Senior Policy Analyst, Lands

Internal/ External Posting
Full-time/ Permanent
Location: Ottawa (hybrid) is strongly preferred, open to other locations if a suitable applicant is found.

Salary Range: AFN offers competitive salaries that are commensurate with experience and education, generous time off (3 weeks of paid vacation per year to start, paid time off for December-January holidays, 3 weeks of paid sick leave per year, 9 days of special leave per year), a pension and benefit plan, annual amounts towards physical fitness and professional development, and maternity & parental leave top up.

Closing Date: Open until filled
Application Instructions: Interviews will be held over ZOOM.

Qualified persons of First Nations Ancestry will be given preference in accordance with s.16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.

The AFN is dedicated to an inclusive selection process and work environment. If you require accommodation, please advise the Human Resources representative when you are invited to meet regarding this employment opportunity.

Who We Are:

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is an advocacy organization, taking direction and fulfilling 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 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.

The Role:

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Lands Sector is seeking a highly skilled and motivated individual to conduct research, analyze data, develop policy recommendations, draft reports, policy frameworks, meeting minutes, and briefing materials.

Reporting to the Director of Lands, the Senior Policy Analyst has the following key duties and responsibilities:

• Leads the development and implementation of First Nations policies related to Lands, considering the unique needs, cultural values, and aspirations of First Nations communities.
• Conducts research, analyzes data, and assesses land trends and issues to inform policy recommendations.
• Collaborates with First Nations organizations, government agencies, community leaders, and other partners to gather input, address concerns, and ensure that policies are inclusive and responsive to community needs.
• Facilitates consultations, meetings, and workshops to promote meaningful engagement.
• Evaluates existing land policies, programs, laws, and initiatives to identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement. Conducts policy analysis and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance the effectiveness and impact of First Nations Land
• Contributes to the development of long-term strategic plans to support the return of land to First Nations and the recognition of First Nations’ land rights..
• Identifies key goals, targets, and performance indicators to measure the success of land policies and programs.
• Works collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including researchers, economists, program managers, and communications specialists, to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to First Nations land policy development and implementation.
• Establishes monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the outcomes and impact of land policies and programs.
• Regularly reviews and analyzes data to track progress, identify emerging issues, and make evidence-based recommendations for adjustments or enhancements.
• Prepares clear and concise reports, briefing notes, presentations, and other communication materials to effectively communicate policy recommendations, outcomes, and progress to senior management, government officials, First Nations leaders, and the public.
• Mentors Junior Policy Analysts, Policy Analysts, and students.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a post-secondary degree in political, technical, or social sciences, humanities, public policy, environment or municipal administration.
• 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 & experience.
• Candidates will have demonstrated experience in writing proposals and reports, leading discussion groups, and synthesizing information into policy positions and documents.
• Candidates should also have experience in developing intergovernmental partnerships including CIRNA, ISC, and NRCan, First Nations governments and other First Nations governments and/or other related Federal and Provincial departments and their various programs and initiatives related to First Nations.
• Must have in-depth knowledge and understanding of First Nations land issues, including key policies such as Specific Claims, Additions to Reserve, Comprehensive Land Claims, etc;
  Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to interpret material and policies for general and First Nation audiences.
• The incumbent must possess excellent team building, listening, coaching, group facilitation skills, and must have creative problem resolution skills.
• English is the working language although the ability to communicate effectively in French or any First Nations language would also be an asset

Thank you for your interest in employment with the AFN! We truly appreciate your application and will carefully review your resume. As we receive a high number of applications, we want to inform you that we can only contact shortlisted candidates.

AFN may cancel, postpone, or revise employment opportunities at any time