Board of Directors

OFNTSC; Brantford; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A First Nation mandated technical service organization is seeking candidates for its Board of Directors. The role requires expertise in various areas such as water management, infrastructure, and environmental science. Candidates will commit to a 1-3 year term and preference is given to First Nation citizens. Successful candidates will participate in governance discussions and must have significant experience guiding First Nations initiatives.

Qualifications

• Expertise in water and wastewater.
• Expertise in First Nation infrastructure maintenance/construction/asset management.
• Expertise in environmental science/management.
• Expertise in working with First Nations political leaders.
• Expertise in data management.
• Expertise in negotiating with Federal and Ontario government.

Skills

Time Management

Diplomatic Skills

Risk Management

Influencing Skills

Organizational Skill

Accounting & Finance

Strategy Management

People Management

Industrial Knowledge

Communication

Negotiation Skills

Strategic Thinking Skills

Leadership Skill

Problem Solving Skills

Regulatory & Governance

Job description

Board of Directors

Established in 1995 the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC) is a First Nation mandated technical service organization with the mission to help First Nations communities achieve technical self‑reliance. The corporation provides technical advisory services to the 133 First Nations in Ontario in the eight core areas: Water & Wastewater Operations, Infrastructure Housing, Fuel Systems Management, Fire & Safety, Environment and Engineering.

OFNTSC operates Circuit Rider Training Program, Asset Management and Technical Career Youth Outreach to inform First Nations youth about career opportunities available in the STEM fields.

The OFNTSC works closely and collaboratively with Indigenous Services Canada, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Health Canada, Environment Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, Natural Resources Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. The OFNTSC pursues strategic alliances with other First Nations organisations, provincial and municipal governments, professional associations and the private sector.

Governance Structure and Reform

In 2016 OFNTSC began the process of governance reforms to better position the corporation to serve the technical and engineering needs of its clients (First Nations and Tribal Councils in Ontario). Some of the governance reforms implemented include:

• Transitioning from a representative to a competency‑based Board and establishing a director nomination process based on competencies, skills and diversity criteria including gender;
• Ensuring governance incorporates First Nation values and knowledge systems;
• Instituting Leadership and Technical Advisory Committees to strengthen connections with First Nations and improve organisational effectiveness;
• Establishing Board Committees for Audit, Risk, Governance, Nominating, Human Resources, Compensation and Technology matters to ensure that the best governance and oversight practices are in place.

Time Commitment

The Board of Directors meets two to four (2‑4) times per year. These meetings also include the four committees of the Board as to which the Board Chair will assign the successful applicant to. Committee meetings typically last two hours and Board meetings consist of 4‑7 hours of time per meeting.

Qualifications

OFNTSC has 12 Board Member positions in total. The organization is currently seeking candidates interested in joining the Board and committing to a 1‑ to 3‑year staggered term with the possibility of renewal. Preference will be given to citizens of a First Nation in Ontario. Applicants who are not citizens of a First Nation in Ontario must be widely recognised as experts in their field.

• Expertise in water and wastewater;
• Expertise in First Nation infrastructure maintenance / construction / asset management;
• Expertise in environmental science / management;
• Expertise in working with First Nations political leaders;
• Expertise in data management;
• Expertise and demonstrated success working and negotiating with Federal and Ontario government decision‑makers;
• Expertise working for and in First Nation communities (i.e. Council and First Nation employees);
• Executive‑level experience in research and developing technology;
• Experience overseeing strategic First Nations initiatives;
• Board Governance Experience;
• Knowledge of corporate legalities;
• Financial oversight expertise (preference to relevant AFOA Canada certifications and CPA);
• Information and Information Technology expertise;
• Knowledge of legal and fiduciary duties of directors is essential;
• Training and experience as a corporate director are preferred;
• Priority will be given to First Nations applicants that meet the mandatory requirements.

Key Skills

• Time Management
• Diplomatic Skills
• Risk Management
• Influencing Skills
• Organizational Skill
• Accounting & Finance
• Strategy Management
• People Management
• Industrial Knowledge
• Communication
• Negotiation Skills
• Strategic Thinking Skills
• Leadership Skill
• Problem Solving Skills
• Regulatory & Governance

We thank all applicants. However, only those receiving an interview will be contacted.

Required Experience: Director

Employment Type: Contract

Vacancy: 1

For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation during the recruitment and selection process, please contact Human Resources.