable duties as may be assigned. Qualifications Strong desire to act in the service of Metis citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture (preference will be given to applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing) Significant knowledge of Metis rights and/or Indigenous policy issues and principles or a demonstrated ability to quickly acquire knowlede A post-secondary degree in law (J.D. or LLB) Called to the bar in Ontario and member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario Strong advocacy skills, including demonstrated litigation skills and experience Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced multi-issue environment, serving a wide range of varied internal and external interests Demonstrated ability to identify key stakeholders and build a plan to establish and maintain effective relationships with same A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment and software (MS office) as well as software to support research activities (e.g., SASH database, etc.) Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal Highly detail-oriented and results-focused Elevated levels of problem-solving and analytical skills Exceptional project coordination, time management and organizational skills Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of self awareness Demonstrated ability to balance completion of own work with that of the team, superior organization skills and time/priority-management Demonstrated ability to motivate a team to accomplish objectives Demonstrated ability to solve conflicts and to manage challegning situations Basic understanding of applicable employment law legislation Demonstrated ability in program development and evaluation Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment Demonstrated understanding of government processes and protocols High degree of political awareness and appropriate interpersonal skills required when dealing with government partners and other internal and external stakeholders Ability to work extended hours or on weekends as required Willing and able to travel with overnight stays in other provinces (at times) Preferred Meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and be in good standing Knowledge of Metis-specific and broader indigenous key challenges, and programs and services Demonstrated ability to balance completion of own work with that of the team, superior organizational skill and time/priority management Ability to communicate effectively via phone and videoconference as well as in person Experience 3-5 years experience in a similar/comparable role, including a minimum 2-3 years of providing legal advice and minimum of 1-3 years experience working or interacting with federal, provincial, municipal or other Indigenous governments Demonstrated experience working collaboratively and in partnership with government and other stakeholders. High degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment. Advanced communications skills, both written and verbal High degree of detail-orientation Elevated levels of problem-solving and analytical skills Exceptional project coordination, time management and organizational skills Strong interpersonal skills and a high degree of self awareness Demonstrated ability to solve conflicts and to manage challenging situations Demonstrated ability in program development and evaluation Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment Demonstrated ability to motivate a team to accomplish objectives Preferred Experience in employee life cycle activities: recruitment, training, coaching for performance, discipline, and termination Experience in conflict management Experience designing and implementing project work plans Positions at the MNO may require the following: Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification A reliable vehicle, driver’s license, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time AODA Statement The Metis Nation of Ontario commits to providing accommodation as required by the Ontario Human Rights Act, unless to do so would cause undue hardship. Accommodations will be provided in accordance with the principles of dignity, individualization, and inclusion. The Metis Nation of Ontario will work cooperatively and in the spirit of respect with all partners in the accommodation process. These accommodations will extend to all aspects of the employment relationship including recruitment and selection. Please email human resources if you require an accommodation during the hiring process. Special Services Organization The Metis Nation of Ontario is a special service organization. All applicants are encouraged to apply. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who meet the requirements for MNO Citizenship as per the MNO Bylaws and who are in good standing. Please note, all employees, regardless of role or location, are required to be fully vaccination for COVID-19, unless the employee has a valid medical exemption, whether working remotely or not, as of November 1, 2021. The Metis Nation of Ontario uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help in the screening and assessing of applicants within our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Director of Métis Rights, Claims and Litigation & Legal Counsel – Career Portal (dayforcehcm.com) #J-18808-Ljbffr