Indigenous Fisheries Policy, Management

Position: Fisheries Policy Coordinator 
Organization: Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance (CCIRA)
Location: based within BC, able to travel within a reasonable time period to Vancouver as needed to meet in person and be prepared to provide their own office equipment and set-up. This position may require travel up to several times per year. Reimbursement for approved travel costs will be provided.

CCIRA was created by the Central Coast Nations (Heiltsuk, Kitasoo Xai’xais, Nuxalk, and Wuikinuxv) to provide coordination and technical support in fisheries management, scientific research, and marine spatial planning. A key component of CCIRA’s work is developing, delivering, and ensuring the implementation of priority fisheries management and science programs that support the Nations’ objectives for healthy and functioning ecosystems and communities. CCIRA has a professional group of independent contractors that support the day-to-day operations and various programs and services of CCIRA. CCIRA currently has an exciting opportunity for a Fisheries Policy Coordinator to join our team as a parental leave backfill. For more information visit: https://www.ccira.ca

POSITION PURPOSE

A Fisheries Resource Reconciliation Agreement (FRRA) and associated schedules have been established between 8 Coastal Nations (including the Central Coast Nations, together with the Bioregional Member Nations) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). The FRRA and associated schedules create a blueprint aimed at 1) reinvigorating First Nations fishing fleets and 2) establishing a shared governance relationship for specific species within Pacific Canada. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Fisheries Policy Coordinator works closely with the Community-Based Fisheries Coordinator and Salmon Projects Coordinator and will be responsible for supporting the implementation of integrated policy, strategy, and coordination to advance the Central Coast Nations’ priorities under the FRRA framework. This position facilitates collaboration between the 4 Central Coast Nations interests, the Bioregional Member Nations as well as DFO in support of the implementation of the FRRA and CCIRA’s Strategic Plan. You will play a significant role in coordinating and participating in cross-functional committees and other sub-regional efforts to foster relationships and advance the Central Coast Nation’s objectives under the FRRA.

As an ideal candidate, you have demonstrated experience in developing policy and governance frameworks and agreements with First Nations and government agencies. You have a proven ability to balance diverse interests while envisioning and implementing just and inclusive processes that maintain effective working relationships with senior levels of government, First Nations Stewardship staff and community members, and other partners.

KEY ACTIVITIES

1. Work closely with other CCIRA contractors, the Nations and Fisheries & Oceans Canada (“DFO") to support the fisheries collaborative governance, management structures, and processes.
2. Analyze federal, provincial, and regional fisheries policies, management plans, and strategize on policy windows and subsequent action plans for Central Coast First Nations fisheries management objectives.
3. Work with Nations to develop policy recommendations to support Indigenous rights and priorities in fisheries management.
4. Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impacts on Indigenous fisheries and marine ecosystems.
5. Support the coordination and facilitation of FRRA fisheries collaborative governance processes at the management, technical working group, and sub-committee levels, and support bilateral work related to the FRRA as needed.
6. Support the coordination of FRRA Sub-Regional Management Councils and Sub-regional Technical Working Group meetings and prepare discussion documents, agendas, briefing notes and minutes based on direction provided.
7. Liaise with coordinators of the FRRA Bio-Regional Management Committee and Joint Executive Committee and their sub-committees as needed, ensuring strong coordination and alignment while avoiding duplication between bio-regional and sub-regional efforts.
8. Participate in and observe Bio-Regional Management Committee and Joint Executive Committee meetings.
9. Coordinate Central Coast technical staff and leadership to ensure they are prepared for FRRA Management Council meetings.
10. Provide as-needed support for science and research initiatives that relate to collaborative governance.
11. Assess other relevant resource planning and management documents and summarize pertinent information, through technical briefs, to First Nation technical staff.
12. Where directed, convey Central Coast First Nations collective concerns and management direction during all meetings with governments and stakeholders.
13. Support the Nations and DFO to develop and maintain effective stakeholder engagement required for collaborative fisheries processes.
14. Where required, coordinate and collate Nation direction via letters to DFO, internal management planning documents, or Indigenous fisheries management plans that reflect the Nations management direction.
15. Develop work plans and budgets to support the above work activities.
16. Collaborate with and support other CCIRA contractors as needed; and
17. Carry out other related duties that may be requested by the Central Coast Nations and/or CCIRA's Executive Director, and or CCIRA's President.

