Senior Policy Analyst

Ontario Native Women's Association

About The Position

The Senior Policy Analyst leads policy research, analysis, and development to provide strategic recommendations for public policy that supports the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families. Reporting to the Policy Manager, the role provides evidence-based public policy leadership for ONWA’s advocacy efforts and the development of culturally relevant policies, legislation, programs, and best practices. The position researches and analyzes local, provincial, national, and international reports, policies, programs, initiatives, and economic trends affecting Indigenous women and their families. It examines existing and emerging legislation and policy developments to identify impacts, opportunities, and gaps. The Senior Policy Analyst develops decision-making documents and leads the preparation and presentation of briefing materials, reports, recommendations, and presentations for ONWA management and senior leadership, partners, committees, and government representatives. The role also supports ONWA’s advocacy efforts and represents the organization at relevant policy tables and engagements.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, Women’s Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline.
At least five years of progressively responsible work experience in policy-related roles, including demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Peoples.
Advanced policy analysis and development skills, including experience analyzing or developing policies that impact Indigenous Peoples.
Demonstrated experience across the full policy development cycle, including research, critical analysis, options development, recommendations, and evidence-based decision-making using an Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis.
Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including identifying policy gaps, assessing limitations, formulating and defending positions, and proposing solutions.
Project management experience, including coordinating cross-functional projects, developing work plans, establishing deliverables, monitoring progress, and completing reporting requirements.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing and delivering briefing notes, submissions, policy papers, presentations, reports, and recommendations to varied audiences.
Ability to provide strategic policy advice and recommendations to management, senior leadership, government representatives, committees, and external partners.
Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills, including working with government departments, Indigenous organizations, communities, and not-for-profit organizations.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and meet strict deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, databases, research tools, and other relevant technology.
In-depth understanding of Indigenous issues, including the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous women and their families.
Advanced knowledge of public policy development, legislative processes, government systems, and government administration at municipal, provincial, federal, and/or international levels.
Knowledge of Indigenous rights, human rights frameworks, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
Knowledge of Indigenous women’s issues, including safety, violence prevention, justice, health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and social and cultural well-being.
Understanding of Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis and the importance of an intersectional approach to policy research, analysis, and development.
Knowledge of policy research methodologies, evidence-based decision-making, environmental scanning, and legislative and regulatory analysis.
Understanding of the relationship between public policy, legislation, government funding, and delivery of programs and services for Indigenous women and their families.
Knowledge of current political, social, economic, cultural, and legislative developments affecting Indigenous women and their families.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree is preferred.
Ability to speak an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead policy research, analysis, and development and provide strategic recommendations to improve public policy.
Research and analyze reports, policies, programs, initiatives, and economic trends at local, provincial, national, and international levels.
Examine existing and emerging legislation and policy developments to identify impacts, opportunities, and gaps affecting Indigenous women and their families.
Develop decision-making documents, including business cases, briefing notes, discussion papers, submissions, and policy papers.
Lead the development, coordination, and presentation of briefing materials, reports, recommendations, and presentations for ONWA management, senior leadership, partners, committees, and government representatives.
Support ONWA’s provincial, national, and international advocacy efforts.
Represent ONWA at relevant regional, provincial, national, and international committees, policy tables, and engagements.
Coordinate and manage cross-functional projects, including work plans, deliverables, progress monitoring, and reporting requirements.

Benefits

Competitive salaries
Generous paid vacation time
Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
Additional paid statutory and civic holidays
Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision, and EAP, with all premiums covered by the employer
Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
Participation in the CAAT defined benefit pension plan
Paid sick days
Paid cultural/personal wellness days
Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
Ongoing professional development
Possible reimbursement on a portion of cell phone and internet expenses