Senior Policy Analyst / Analyste principal(e) des politiques

Assembly of First Nations; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to conduct research, analyze information, and provide policy development recommendations in support of First Nations priorities. The role involves data analysis, briefing notes, and stakeholder engagement, with occasional travel.

You will contribute to national advocacy positions, manage datasets, and help plan sector work and meetings with communities across Canada, reporting to senior management.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in political or social sciences, humanities, public policy or municipal administration.
• Minimum 5+ years' experience in research, information analysis and policy work in First Nations contexts.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze complex data related to First Nations issues.
• Develop and support policies through data interpretation and stakeholder engagement.
• Make recommendations on policy, programs, and procedures affecting First Nations.
• Maintain datasets and information repositories.
• Contribute to sector-specific work plans and strategic planning.
• Draft briefing notes, speaking notes, and correspondence for leadership.
• Build relationships with First Nations communities at regional and national levels.
• Support meetings, engagements, and consultations with internal and external parties.
• Provide project management and procurement support for AFN projects.

Skills

Research

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Report writing

Education

Public policy / political science degree

Job description

About the AFN

The AFN is an advocacy organization that takes direction and fulfills mandates as directed by First Nations in-Assembly through resolutions. As a national advocacy organization for First Nations, the AFN seeks to advance First Nations Inherent and Treaty Rights through the development of policy, public education, and where applicable, the co-development of legislation to build First Nations capacity.

The AFN was created out of a desire among First Nations leadership for a strong and effective collective advocacy organization. From this, values such as respect for human rights, diversity, justice, and the sovereignty of each rights-holding First Nation guide the work of the organization.

Position Overview

The Senior Policy Analyst conducts research, analyzes information, and provides recommendations for policy development, interpretation, and application in support of First Nations priorities. This position is responsible for achieving defined work plans and objectives that align with AFN’s national advocacy positions, interests, and strategies. The role may require occasional travel.

Specific Accountabilities

• Gather and analyze complex statistical and qualitative information relevant to First Nations issues, reviewing existing research and writing reports on findings and conclusions.
• Develop and support policies by collecting and interpreting relevant data and engaging with key stakeholders.
• Make recommendations regarding policy, programs, processes, and procedures that impact First Nations.
• Maintain and update relevant datasets and information repositories.
• Participate in the development and implementation of sector-specific work plans.
• Contribute to team-wide strategic and tactical planning processes in alignment with First Nations priorities.
• Respond to information and action requests and communicate relevant updates across the sector and organization
• Draft and edit briefing notes, speaking notes, and correspondence for senior management and leadership
• Build and maintain productive relationships and networks with First Nations communities at the regional and national levels.
• Plan, support, facilitate or lead meetings, engagements, and consultations with internal and/or external parties

• Provide project management and technical support and/or leadership on sector-specific projects, ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet substantive and procedural expectations. This includes liaising with external contractors, tracking deadlines and resources, and monitoring products and activities to ensure high quality deliveries.

• Provide project management and technical support for AFN’s procurement processes.

• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with regular travelrequiredfor meetings, community engagement, and events.
• Flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate community needs and organizational priorities.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Extended periods of computer use and desk work.
• High levelsof concentration and emotional resilienceare requiredwhen addressing complex social issues and community concerns.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge, Experience, Skills & Abilities

• Candidates must have a post-secondary degree in political or social sciences, humanities, public policy, or municipal administration, or a related field. Candidates must also have a minimum 5+ years’ experience in conducting research, analyzing information and policy experience in First Nations communities, or equivalent combination of education and experience.