General Counsel

First Nations Financial Management Board; Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Bonus potential

Extended benefits

Pension plan

Generous vacation

Professional development

Hybrid work

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

First Nations Financial Management Board (FMB) seeks an experienced Corporate General Counsel to guide governance, legal compliance, and strategic risk management. You will draft and negotiate critical agreements, monitor regulatory changes, and support Board governance and decisions.

With a deep understanding of Indigenous governance, ATIP, and public policy, you will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including Federal partners and First Nations communities, to advance financial governance

Qualifications

• Must hold a law degree (LLB/JD) and be in good standing with a Canadian provincial Law Society.
• Minimum 10 years of legal experience in a regulatory organization, law firm, or GC environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as Corporate General Counsel to the Board in accordance with Board policy and the FMA.
• Provide expert legal advice ensuring compliance with legal, statutory, and regulatory requirements.
• Anticipate legal issues and assess risks to identify proactive solutions.
• Draft, review, and negotiate agreements, policies, and other legal documents.
• Monitor legislative developments and ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support Board governance activities and onboarding of new Directors.
• Represent the FMB in legal proceedings, negotiations, and regulatory matters.
• Liaise with external counsel, auditors, and government representatives on governance matters.
• Oversee external counsel, contractors, and service providers to ensure delivery of services.
• Contribute to strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development.
• Coordinate with all FMB business lines to support goals and objectives.
• Promote a workplace culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability.
• Monitor organizational compliance through policy reviews.
• Provide legal advice on investigations, ATIP, and other issues.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Regulatory governance

Policy analysis

Contract drafting

ATIP knowledge

Indigenous relations

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy

Written communication

Travel willingness

Education

LLB or JD

Job description

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 have been dedicated to providing fully 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 with members 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 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.