General Counsel

First-Nations-Financial-Management-Board; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Annual bonus

Extended benefits including pension

Generous vacation and wellness days

Professional development

Hybrid work opportunities

Career growth

Job summary

First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) seeks a Corporate General Counsel to advise the Board, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage legal risk across the organization. This senior role requires leadership in governance, contract drafting, and strategic planning.

You will engage with federal government partners and Indigenous communities, oversee external counsel, and support director onboarding while upholding ethical standards and accountability. Hybrid work options are available.

Qualifications

• LLB or JD and in good standing with a Canadian provincial Law Society.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience in a regulatory organization, law firm, or General Counsel environment.
• Experience working with Federal Government organizations and Indigenous Governments, organizations, or communities.
• Strong background in corporate governance and preparing materials for senior decision-makers.
• Knowledge of public policy, ATIP, employment law, and the FMA, including an understanding of the Indian Act and modern treaties.
• Legislative drafting experience is an asset.
• Willing to travel and able to work outside regular business hours.

Responsibilities

• Act as Corporate General Counsel to the Board in accordance with Board policy and the FMA.
• Provide expert and strategic legal advice to ensure compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Anticipate legal issues and assess risks, identifying proactive solutions to mitigate risk.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, contracts, policies, and other legal documents.
• Monitor legislative developments and recommend ongoing compliance measures.
• Support Board governance activities, including Board meetings and onboarding of new Directors.
• Represent the FMB in legal proceedings, negotiations, and regulatory matters.
• Liaise with external legal counsel, auditors, government representatives, and other advisors.
• Oversee external counsel, contractors, and service providers.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational policy development.
• Coordinate with all FMB business lines to support goals.
• Promote a workplace culture of ethics and accountability.
• Monitor organizational compliance through policy and contract reviews.
• Provide legal advice regarding investigations, ATIP matters, and other issues.

Skills

Legal expertise

Regulatory compliance

Corporate governance

Contract drafting

Education

LLB or JD degree

Job description

Posted Friday, July 31, 2026 at 5:00 a.m. | Expires Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 4:59 a.m.

Who We Are

Join us at the First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB), where we support First Nations to strengthen their governance and financial practices. Since our establishment in 2006 under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, we havebeen dedicated to providingfully optional tools and services tailored to meet the unique needs of First Nations communities.

As an independent organization governed by a Board of Directors, the FMB is committed to fostering self-determination and financial sustainability. Be a part of our mission to support First Nations in achieving their financial goals and enhancing their administrative capabilities.

Why Apply

• Flexible work hours and a 37.5-hour work week
• Annual salary and potential for an annual bonus
• Generous, employer paid extended benefits, including a Registered Pension Plan with matching contributions
• Above average vacation days, wellness days, and holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• A talented, diverse, and inclusive team doing transformative work on a national scale
• Hybrid work opportunities available.

What You Will Do

• Act as Corporate General Counsel to the Board in accordance with Board policy and in compliance with the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA).
• Provide expert and strategic legal advice to ensure compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Anticipate legal issues and assess legal and operational risks, identifying proactive solutions to mitigate risk.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, contracts, policies, commercial arrangements, and other legal documents.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and make recommendations to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support Board governance activities, including Board meetings, implementation of Board decisions, and onboarding of new Directors.
• Represent the FMB in legal proceedings, negotiations, consultations, and matters involving legislative and regulatory changes.
• Liaise with external legal counsel, auditors, government representatives, and other professional advisors on governance and legal matters.
• Oversee external legal counsel, contractors, and service providers to ensure effective delivery of services.
• Contribute to strategic planning, corporate planning, budgeting, and organizational policy development.
• Coordinate and collaborate with all FMB business lines to support organizational goals and objectives.
• Promote and maintain a workplace culture that encourages ethical practices, individual integrity, and accountability.
• Monitor and support organizational compliance through the review of policies, procedures, agreements, and contracts.
• Provide legal advice regarding investigations, claims, legal proceedings, Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) matters, and other organizational issues.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Who You Are

• Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor (JD), and a practicing member in good standing with a Canadian provincial Law Society.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience in a regulatory organization, law firm, or General Counsel environment.
• Experience working with Federal Government organizations and representatives, as well as Indigenous Governments, organizations, and communities.
• Strong background in corporate governance and experience preparing and presenting materials to senior decision-makers.
• Knowledge of public policy, Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP), employment law, and the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA), including an understanding of the Indian Act and modern treaties.
• Legislative drafting experience is considered an asset.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and histories, with a willingness to participate in ongoing Indigenous cultural learning and education.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information clearly to a variety of audiences.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written); French is considered an asset.
• Willing to travel and able to work outside regular business hours.

What to Expect

FMB aims to keep the recruitment process as open as possible. As such, candidates can expect the following steps:

• Preliminary interview
• Panel interview withmembers of the Board, Executive Team, and HR
• Possible second interview with the Board of Directors
• References, Background check, Big Five (this may occur before the second interview)
• Offer

FMB is committed to inclusive practices. As such, please [e-mail] should you require any accommodations as a candidate or if would like a copy of the full job description.

FMB is an equal opportunity employer that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of all First Nations and people across Canada. We are an inclusive organization that treats all employees equally. As a First Nations Organization, applicants of Indigenous descent will be given preference.