Legal Counsel - Governance & Systems (Inuvik)
Inuvialuit Regional
COMPETITION: 202545
POSITION TYPE: Indeterminate
SCHEDULE: Full-time (75 hours bi-weekly)
COMPETITION CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled
ABOUT INUVIALUIT REGIONAL CORPORATION (IRC)
IRC was created in 1984 to represent the Inuvialuit and their rights and benefits obtained under one of Canada's oldest comprehensive land claim agreements. With assets over $1 billion, not including vast land holdings, IRC is responsible for corporate investment, land management, and a broad range of social, cultural, and economic programs and services benefiting Inuvialuit. Its subsidiaries have interests in grocery, manufacturing, property management, transportation, and significant dealings in the oil and gas industry.
Since its inception, IRC has experienced considerable growth, and its structure and operations have become increasingly complex. Combining local government and service delivery, community development, investment, and operating business divisions, all managed by a single back office, the organization has an array of complexities for the executive staff to navigate. There is an emphasis on fostering understanding, healing, and resilience in a region brimming with unique social challenges and immense potential for transformative change.
JOB SUMMARY
Reporting to the Manager of Legal Services, the Legal Counsel – Governance and Legal Systems will primarily be responsible for ensuring the organization complies with corporate governance laws, structures, and best practices and will also be responsible for managing the business and administrative functions of IRC’s legal team. This role is responsible for advising on corporate governance matters, preparing policies and guidelines for the functioning of the Board of Directors and its committees, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and internal policies. The role is also charged with implementing and overseeing information management systems within the legal department, ensuring risks to data privacy, security and intellectual property for IRC’s legal, enrolment, medical, and other divisions, are properly evaluated and managed. The successful candidate will oversee paralegals and assistants, interface with IRC’s IT team and provide advice and guidance on how we provide legal services to related entities and community members.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Governance & Corporate Compliance
- Advise on corporate governance matters, including board and committee mandates, policies, and regulatory filings.
- Oversee the drafting and maintenance of governance documentation such as board resolutions, meeting minutes, and corporate records.
- Create and present governance training programs for community corporations and related entities
- Keep bylaws up to date for the corporate group and community corporations, development corporations, and related entities.
- Ensure compliance with applicable corporate and regulatory laws.
Privacy & Data Protection
- Act as the prime contact for all privacy related matters.
- Provide legal guidance on compliance with Canadian and international privacy laws (e.g., PIPEDA, GDPR, CPPA).
- Draft and review privacy policies, data sharing agreements, and consent frameworks.
- Support privacy impact assessments (PIAs) and incident response planning.
Cybersecurity & Data Security
- Identify legal risks related to cybersecurity, data breaches, and information governance and advise or obtain advice as required.
- Collaborate with IT and risk teams on security protocols, breach response, and regulatory reporting.
- Monitor evolving cybersecurity regulations and ensure organizational readiness.
Intellectual Property (IP)
- Act as the prime contact for all IP related matters.
- Manage the organization’s IP portfolio, including trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
- Draft and negotiate IP-related agreements (e.g., licensing, NDAs, technology transfers).
- Advise on IP strategy, enforcement, and risk mitigation.
Legal Systems & Team Management
- Oversee internal legal systems and knowledge management platforms.
- Manage and mentor paralegals and administrative staff, ensuring efficient workflow and professional development.
- Implement legal technology tools to streamline document management, contract lifecycle, and compliance tracking.
Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must be/have:
- Law Degree (JD/LLB) from a recognized law school for qualification to practice in Canada.
- Admitted member in good standing of a law society in Canada, and upon acceptance of this role, is or will become a member of the Law Society of the Northwest Territories.
- Approximately 5-10 years of corporate; Environmental, Social, Governance; intellectual property; and/or technology law experience, preferably from a major law firm.
- Experience working with multiple stakeholder groups with demonstrated ability to meet targets.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Sound legal judgment and business acumen, including the ability to
