Policy Analyst – Indigenous Initiatives

Location: Ottawa, ON - Downtown area
Compensation: $80,000 – $95,000 + Comprehensive Benefits
Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time

About the Opportunity

Our client, a national advocacy organization supporting Indigenous priorities and initiatives across Canada, is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst - to join its team. This role is ideal for an experienced policy professional with a strong understanding of housing and infrastructure issues and a passion for advancing policy initiatives that support Indigenous communities.

The successful candidate will conduct research, develop policy recommendations, lead stakeholder engagement initiatives, and manage projects that align with organizational priorities and advocacy objectives. The role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact issues affecting First Nations communities at both regional and national levels.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analyze complex statistical and qualitative information related to Indigenous housing and infrastructure issues.
• Review existing research and prepare reports, recommendations, and policy documents.
• Develop and support policy initiatives through data collection, analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Provide recommendations on policies, programs, processes, and procedures impacting Indigenous communities.
• Maintain and update relevant datasets, research materials, and information repositories.
• Participate in the development and implementation of sector-specific work plans and strategic initiatives.
• Prepare briefing notes, speaking notes, presentations, and correspondence for senior leadership.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with Indigenous communities, government partners, and key stakeholders.
• Plan, facilitate, and lead meetings, consultations, and engagement sessions with internal and external partners.
• Provide project management and technical leadership on sector initiatives, ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet quality standards.
• Coordinate with external contractors and monitor project timelines, deliverables, and resources.
• Support procurement processes and other organizational initiatives as required.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Public Administration, Humanities, Municipal Administration, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience conducting research, policy analysis, and policy development related to First Nations communities, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience writing proposals, reports, briefing materials, and policy documents.
• Experience facilitating discussions, consultations, and synthesizing complex information into clear policy recommendations.
• Experience developing and managing intergovernmental relationships with First Nations governments and federal and provincial partners.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous housing and infrastructure issues.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present complex policy information to diverse audiences.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated abilities in collaboration, facilitation, coaching, and creative problem-solving.
• Bilingualism in English and French and/or the ability to communicate in a First Nations language is considered an asset.

Working Environment

• Primarily office-based with regular travel required for meetings, community engagement, and events.
• Flexible work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate organizational priorities and community needs.
• Fast-paced environment requiring strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

What’s Offered

• Competitive salary of $80,000 – $95,000
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Employer-matched pension program
• Generous vacation and paid time off
• Professional development and training support
• Wellness benefits and resources

Preference may be given to qualified candidates of First Nations ancestry in accordance with applicable human rights legislation.