Director, Indigenous Relations, Procurement

Director, Indigenous Relations, Procurement

PHSA Corporate

HSSBC Willingdon, Burnaby

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings and strategic directions of PHSA, eliminating Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety, including both patient and employee safety are priorities and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety, including Indigenous Cultural Safety, is inherent in all aspects of this position. 

Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, the Director, Indigenous Relations provides leadership, guidance, and strategic advice on Indigenous relations, in accordance with UNDRIP, BCDRIPA and Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, as well as related reports, and PHSA procurement policies. The Director, Indigenous Relations is responsible for collaborating with PHSA Indigenous Health to develop the Indigenous relations content to enhance PHSA’s polices, processes and reporting. The Director, Indigenous Relations is accountable for developing long-term relationships with Indigenous partners including organizations, businesses and communities, strengthening the supplier base, and constantly seeking out new suppliers and opportunities. In addition, the Director, Indigenous Relations will advise management and staff on matters of Indigenous-specific racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety & Humility, protocol and cultural sensitivities with respect to interacting with various Indigenous organizations, businesses and communities.

Pursuant to section 42 of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference will be given to applicants of Indigenous Ancestry. We invite applicants to self-identify within their cover letter and/or resume.

What you’ll do

• As a subject matter expert in Indigenous relations, provides leadership, guidance, and strategic advice on procurement from an Indigenous relations perspective.
• Develops, implements, and creates awareness and understanding of PHSA’s Indigenous procurement policy at all levels within the organization and external to PHSA.
• Participates in the identification, development, and rollout of business process improvements to enhance the operational efficiency of Indigenous relations as it pertains to procurement process, including designing and drafting documentation, forms, and templates to ensure consistent application of the policy across the organization.
• Works collaboratively with Health Authorities (HAs) to identify opportunities and dismantle barriers to Indigenous business and communities participating in procurement opportunities, recommends procurement models and appropriate sourcing methods, and supports the development and implementation of Indigenous relations strategies.
• Promotes Indigenous-specific anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility education and training. Works towards organizational change to constructively disrupt white supremacy, to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in Procurement & Supply Chain. Navigates barriers and resistance to change.
• Participates in strategic planning and needs assessment for PHSA’s Indigenous procurement targets and commitment advocating for Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, UNDRIP, BCDRIPA and the In Plain Sight Report.
• Reports regularly on the status of Indigenous procurement initiatives, troubleshoots, and escalates any issues that may negatively impact the success of the procurement process, along with recommendations for resolution.
• Coordinates Indigenous relations Supply Chain meetings with HAs, responds to Indigenous procurement queries, and manages Indigenous procurement records and reporting requirements.
• Facilitates outreach to Indigenous communities and businesses to support business development through educational and other initiatives, organizes and attends events, and develops and delivers presentations to Indigenous business owners.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with key partners at all levels within the organization and external to PHSA.
• Explores and develops appropriate relationships with relevant suppliers and business associations (e.g. Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business CCAB).
• Contributes to the development of the PHSA Supply Chain Annual Impact Report.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, or experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in a relevant field, coupled with seven to ten years of progressively senior experience in a similar capacity. Preference will be given to individuals with a background in the public sector, particularly those who have demonstrated their ability to collaborate effectively with Indigenous communities and actively advance Indigenous relations. A specific focus on implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (BCDRIPA) is highly desirable. Familiarity with the In Plain Site Report is also a plus. Additionally, we value candidates with equivalent qualifications and experience acquired through community commitments and engagement with Indigenous organizations.
• Ability to inform the direction of the portfolio with a critical Indigenous-specific anti-racism approach encompassing an understanding of the harms experienced by Indigenous people in settler colonial institutions, the structure of Whiteness embedded in health care and lived experience as an Indigenous person to contextualize the impacts. Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian colonial impacts on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Lived experience, knowledge and appreciation of the unique history, cultures, and rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive relationship with Indigenous partners, organizations and communities, including Elders. Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, planning and organizational skills. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in complex business environments, with multiple interested parties and strategic considerations. Sound judgement, strategic and pragmatic thinking mindset. The ability to make decisions taking into consideration a diversity of perspectives. Self-directed, highly motivated, results-oriented, and able to motivate others. Anticipates problems, facilitates solutions, and looks for ways to make process improvements. Demonstrated ability to function effectively in a highly dynamic environment. Ability to prioritize and organize work in a rapidly changing work environment. Proven Microsoft Office application skills, including SharePoint and other systems may be required. Familiarity with the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action relating to Indigenous procurement and business development.

Skills & Knowledge

• Understanding of various reports including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), In Plain Sight, Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls calls for justice, and how they intersect across the health care system.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Dedicated Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience team – our Sanya’k̓ula Team provides support and builds community for Indigenous employees through such events and services as our Communities of Practice, careers services including resume and interview support, Indigenous Employee Network, a weekly coffee chat and more. We are striving to create an organization free from Indigenous specific racism and discrimination where Indigenous employees feel included and their cultures celebrated.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.

• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular Full-time

Salary Range: $113,195 - $162,718 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: Remote Friendly
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0730-1530 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 151160E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.