Senior Advisor, Indigenous Affairs

Job Summary

Location: Yellowknife
Department: Executive and Indigenous Affairs
Job ID: 27903
Salary: $127,238 - $152,003
Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular
Closing Date: Jun 12, 2026

Department Information

The Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs works to provide overall management and direction to the Executive branch of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Department is responsible for:  coordinating and supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of initiatives and actions in support of cross-government goals The Department is responsible for ensuring mutually respectful intergovernmental relations between the territorial government and Indigenous, provincial, territorial and national and international governments are maintained; along with negotiating and implementing land, resources and self-government agreements that address Aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories.

Job Information

In this role, you will play a key part in advancing the Government of the Northwest Territories' (GNWT) commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. You will provide strategic advice to support the development of mandates, guide the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and contribute to the negotiation and implementation of Aboriginal and treaty rights agreements by working closely with the negotiation team. This is a unique opportunity to apply your expertise and passion for reconciliation in a complex and meaningful policy environment. 

A strong candidate will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and time management abilities, and the capacity to analyze, interpret, and critically assess complex information, including legislation, policies, and initiatives, while bringing a creative, solutions focused approach and collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Key Responsibilities:

- Provide strategic advice and analysis on Aboriginal rights, reconciliation, and GNWT approaches, including UNDRIP implementation.
- Lead and support the development of negotiating mandates and policy positions related to land, resource, and self-government agreements.
- Contribute to and support negotiations with Indigenous governments, including preparing materials, analyzing agreements, and advising negotiating teams.
- Work collaboratively across departments and with partners to ensure alignment of strategies, policies, and reconciliation initiatives.
- Research, analyze, and prepare briefing materials, Cabinet submissions, and presentations to inform senior leadership decision-making.

Key Qualifications:

- A university degree in Business or Public Administration, Political Science or the Humanities with 3 years of related work experience.
- Related work experience includes developing and drafting government policies, participation in Aboriginal rights negotiations, and/or providing culturally safe, specialized guidance on self-determination, governance structures, economic development, and nation-to-nation relations to Indigenous governments.

Equivalencies:

-  A master's degree in business or public administration, Political Science or the Humanities with 1 year of related work experience.
-  A college/university diploma in Business or Public Administration, Political Science or the Humanities with 5 years of related work experience.
-  A high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) with 7 years of related work experience. 

GNWT Inquiries

Inquiries Only:


Department of Finance
Government of the Northwest Territories
YELLOWKNIFE CENTRE 5TH FLOOR  
BOX 1320 YELLOWKNIFE NT X1A 2L9
Tel (867) 767-9154 Extension 14106
Fax (867) 873-0445
jobsyk@gov.nt.ca

Note: If you do not receive electronic notification confirming receipt of your application, please follow up via telephone.

More Information

Indigenous Employment Policy

Candidates must clearly identify their eligibility in order to receive priority consideration under the Indigenous Employment Policy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Government of the Northwest Territories is an inclusive workplace.  If you have a disability and you require support during the hiring process, you are encouraged to identify your needs if you are contacted for an assignment or interview so that you may be accommodated during the hiring process.

Eligibility

Eligibility lists may be created from this competition to fill future term and indeterminate positions.

Equivalencies

Equivalencies may be considered based on a one-year of directly related experience equivalent to one year of education or one year of education for one year of experience. However, combinations of education and experience must often be considered on a case-by-case basis.  For a full list of equivalencies that will be considered for this role, please contact human resources.

Job Opening Information

Job Opening ID # 27903        

Closing Date: June 12, 2026 - 23:59, Mountain Time

Salary Information

The salary range for this position is from $65.25 per hour to $77.95 per hour (approximately $127,238 - $152,003.) plus an annual Northern Allowance of $3,700.

Application Assistance

For more information on preparing and submitting your application, please visit: Preparing Your Application