Caribou Coordinator

Vuntut Gwitchin Government; Old Crow; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Northern Community Remoteness Allowage

Northern Travel Allowance

4 weeks vacation to start

2 weeks paid time off over Christmas

Extended benefits package

10 days sick pay per year

10 days paid special/personal leave

Matched pension plan

Subsidised Housing may be available

Relocation Allowance

Job summary

Vuntut Gwitchin Government seeks a part-time Caribou Coordinator to support Chief & Council, the Executive Director and departments in advancing advocacy and administrative actions for the Porcupine Caribou herd protection and related Vadzaih initiatives.

You will coordinate events, manage communications with federal and territorial partners, and assist with budgets and records management while aligning with Van Tat Gwich’in values.

Qualifications

• Degree in political science, Indigenous governance/studies, public administration, environmental studies or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook) and Adobe.
• Experience with records management systems.
• Ability to conduct electronic/virtual meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Vuntut Gwitchin Final and Self-Government Agreements is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, coordination and implementation of advocacy initiatives to protect Vadzaih (Porcupine Caribou) and build stakeholder relationships.
• Provide high-level administrative and coordination support to Chief & Council, the Executive Director and departments.
• Support planning and delivery of events such as Caribou Days and the Biennial Gwich’in Gathering; report and participate in General Assembly.
• Develop clear, consistent messaging with government and organisational partners.
• Assist in budgeting, tracking, and seeking external funding for advocacy initiatives and projects.
• Maintain organized financial and contract records and uphold confidentiality of the records management system.

Skills

MS Office Suite

Adobe

Records management

Stakeholder engagement

Virtual meetings facilitation

Education

Degree in political science, Indigenous governance/studies, public administration, environmental studies or a related field

Tools

Gwich’in Final and Self-Government Agreements knowledge

Job description

About The Role

The Caribou Coordinator is a part‑time position providing administrative and coordination support to Chief & Council, the Executive Director and other Departments to implement political and technical strategies to support the protection of the Porcupine Caribou herd and its habitat. This position also supports other matters affecting the Gwich’in Nation as a whole for the VGFN in alignment with leadership direction and Van Tat Gwich’in values.

Reporting to the Executive Director, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Vadzaih (Caribou) Advocacy

Leads the planning, coordination and implementation of advocacy initiatives to support the protection of Vadzaih (Porcupine Caribou). Builds and sustains collaborative relationships with Non‑Governmental Organisations, Indigenous governments and federal, territorial and international partners. Monitors current developments, research and policy changes that may impact Vadzaih and integrates this information into strategies and workplans. Supports public education and awareness to promote understanding of the importance of Vadzaih to the Van Tat Gwich’in. Coordinates information sharing amongst a technical working group of the Parties of Porcupine Caribou Management Agreement.

Administrative Support

Provides high‑level administrative and coordination support to Chief & Council, the Executive Director and Departments, as appropriate on advocacy initiatives for the Porcupine Caribou including technical support for VGFN representatives on the Gwich’in Steering Committee.

Operations

Supports the planning and delivery of key events, including Vadzaih Choo Drin (Caribou Days) and the Biennial Gwich’in Gathering and reports at and participates in the General Assembly.

Communications and Stakeholder Engagement

Supports the development of formal communications with federal, territorial and First Nation governments and organisations, in collaboration with the Executive. Works closely with Communications staff and external service providers, as may be required, to develop clear and consistent messaging to inform Citizens of Vadzaih matters and initiatives.

Financial

Assists in the development, monitoring and tracking of budgets related to Vadzaih advocacy initiatives and special projects and seeks external funding.

File Management

Maintains organized financial and contract records to support auditing or reporting processes as may be required. Ensures maintenance and confidentiality of the records management system for the VGFN.

What We Offer

• 40 hours bi‑weekly working hours.
• 4% Northern Community Remoteness Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full‑time.
• 4% Northern Travel Allowance for employees residing in Old Crow full‑time.
• 4 weeks’ vacation to start plus two weeks paid time off over the Christmas season.
• Very healthy extended benefits package.
• 10 days sick pay per year.
• 10 days paid special/personal leave per year.
• Matched pension plan.
• Subsidised Housing may be available.
• Relocation Allowance.

What You Bring

• Degree in political science, Indigenous governance/studies, public administration, environmental studies or a related field is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook), Adobe and records management systems.
• Intimate knowledge of Gwich’in values and harvesting and cultural practices.
• Ability to conduct electronic/ virtual meetings with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Vuntut Gwitchin Final and Self‑Government Agreements and/or modern treaties in Canada is an asset.

Supporting You Along The Way

We believe that a rewarding career is not only good for our employees, but it also leads to better outcomes for our clients, workplace and the community. We are committed to providing you with a competitive salary, health benefits, and a retirement plan.

Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA, Section 16(1)), hiring preference will be given to Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation Citizens, followed by Indigenous candidates, and then to those with experience and knowledge of First Nations customs and practices.