Director, First Nations Infrastructure Institute

The First Nations Infrastructure Institute is an Indigenous-led shared governance organization established under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act. It is designed to support Indigenous communities and organizations to plan, procure, own and manage infrastructure assets on their lands. It provides its clients, including First Nations and Indigenous entities, with access to tools, processes and systems needed for sustainable infrastructure development. The First Nations Infrastructure Institute aims to build and enhance the capacity of its clients to deliver and manage their own infrastructure efficiently and effectively. It operates with the ultimate goal of improving Indigenous infrastructure outcomes and, more broadly, Indigenous and non-Indigenous socio-economic conditions.

The Board of Directors consists of 10 directors, including a Chairperson and a Vice-Chairperson. The Board of Directors elects a Vice-Chairperson from among the directors.

Under the leadership of the Chairperson, the Board of Directors’ key functions include providing strategic direction and oversight, including policy development, maintaining awareness of trends in First Nations and other Indigenous communities that relate to infrastructure, and project certification.

Policy development includes establishing internal policies within the Institute’s organizational business lines: corporate services, standards and certification, project support, outreach and external relations and capacity development. This includes strategic planning to guide the Institute’s objectives and oversee key outcomes, such as approval of corporate plans. Board members share awareness of trends amongst themselves, which may lead to policy adjustments where required. The Board is also responsible for certifying projects or project elements where standards have been met by reviewing staff reports summarizing whether the Institute’s standards have been met on projects where a First Nation or entity has chosen to engage with the Institute.

For more information, please visit https://fnii.ca/.

Diversity and Official Languages

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to work on one’s full potential. With this in mind, all appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience;


• Experience working with First Nations (public, private or not-for-profit First Nations organizations) or working in or negotiating on behalf of First Nations;


• Demonstrated organizational development and business acumen in one or more areas which reflect the Institute’s organizational business lines: corporate services, standards and certification, infrastructure project development, outreach and external relations or capacity development;


• Experience in one or more of the following would be considered an asset:




• Serving as a director or chairperson of a board of directors or governance committee on a public or private sector organization, or on a First Nations Council, including participation in its strategic planning;


• Asserting or implementing Indigenous jurisdictions, or in supporting Indigenous community decision processes related to implementing a new power or jurisdiction;


• Indigenous infrastructure or in infrastructure project management or the delivery of infrastructure projects (e.g. business case development, infrastructure design, construction, operations and maintenance, procurement of services, funding and financing);


• Data management and analytics, in policy development or in providing policy advice, or in sustainability research, policy and program development.


If you move on to the next stage of the selection process, the following criteria will be assessed:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, including the role, mandate and governance of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute and other related legislation;


• Knowledge and understanding of the principles of sound governance and contemporary organization and business practices;


• Knowledge and understanding of the procurement, financing, design, implementation and operations of capital projects;


• Knowledge of political and public policy environments and processes;


• Effective communication skills;


• Ability to set forward-looking goals and make difficult decisions;


• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop strategies to deliver on the objectives of the First Nations Infrastructure Institute;


• Ability to work in close collaboration with Indigenous communities and stakeholders, including individual communities, collective Indigenous organizations and other private and public sector representatives.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Sound judgment


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills


• Strong analytical skills


• Collaborative

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.

• No person who is appointed to, or employed by the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board, the First Nations Finance Authority or the First Nations Infrastructure Institute shall be appointed to, or employed by, any other one of those bodies. (statutory)


• Appointees must renounce any office or employment that is inconsistent with the duties of the position. (statutory)


• Appointees must not have an interest in or take part in any matter involving the First Nations Tax Commission, the First Nations Financial Management Board or the First Nations Finance Authority. (statutory)


• Appointees must be willing to travel within Canada to attend board meetings and other key events of the Institute.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment. A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications (more information available here) will begin on January 20, 2025. Candidates should apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.