Job Description
The Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB) is an integral component of Nunavut’s integrated regulatory system, an institution of public government created through the Nunavut Agreement, a comprehensive land claims agreement encompassing more than 1/5 of Canada’s total land mass. The NIRB is Nunavut’s impact assessment agency, headquartered in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut with responsibilities for assessing the potential impacts of proposed development projects before approvals can be granted, and for monitoring the effects of projects approved to proceed. Established to ensure Inuit are provided with a direct role in the management of development in their territory, the NIRB plays a critical role in shaping the future of the Canadian Arctic through the protection and promotion of the existing and future well-being of the environment and local communities. A highly visible organization, the NIRB features prominently in local news and events owing to the importance and relevance of its work for the people of Nunavut. As Nunavut grapples with a rapid rate of development, the challenges of a changing climate and increased global attention on the Arctic, the recruitment of the NIRB’s new Executive Director could not come at a more exciting time.
The Executive Director (ED) is a highly visible role, directing operations of the NIRB and providing regulatory guidance to process participants and the public, while leading a growing complement of staff and objectively advising the Board Members regarding the mandated duties of the organization. The ED ensures that the NIRB’s assessments, policies and programs are developed in accordance with the provisions of the Nunavut Agreement, the Nunavut Planning and Project Assessment Act and other relevant legislation. They will oversee preparation of required submissions, briefs, and reports to Governments, Designated Inuit Organizations and the general public. The ED also represents the Board through public hearings, meetings and technical working groups, maintaining the NIRB’s public image through fair, respectful, lawful and good faith treatment of staff and its partners.
Ideally, the Executive Director will be a seasoned professional with a minimum of 5 years’ leadership experience in a multi-disciplinary department or organization with a solid understanding of impact assessment procedures and processes, as well as matters related to environmental legislation and regulations. They will understand the roles, mandates and authorities of Nunavut’s Institutions of Public Government, government agencies and regulatory authorities and will possess the ability to effectively summarize and objectively synthesize complex ideas and principles for non-technical audiences. What’s more, coupled with the appropriate educational background, the ideal candidate will have personally or professionally experienced the Arctic or a cross-cultural setting in the North where they will have cultivated the ability to build trust and inspire confidence of Inuit and other residents in the NIRB’s public processes.
A solutions-oriented strategic leader, they will also possess high levels of diplomacy, tact and judgment to complement excellent public speaking and written communication skills. Always leading by example, they will set the tone and culture of the organization by maintaining strong working relationships with all levels of government, Inuit organizations, industry and non-profit organizations. Written and/or conversational fluency in Inuktitut/Inuinnaqtun will be considered a strong asset.