DEPUTY REGISTRAR, FIRST NATION LAND GOVERNANCE REGISTRY

Location: Canada-wide
Deadline: April 10, 2025

Scope

Reporting to the Registrar and collaborating with staff from the Resource Centre (RC) and Land Title Survey Authority (LTSA) staff, the Deputy Registrar is responsible for interpreting and clarifying legislative, regulatory, and procedural guidelines to uphold the integrity of the First Nations Land Governance Registry (FNLGR). This role is crucial in supporting effective governance, ensuring legal compliance, and advancing the sustainable management of First Nations lands under the Framework Agreement (FA).

The Deputy Registrar will assist in overseeing the daily operations of the FNLGR, including monitoring workflows, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of land governance documents, safeguarding land records, and ensuring adherence to relevant laws and policies. Additionally, the Deputy Registrar will provide expert guidance and services to First Nations communities, leadership, and legal advisors on land management matters. In a quasi-judicial capacity, the Deputy Registrar is responsible for making determinations on title registration matters, resolving procedural disputes, and ensuring adherence to established standards and best practices. This role will also contribute to FNLGR’s strategic initiatives, enhanced service delivery and collaboration with First Nations across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

• Assisting the Registrar in fulfilling the FNLGR responsibilities under the Framework Agreement (FA), including but not limited to:

• Oversee the business operations of the land registry offices to ensure compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, and policies.

  • Provide leadership and guidance to FNLGR staff to ensure processes, performance targets, and metrics are consistently met.

  • Collaborate with the Director of Land Code Governance and the Registrar to improve operational integration and enhance customer service delivery.

• Develop strategies, priorities, and policies for legal and regulatory matters to ensure the FNLGR meets the needs of its users while adhering to legislative requirements.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of land registry-related programs, offering expert guidance on regulatory and operational decisions.

• Exercise regulatory decision-making authority over land registration activities, resolving procedural disputes and ensuring compliance with established standards.

• Implement final, authoritative decisions regarding the application of statutes on FNLGR land transactions and develop appropriate legal standards to address emerging issues.

• Conducting legal research to resolve land registry issues arising from complex or contested applications, and communicating the legal decisions to applicants, either orally or in writing.

• Contributing to strategies for the introduction of corporate business changes and technological advances within the division, evaluating the feasibility and impact of such changes.

• Ensuring that the regulatory duties of the Registrar are reflected in the business of the FNLGR, so that all registration applications are processed in an expeditious manner, without error.

• Contributing to the definition of division goals and objectives, establishing priorities, operating plans, and mentoring management staff on legal and managerial aspects of their duties and related division initiatives.

• Providing high-level cross-operations domain-specific expertise to the organization.

• Analyzing and providing recommendations on federal legislative proposals that impact the FNLGR program.

• Maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of the FNLGR mandate, priority initiatives, significant current and emerging issues, and linkages with other jurisdictions and agencies.

• The Deputy Registrar, as a spokesperson for regulatory and legal matters, must establish and maintain strong working relationships internally and externally with all stakeholders, including First Nations, legal professionals, the public, governments, the LAB, FNLMRC, and FNLGR staff.

Position Requirements

Education and Experience

• A degree in law, land management, public policy, or a related field is required. A professional certification in land administration, land governance, or a related discipline is considered an asset.

• At least 5 years of experience in land governance, land registration, or a related field, including a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.

• Demonstrated experience working with First Nations land management systems, legal frameworks, or governance structures is highly desirable.

Knowledge

• Comprehensive knowledge of land title registration processes, land rights, and the procedures for recording and transferring land ownership within First Nations jurisdictions.

• Strong understanding of land governance principles, land management systems, and relevant legislation, including the Framework Agreement, First Nations land laws, and applicable federal and provincial regulations.

• In-depth understanding of the regulatory environment governing land governance and registration processes, with the ability to apply these regulations effectively in practice.

• Proficiency in legal research methods, including the ability to analyze, interpret, and apply complex legislation, regulations, and legal precedents relevant to land governance.

• Familiarity with First Nations customs, traditions, governance structures, and way of life, ensuring cultural sensitivity in all interactions and decisions.

Skills

• Strong ability to manage and review complex land transactions with precision, ensuring accuracy and compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the capability to convey complex land governance concepts clearly and effectively to a diverse range of stakeholders.

• Strong analytical skills to assess issues, develop practical solutions, and make informed decisions in a timely and efficient manner.

• Experience with project management, including planning, managing timelines, budgets, and resources for land governance initiatives.

• Proficient in the use of land registration software, document management systems, and the MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge of First Nations culture, governance structures, and community dynamics, ensuring cultural sensitivity and effective collaboration.

Abilities

• Ability to think strategically, with ability to set priorities, develop plans and achieve organizational goals.

• Ability to foster a collaborative and respectful work environment, promoting cooperation and shared respect among employees.

• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, tailored to a variety of audiences and contexts.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with diverse individuals and groups, both within and outside the organization. 

• Consistently demonstrates tact, discretion, and sound judgment in decision-making and interactions.

• Maintains the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Working Conditions

• Home office setting with occasional travel that will be communicated ahead of time.

• Some exposure to disagreeable elements such as eye strain, time pressures and stress of multiple demands.

• Some exposure to safety hazards related to travel and working with the public.

Effort

Mental and Physical Effort

• Daily activities require a moderate to high level of concentration and attentiveness.

• Must be able to work effectively within a cross-cultural environment.

• Moderate level of physical effort required, mainly due to long periods of sitting and typing.