SKILLS, VALUES AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

The ideal candidate will have:

• A comprehensive understanding of the fisheries management activities within the Pacific Northern Shelf Bioregion and an understanding of existing fisheries management policies.
• An understanding of the government-to-government fisheries management processes in the Pacific region, ecosystem-based management and its application to resource and fisheries
• economic development in the marine environment.
• Experience working with First Nations Stewardship staff, and a thorough understanding of the First Nations political environment and sensitivities and an ability to function effectively within that environment.
• Demonstrated ability to address politically sensitive, contentious, complex and highly confidential issues involving multiple and diverse interests with skill, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to assess fisheries policies, regulations, and management plans, evaluating their implications for Indigenous communities and ecosystems.
• Experience in developing and successfully implementing policies and agreements that advance First Nations’ stewardship interests.
• Capacity to anticipate policy impacts and recommend strategies aligned with Indigenous priorities and values.
• Familiarity with relevant laws and frameworks, such as the Fisheries Act, Oceans Act, and case law on Indigenous rights (e.g., Sparrow, Tsilhqot’in, Ahousaht et al).
• Demonstrated ability to convene and facilitate meetings and associated preparatory and follow-up materials in a timely manner. Facilitation and convening skills grounded in anti oppression principles are highly recommended for this work. Demonstrated ability to conduct research, make recommendations and communicate findings by writing effective reports, policy recommendations and presentations.
• Excellent project management skills, demonstrated ability to initiate, manage and complete annual reporting and other time-sensitive reporting within tight timelines.
• Excellent critical thinking skills, ability to navigate conflict and negotiation, and ability to think strategically to anticipate issues and recognize opportunities.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to persuasively communicate with all levels of decision-making; and
• Thorough knowledge of MS Office Suite, document management systems, and social media; ability to communicate plans and priorities on various platforms to a range of audiences.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

You have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field such as fisheries and/or resource management or public administration, plus a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a complex public sector environment. Additionally, experience coordinating and facilitating government-to-government or multidisciplinary groups to achieve consensus-based outcomes, and experience advancing initiatives through strong government and stakeholder relationships is expected. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered. This position will appeal to those seeking a challenging opportunity in a fast-paced, multi-faceted environment.

NOTE: CCIRA operates in a distributed office environment. Currently, members of our team live and work from the Lower Mainland, South and Central Coasts, and Vancouver Island. Candidates for this position should be based within BC, able to travel within a reasonable time period to Vancouver as needed to meet in person and be prepared to provide their own office equipment and set-up. This position may require travel up to several times per year. Reimbursement for approved travel costs will be provided.

SALARY & CONTRACT TERM

This is a full-time contract position with a contract term extending from May 5, 2025, to February 27, 2026. Compensation is set at $425 per day.

TO APPLY

Applicants are asked to submit letters of application, with a resume, providing details of work experience and two references by April 4, 2025. Interviews will be conducted between April 8-19, 2025.

Reply to:
Cyndi Hanuse, CCIRA Administrator
Central Coast Indigenous Resource Alliance
2790 Vargo Rd.
Campbell River BC V9W 4X1
cyndi.hanuse@ccira.ca

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CCIRA is committed to respecting diversity within our workforce and developing capacity for Indigenous people within the Central Coast Nations and beyond. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in our recruitment processes. If a First Nations’ candidate does not meet the academic requirements of the posting but is otherwise qualified and is amenable to on-the-job training, preference may be given to that candidate.