The Secretariat of the Haida Nation is seeking an energetic person with proven expertise in economic development to join the Haida Oceans Technical Team, a small group of professionals, located in both Skidegate and Massett, Haida Gwaii, BC. The Marine Economic Development Coordinator will assist in implementing a Haida Gwaii Marine Plan that has been jointly developed by the Haida Nation and the Province of BC. This is a full time position that reports to the Marine Planning Manager and will periodically take direction from a Provincial counterpart. The Coordinator is responsible for taking a lead role in advancing priorities related to marine economic development, particularly in the areas of marine tourism, shellfish aquaculture, community-based fisheries economy, marine research and monitoring, and marine renewable energy. Projects may include, but are not limited to:  

• Developing opportunities in marine tourism in collaboration with island organizations that broaden the scope of visitor experience, improve tourism infrastructure, and coordinate delivery of visitor services in the islands
• Maximizing the value of Haida Gwaii fisheries products to the islands by working with current producers on feasibility analyses and delivery of sustainable, locally harvested products to local, regional and world markets
• Supporting development of a viable local shellfish aquaculture industry by assisting in the development of a shellfish aquaculture management plan, and by working with investors, regulators and locally-based producers as appropriate

To qualify for this position, you will have excellent interpersonal skills and previous experience working with communities, organizations or businesses in one or more of the above areas. You will hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, community planning, economic development or a related discipline with a minimum of four years related experience.  You may still qualify if you have an acceptable combination of education and experience working with First Nation’s organizations and communities.

We want to speak with you if you have been actively involved in successful economic development projects or community initiatives and enjoy working in a small community setting. Preference will be given to persons of Haida Ancestry.

Background:

The Haida Gwaii Marine Plan (the “Plan”) focuses on several key areas of marine economic development including marine tourism, shellfish aquaculture, a community-based fisheries economy, marine research and monitoring and marine renewable energy. The Plan is the result of a cooperative planning process led by the Haida Nation and the Province of British Columbia as part of the broader First Nations-BC Marine Planning Partnership for the North Pacific Coast (MaPP) initiative. One of the key purposes of the Plan is to support marine economic development and provide direction for encouraging and managing future growth.

The Haida Nation and Province of BC have identified key outcomes and priority actions to implement the Plan, including priority actions related to marine economic development. The Marine Economic Development Coordinator will take a lead role in implementation of these priority actions.

The Marine Economic Development Coordinator will report to the SHN Marine Planning Manager and be a member of the Haida Oceans Technical Team. The Coordinator will also provide support for a Provincial team and periodically take direction from a Provincial counterpart (approximately 20% of the time). This is a full-time salaried position (35 hours per week) with a six month probationary period. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Job Qualifications:

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, community planning, economic development or a related discipline with a minimum of four years related experience.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills including experience working with individuals and groups in a multidisciplinary setting
• Proficient with computers and data analysis and management
• Experience working with First Nations and knowledge of First Nations communities and culture will be an  asset

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Marine Economic Development Coordinator is responsible for the following duties:

• Lead, coordinate, and/or facilitate marine economic development projects or initiatives that are being implemented through the Haida Gwaii Marine Plan
• Work collaboratively with the Haida Oceans Technical Team and BC technical staff to implement marine economic development objectives and strategies outlined in the Plan
• Coordinate and assist with management of marine economic development contracts related to implementation of the Plan
• Engage effectively with the general public, other organizations, community members,  agency staff, contractors and others to further objectives of the Plan and build positive and productive relationships
• Engage effectively with the CHN on existing fisheries initiatives that are currently being administered by the SHN and provide clear recommendations for potential future activities.
• Identify needs and resources for effective Plan implementation and develop effective strategies and workplans
• Develop and/or facilitate strategic partnerships to support marine economic development
• Develop and prepare materials, reports, presentations and other materials related to marine economic development for a range of audiences
• Develop and support and promote local training and business programs related to Plan priorities
• Assist with overall implementation of the Plan as required
• Assist with preparation and review of general marine planning reports and other materials
• Provide written and verbal reports to the Program Manager on a weekly basis at minimum, and
• Other duties as necessary.

SOURCE: Secretariat of the Haida Nation