First Nations Trade Commissioner - Competition 2025-097

Competition #2025-097
1-year term with possibility of extension    

Deadline: September 19, 2025

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC) seeks Expressions of Interest (EOI) from qualified individuals to serve as a First Nations Trade Commissioner responsible for advancing the economic sovereignty and trade interests of First Nations in Manitoba.

The First Nations Trade Commissioner will develop and advocate for policies, partnerships, and initiatives that protect Treaty rights, promote First Nations-led trade, and facilitate economic development rooted in First Nations values, laws, and jurisdiction. The successful candidate will work with all levels of government, international partners, and industry stakeholders to ensure First Nations in Manitoba are full participants in local, national, and global trade opportunities.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Policy & Advocacy                                                           

Lead the planning, development, and implementation of a First Nations trade strategy grounded in Treaty rights and First Nations laws.

Develop and execute strategies to support AMC’s advocacy efforts in First Nations trade development and infrastructure.

Monitor and respond to provincial, federal, and international trade policies that may impact First Nations.

Lead policy analysis on trade agreements and economic regulations affecting First Nations.

Gathers and analyzes statistical information, reviews, and assesses existing research, and writes reports on findings and conclusions with high complexity requiring expertise and knowledge.  

Makes recommendations in the development of policies by collecting and analyzing statistical data.  

Makes recommendations related to First Nations policies and program development, processes, and procedures within a broad scope (strategic) and impact.  

Assist with the preparation of AMC resolutions. 

Treaty Protection & Jurisdiction

Advocate for the protection and assertion of Treaty rights in all economic and trade contexts.

Provide advice to the Grand Chief on trade-related issues affecting Treaty lands, waters, and resources.

Collaborate with legal counsel to advance positions on jurisdiction in trade and commerce.

Government & Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with all levels of government, international trade offices, and Indigenous economic organizations.

Builds, develops and maintains strong and productive networks and relationships with national, regional and community First Nations Leaders, specialists, organizations, communities.

Represent AMC in trade-related forums, negotiations, and working groups.

Advocate for the inclusion of First Nations in trade discussions and decision-making spaces.

Economic Development Support

Identify and pursue trade opportunities that support First Nations economic growth and Nation rebuilding.

Support AMC member Nations in developing trade partnerships and accessing new markets.

Promote Indigenous-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and land-based economies.

Communications & Reporting

Preparation, coordination, processing, editing and completion of sector materials such as briefing notes, policy papers, speaking notes, presentations, and reports (e.g. workplans, letters, minutes etc.) to be done within specific timelines.

Report regularly to the Executive Council of Chiefs and Chiefs-in-Assembly on trade initiatives.

Assists with planning and preparation of materials for key milestone events, such as pre-budget submissions, the annual report and assembly reports.

Assists with preparation of sector budget proposal for submission to federal and provincial government departments and with reporting requirements of funding agreements.

Lead public education and engagement initiatives on First Nations trade issues.

Position Requirements

Post secondary education in Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Indigenous Studies or relevant field.

A post graduate degree in a relevant field is preferred.

Experience in First Nations policy, trade relations, or economic development.

Experience in performing governance functions in a political, legal, and diplomatic environment.

Knowledge of Treaty rights, First Nations sovereignty and First Nations legal orders.

Experience working with First Nations Leadership

Experience with evaluating complex information and data, and ability communicate this concisely to a variety of audiences.

Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills.

Project management experience

Time Commitment

One year, with possibility of extension

Full-time position

Must be able to work flexible hours and travel when required.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position title applying for, qualifications, and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) by Friday, September 12th 2025 4:00 p.m.

Human Resources

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs

14th Floor, 275 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2B3

Quote Competition #2025-097 in your application.

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https://manitobachiefs.com/about/job-opportunities/

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. No phone calls will be accepted.

Preference will be given to First Nations people. If successful, applicants will be asked to verify citizenship documentation issued by a First Nation or government-issued documentation or affirmation from Inuit, Métis, or non-status Indigenous community with which they identify. Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

Please visit our website at www.manitobachiefs.com