Senior Indigenous Affairs Specialist

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company. 

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

We are looking for a Senior Indigenous Affairs Specialist based out of the St. Thomas, Ontario office.

Are you passionate about Indigenous Relations? Do you love engagement and have a knack for facilitating respectful and collaborative solutions? Do you have experience developing a sound strategy for a company? Then come help us to meaningfully transform the automotive industry on its journey to sustainable e-mobility.

PowerCo is dedicated to fostering strong, respectful, and sustainable relationships with Indigenous communities. We are seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Indigenous Affairs Specialist to join our team and to lead and manage PowerCo’s Indigenous affairs program. In this role the successful candidate will be at the interface between the company, Indigenous communities and stakeholders and part of the team that handles all PowerCo Canada’s government relations, community engagements and communication.

This role requires a deep understanding of Indigenous community needs and interests, as well as the ability to translate organizational objectives into community-focused programs that support growth and engagement. The position will lead and manage the full range of PowerCo’s Indigenous affairs internally and externally in a cross functional team. The candidate will strategically develop Indigenous engagement plans and be involved as an advisor to operational project teams on regulatory, planning and management aspects and related strategies. A future involvement into the government relations is also possible.

This is a flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office.*

Primary Responsibilities:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local Indigenous leadership and communities.
• Act as a liaison between the company and Indigenous communities to facilitate open communication and collaboration.
• Identify, track, and address issues, concerns, and interests raised by Indigenous groups.
• Facilitate conflict resolution and problem-solving between the company and Indigenous communities.
• Identify and pursue engagement and relationship opportunities with Internal departments and Indigenous groups.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance the company's engagement with Indigenous communities in various areas.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures that support respectful and effective engagement with Indigenous communities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and best practices in Indigenous relations.
• Represent the company towards the federal and provincial government concerning Indigenous Affairs and other topics as needed. 
• Attending meetings, events, and forums related to Indigenous relations as PowerCo representative.
• Actively participate in community events and initiatives.
• Leads Indigenous Engagement within PowerCo and works across all departments.
• Advising and support on Indigenous relations and cultural competency.
• Develops and conducts training sessions for management and employees on Indigenous cultures, histories, and issues.
• Promote awareness and understanding of Indigenous perspectives within the company and the PowerCo Group.
• Lead and coordinate projects related to Indigenous Affairs.
• Monitor and report on the progress of initiatives and their impact on Indigenous communities.
• Prepare reports and presentations on Indigenous Affairs activities and outcomes.
• Supporting Government Relations as needed in various topics, like energy and raw materials.
• Possibility to grow and gain further responsibilities in the area of Government Relations.
• Travel as required to engage with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
• Other duties as required.

• Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous studies, commerce, law, engineering, environmental studies, social sciences, public administration, or equivalent experience. 
• 7+ years of experience in Indigenous Affairs development within an organization, with a strong background in Indigenous relations, community engagement, or a related field.

• Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
• Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
• Opportunities for development 
• Relocation Support
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community. 
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.  
• And much more! 

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.
 

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.  Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.
PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation. \