THE OPPORTUNITY

The First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) is seeking a Senior Advisor, Property Tax to provide guidance to First Nations communities on property taxation and support the review and development of laws and by-laws under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA) and section 83 of the Indian Act. The role contributes directly to ensuring that First Nation property taxation frameworks are consistent with legislative requirements and aligned with FNTC policies and standards.

The Senior Advisor works closely with a wide range of internal and external partners, including the Registrar, First Nations Tax Administrators, FNTC legal counsel, First Nations legal counsel, and First Nation administrations and Councils, and participates often in activities, such as presentations and meetings, to promote the benefits and understanding of property taxation and services that the First Nations Tax Commission (FNTC) provides.

As a senior technical role within the Law & By-Law Review function, the Senior Advisor exercises a high degree of professional expertise in navigating complex taxation and governance matters. The position requires in-depth knowledge of legislative and policy frameworks supporting First Nation property taxation, strong analytical and legal research skills, and the ability to communicate complex legal and technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences. The position works collaboratively with legal counsel, the Director, Law & By-Law Review, and other subject matter experts.

ABOUT US

The FNTC is a national and growing First Nations-led institution established under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act (FMA). Our vision is to support and expand First Nation revenue streams to grow economies on First Nation lands, and thereby support healthy, vibrant and sustainable First Nation communities.

Our main office is located on the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, in Kamloops, BC, with a secondary office in Ottawa, ON.

Learn more at: https://fntc.ca

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Prepare for, research, and acquire information in advance of meetings and presentations with assigned First Nations.
• Advise and provide guidance on property taxation to First Nations by presenting information, data, and applicable legislation (FMA, section 83 of the Indian Act, and other related legislation); provide sample templates and tools relevant to the laws and by-laws under consideration.
• Conduct technical reviews of laws and by-laws under the FMA or section 83 of the Indian Act, ensuring they are in accordance with legislation, regulations, standards, and FNTC policies and procedures.
• Present information from technical reviews, provide briefing notes or correspondence, and prepare reports for review by the Director, Law & By-law Review and the Executive Director, Legal & Policy Services.
• Participate in the preparation, coordination, and facilitation and delivery of presentations to First Nations communities and other stakeholders to promote the benefits, value, and understanding of property taxation systems, FMA laws and legislation, section 83 of the Indian Act, and services provided by the FNTC.
• Monitor and stays abreast of relevant case law developments and applicable legislative changes affecting First Nation property taxation.
• Research, draft, and provide feedback on proposed policies, processes and sample templates for laws and by-laws for the Legal & Policy Services business line as requested.
• Participate in special projects, such as research, teaching at the Tulo Centre, and other FNTC led initiatives.
• Provide support for the development of briefing notes and reports, including research, as requested by the Director, Law & By-Law Review, and Executive Director, Legal & Policy Services.

WHAT YOU BRING

Education and Experience:

• A degree in Law (LLB or JD) from an accredited institution, or a related field with significant legal, legislative, or regulatory focus.
• A minimum of 7 years of related experience in a legislative, regulatory, policy, or law review environment that required interpretation and application of legislation and case law.
• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous governance, property taxation, and fiscal issues; familiarity with FNTC’s mandate is an asset.
• Experience working in or with Indigenous organizations or First Nations governments.
• Experience as a First Nations Tax Administrator and/or completion of the First Nations Tax Administration program at the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics is an asset.
• Experience with negotiation, facilitation, and/or dispute resolution is also an asset.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks supporting First Nation property taxation.
• Strong understanding of legislation and policy affecting Indigenous communities, specifically the FMA, the Indian Act, and the First Nations Land Management Act.
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous governance systems, community contexts, and cultural considerations.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, and judgment, with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound professional judgment in complex and evolving situations.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct legal and policy research, analyze case law, and work effectively with legal counsel as required.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical and legal information to diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with property taxation, First Nations land management, governance, finance, local government, economics, and alternative dispute resolution is an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
• Ability and willingness to travel within Canada as required.
• Ability to communicate in French is an asset.

WHY JOIN US?

• A competitive total rewards package, including a comprehensive benefits plan and a 7% employer-matched retirement savings program.
• Generous paid time off, including an annual winter office closure.
• Observance of federal holidays, including paid recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).
• Ongoing learning and development, with opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and purpose-driven team environment committed to enabling healthy, vibrant and sustainable First Nation communities.

We are an equal opportunity employer that values and celebrates the unique experiences and perspectives of First Nations peoples and individuals from diverse backgrounds across Canada. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and supported.

As a First Nations-led institution, we strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived or living experience as an Indigenous person.