Director, First Nations Justice & Policy Leadership

Assembly of First Nations; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Benefit Premiums Paid by AFN

Pension Matching

Vacation, Sick & Personal Days

Professional Development Support

Wellness Funds

Central Ottawa Location

Meaningful Work

Job summary

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) seeks an experienced Director to lead the Justice sector and advance Indigenous-led approaches to justice, safety, and well-being. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role combines strategic leadership, planning, advocacy, and collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

You will support First Nations laws and governance, address overrepresentation in colonial systems, and drive implementation of Calls for Justice and Calls to Action.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Law, Indigenous Studies, Criminology, Public Policy, Governance, or Social Sciences; combination of education, lived experience considered; graduate education an asset.
• Knowledge of First Nations legal orders, governance systems, and community-based approaches to justice; strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years experience with First Nations politics and 5 years in a leadership role.
• Significant knowledge of justice issues in First Nation communities and related legislation.
• Superior writing skills.
• Experience working with federal, provincial, territorial, northern, urban, and international governments.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, leadership, teamwork, and judgement skills.
• Diplomacy, tact, and decision-making ability.
• Planning and organization skills.
• English working language; Indigenous language knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• First Nations Justice Systems and Legal Traditions: Support recognition, revitalization, and implementation of First Nations laws and justice systems.
• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute strategies addressing First Nations justice issues aligned with AFN mandates.
• Policy Development: Lead the development of policies and strategic advice for First Nations-led justice systems and community safety.
• Advocacy & Representation: Represent AFN in discussions with government agencies and partners to advocate for First Nations rights and well-being.
• Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of professionals.
• Collaboration: Work with other AFN sectors, the National Chief’s Office, and external organizations.
• Communication: Prepare reports, briefing notes, and presentations for decision-making.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Writing skills

Teamwork

Judgement

Diplomacy

Planning & Organization

Education

Law; Indigenous Studies; Criminology; Public Policy; Governance; Social Sciences

Job description

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) seeks an experienced Director to lead the Justice sector and advance Indigenous-led approaches to justice, safety, and well-being. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role combines strategic leadership, planning, advocacy, and collaboration with internal teams and external partners.

You will support First Nations laws and governance, address overrepresentation in colonial systems, and drive implementation of Calls for Justice and Calls to Action.