Indigenous Academic Lead, National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH)

University of Northern British Columbia Prince George, BC

Posting #24-182EM BW

The National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH), located on the traditional territory of the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), invites applications for the Indigenous Academic Lead, National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH) at the rank of Associate or Full Professor, with proposed starting date of January 1, 2025.

Reporting to the UNBC Vice President, Research and Innovation, the Indigenous Academic Lead position will provide strategic advice, direction, and expertise to all academic and operational functions of the NCCIH. This position will also have a base Tenure appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor at UNBC.

The NCCIH is one of six National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCPH) established in 2005 with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to promote and support the timely use of scientific research and other knowledges in public health practice, programs, and policies. Its mandate is to strengthen public health systems and advocate for health equity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada through knowledge translation and exchange.

The Indigenous Academic Lead provides senior leadership for all academic and operational functions of the NCCIH to achieve its mandate and to ensure its long-term relevance and value to First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples and public health in Canada.

The applicants for this role will be required to self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit) and able to provide proof of a connection to community.

Key Responsibilities
• Lead and oversee the NCCIH’s academic and operational planning and implementation, including:
o Strategic priorities and approaches to First Nations, Inuit and Métis public health and knowledge mobilization
o Policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure accountability, transparency, academic rigor, quality assurance, performance measurement, and respectful relationships
o Human resource needs and priorities for a nationally located, distributed team

• Lead and oversee financial management and funder relationships, including:
o Ensuring financial accountability and viability of the NCCIH
o Maintaining and growing relationships with existing and potential funders

• Build, maintain, and grow strong relationships with Indigenous public health stakeholders, including:
o First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, organizations, leaders, scholars, researchers, practitioners, and policy and program decision-makers
o Indigenous, federal, provincial, territorial, and regional governments
o Current and future NCCIH staff, mentees, partners, and collaborators
o Other National Collaborating Centres (NCCs) for Public Health and the Public Health Agency of Canada

• Strategic communication to further the NCCIH’s mandate and national reputation

Education
The Indigenous Academic Lead, NCCIH position will have a base Tenure appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor. Applicants should hold a doctorate or terminal degree (Master’s degree will be considered) in an Indigenous-focused or health related discipline (e.g. public health, nursing, medicine, epidemiology, health promotion/education, community health, geography, Indigenous studies, environmental health, health policy, health planning). A PhD is considered an asset. Equivalent mix of university training and Indigenous community experience will be considered

Qualifications
• Minimum of 8-10 years of related work experience, with demonstrated ability to plan and manage at both the strategic and operational levels and successfully lead and manage change in a multi-union, complex environment
• Knowledge of key partner organizations and networks in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health
• Exceptional oral, written, and presentation communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas and to influence individuals and groups with diverse needs and interests
• Knowledge of budget planning, development, and management
• Demonstrated expertise of mobilizing scientific research and other knowledges, especially in the context of public health practice, policy, and systems
• Passion and commitment to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health, fairness, anti-colonialism, and social justice
• Knowledgeable of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis public health practice and knowledge systems, Indigenous applied research, and knowledge mobilization, ideally with complementary Indigenous community experience
• Keen to mobilize Indigenous knowledge into transformative policy and to work at the interface of Indigeneity, social science, and public health
• Respectful and informed of a range of knowledge/evidence types and method bases complementary of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis ways of knowing and being
• Ability to bring advanced expertise in Indigenous social determinants of health and health equity, especially an understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis public health system needs, assets, and opportunities to advance Indigenous health equity
• Knowledge of Indigenous inequities and discrimination that is informed by a reflective understanding of personal experience and heritage
• Visionary and results-oriented Indigenous leader that can foresee and analyze varied and changing contexts and navigate forward paths
• Participatory leader, able to negotiate shared interest, consensus and mutual goals and outcomes with public health leaders, academics, allies, the other National Collaborating Centres for Public Health (NCCs), the Public Health Agency of Canada, and other governments and funders
• Ability to listen, ask, observe, envision, experiment, co-create, and risk-take to ensure continuous improvement — of the Centre, the network of NCCs, and the public health sector
• Able to inspire, engage, and mobilize others

Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “he/she/they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.

Research has shown that women and members of minority groups are less likely to apply for positions even if they meet many requirements for a position. If you think you are a good candidate for this position, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the criteria listed above.

NCCIH and UNBC value diversity and inclusivity because we know that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, complex problem solving, and the creation of a modern, representative academic community.
NCCIH and UNBC are committed to developing and maintaining a culture that is positive, collegial, and respectful of all members, and in which wellness and healthy work-life balance are valued along with (and indeed, contribute to) excellence in research and teaching.

About the University and its Community
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.

UNBC’s three regional campuses are located in Quesnel, Fort St. John, and Terrace. The South-Central campus in Quesnel is situated on the traditional territory of the Lhtako Dené (Red Bluff Band), Nazko, Lhoosk’uz Dené Nation (Kluskus Band), and Esdilagh First Nations (formerly Alexandria Band). Lhtako, Nazko, and Lhoosk’uz are Dakelh First Nations, and Esdilagh is a member of the Tsilhqot’in Nation. The Peace River-Liard campus in Fort St. John is situated on the traditional territory of the Doig River, Blueberry River and Halfway River First Nations. They are the Dunne-Za people. The Northwest campus in Terrace is situated on traditional Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) territory of the Kitsumkalum and Kitselas First Nations. It includes a satellite campus in the coastal community of Prince Rupert.

UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~74,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.

Salary
The expected base salary range for this role is between $125,000 – $150,000 per year, plus pension and benefits.

To Apply
Applicants should forward the following documents to FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca mail to Office of the Provost quoting the posting number (#24-182EM BW):
o cover letter indicating potential contributions to the program;
o curriculum vitae;
o a brief statement of teaching approaches and research program;
o the names and addresses of three references (including telephone and email information); and
o the Statement of Eligibility to Work in Canada form, which can be found here: https://www2.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human- resources/statementofemploymenteligibilityjan0520221.pdf.

Voluntary Form:
o The Self-Identification form can be found here: https://www.unbc.ca/sites/default/files/sections/human-resources/unbcself-idreviseddec2022- fillable.pdf
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at employeewellbeing@unbc.ca. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.

Mail Submissions: Office of the Provost, University of Northern British Columbia 3333 University Way, Prince George, B.C., V2N 4Z9

Email Submissions: FacultyRecruitment@unbc.ca

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC. However, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.

Applications received on or before November 7, 2024 will receive full consideration; however, applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

To help us track our recruitment effort, please indicate in your cover/motivation letter where (globalvacancies.org) you saw this job posting.