Senior Policy Analyst

Southern Chiefs’ Organization; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional First Nation organization in Manitoba is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst. This role involves tracking emerging issues, providing technical support, and preparing reports and policy recommendations to enhance the well-being of First Nations citizens. The ideal candidate has a background in social sciences, experience in policy analysis, and strong communication skills. This position requires flexibility for travel and meetings, with a salary between $80,000 and $95,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years’ experience in program delivery or policy analysis.
• Knowledge of government policy impacting First Nations.
• Experience conducting research and policy analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct focus groups, facilitate meetings, and deliver presentations.
• Analyze data adhering to OCAP principles.
• Prepare reports and analyzes data for publications.

Skills

Excellent written communication

Strong verbal communication

Political acumen

Self-motivated and organized

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Post-secondary education in social sciences, justice, or community development

Job description

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 Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for tracking emerging issues, providing technical support to management, development and oversight of SCO programs, and preparing position papers, reports, and other material with recommendations for consideration to create positive change and improve the safety, protection, and well‑being of southern First Nation citizens and communities. This position frequently engages with SCO member Nations, other jurisdictions, organizations, and orders of government.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducts focus groups, facilitates meetings, and delivers presentations on SCO priorities or assigned special projects
• Collects and provides analysis of data adhering to OCAP principles
• Undertakes research and reviews and/or analyses complex and strategic policy, programs, and processes. This includes daily monitoring and analysis of government announcements and specific government initiatives and legislation using a First Nation lens
• Prepares and edits complex reports and responses and analyzes, organizes, and themes data for internal and external publications, including responses to government consultations, Memorandums of Understanding, and agreements
• Prepares briefing materials for the Chiefs Executive Committee, the Grand Chiefs’ Office, Chief Executive Officer, and other SCO Program Directors as required
• Writes, collates, and submits program plans, implementation plans, annual reports, funding proposals, program goals and objectives, and program proposal budgets as part of the SCO Policy Team, to program partners and funders

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post‑secondary education (bachelor’s degree) in social sciences, justice, or community development
• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in program delivery or policy analysis, including experience writing proposals, advocacy letters, briefing notes, discussion, and policy papers. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Knowledge and awareness of provincial and federal government policy and process, including policy areas that directly and indirectly impact the health and well‑being of First Nations, including understanding of human and Indigenous rights
• Experience conducting research (e.g. Jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, interviews, stakeholder consultations, statistical analysis, financial analysis, focus groups, surveys), and policy analysis including knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of researching, evaluating, and analyzing information
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise documents with a high degree of accuracy and for a variety of audiences
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate research, policy, and ideas to a variety of audiences
• Self‑motivated, organized professional able to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team, and able to balance competing interests, solve problems or impasses, and move initiatives forward to meet deadlines, often within tight timelines, and with precision
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, supervisors, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Political acumen and the ability to maintain confidentiality when developing and handling sensitive information
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams or Zoom
• Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin is considered an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector search
• Must have a valid class 5 MB driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as travel will be required
• Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings or events may be required, especially during peak engagement or reporting periods

WAGE RANGE:

$80,000 – $95,000 Annually

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central Standard Time

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: [phone] | [e-mail]

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self‑identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.