Water Authority Project Manager

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
Overview  Reporting to the Director of Environment, the Project Manager is responsible for leading the development and oversight of a First Nations-owned and operated Water Utility. This includes providing guidance to ensure the utility is sustainable, effective, and meets both community needs and regulatory standards. The Project Manager plays an important role in connecting the technical, cultural, and logistical parts of the project.
The role also involves tracking emerging issues, offering technical support to the Director, and preparing reports, position papers, and other materials with recommendations to support the development of a Water Authority. The goal is to create positive change and improve the health and well-being of southern First Nation citizens and communities. This position requires regular engagement with leadership and citizens of SCO member Nations throughout all stages of the project.

Key Responsibilities  Project Planning
Provide project management expertise and guidance to initiate, lead, facilitate, coordinate, and provide direction, monitoring and oversight activity for the various stages of the Water Authority project
Collaborate with First Nations leaders and rights holders to develop project scope that will define the specific goals, needs, and expectations for the Water Authority project
In consultation with SCO First Nation leadership, create a comprehensive project plan, including timelines, milestones, resource allocation, and budgets, ensuring alignment with the SCO Chiefs-In-Summit resolutions mandating Water Authority Development
Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for program effectiveness. Conduct regular evaluations and prepare reports for the Director and other senior management
Represent SCO at interjurisdictional or intergovernmental working groups, internal SCO working groups, and at external community tables and committees
Communicate project updates, address concerns, and resolve conflicts both internally and externally
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Facilitate active engagement and involvement of SCO First Nations in all aspects of project planning and decision-making. Ensure that cultural perspectives, traditional knowledge, and local practices are integrated into the project
Maintain strong, respectful communication with Chiefs, Public Works staff, treatment plant operators, and community representatives
Liaise with external contractors to support project implementation
Provide regular updates on the Water Authority project status
Represent SCO in meetings and forums related to the Water Authority initiatives
Funding Proposals, Program, Reporting and Evaluation
Assist and develop Water Authority Business Cases and Investment Strategies
Draft plans, funding proposals, goals and objectives, and budgets for the Water Authority
Write, collate, and submit annual program reporting (narrative and financial) to senior leadership and funders
Create complex reports, analyze, organize, and theme data for internal and external publications
Provide analysis of government and water service industry policy and legislation using a First Nations lens
Prepare written correspondence, briefing notes, discussion documents, options papers, research reports, strategies, and action and advocacy plans and activities for the Director of Environment and senior management
Monitor federal and provincial government policy, flag issues for senior management and communications
Monitor and follow up on external correspondence to government and other partners
Administrative and Organizational Support
Support planning related to Water Authority development and related priorities
Maintain organized project…