Senior Policy Analyst, Canada Water Agency and Sustainable Development Goals

Location: Ottawa or remote

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 is seeking a highly skilled, motivated, and experienced individual who will conduct research and analysis, and provide recommendations for policy development, interpretation, and application in support of First Nations’ rights and governance priorities, in particular First Nations’ Water. 

Reporting to the Director, Water, the Senior Policy Analyst will have the following key duties and responsibilities:  

• Gathers and analyzes statistical information, reviews, and assesses existing research, and writes reports on findings and conclusions with high complexity requiring expertise knowledge on freshwater stewardship as well as the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  
• Makes recommendations in the development of policies by collecting and analyzing statistical data.  
• Makes recommendations related to First Nations policies and program development, processes, and procedures within a broad scope (strategic) and impact.  
• Assist with the preparation of AFN resolutions.  
• Provides updates to the Director and shares information regarding planning, policy, funding, and events.   
• Assist with the preparation, coordination, processing, editing and completion of Sector materials such as briefing notes, speaking notes, presentations, and reports (e.g., workplans, letters, minutes, etc.), to be done within specified timelines.  
• Builds, develops and maintains strong and productive networks and relationships with national, regional and community First Nations Leaders, specialists, organizations, communities; and relationships with government officials at all levels.   
• Provides support to the Director in the preparation of materials for the National Chief’s Office that may include PowerPoints, speaking notes, briefing notes, memos, correspondence; and other documents, as required.  
• Attends and takes notes at Chiefs-in-Assembly (Annual General Assembly and Special Chiefs Assembly) meetings held twice annually.   
• Assists with the planning, and coordination of the Sector’s Chiefs Committees, Technical Committees, and/or Working Groups.   
• Monitors and attends Parliamentary standing committees.   
• Assists with planning and preparation of materials for key milestone events, such as pre-budget submissions, the annual report and assembly reports. 
• Assists Director with the preparation of sector budget proposals for submission to federal government departments and with reporting requirements of funding agreements.  
• Mentors’ junior policy professionals  
• Conducts other duties as assigned by the Director. 

Qualifications:  

• A post-secondary degree related to environment, water, political science, Indigenous Studies, or public policy administration with 5+ years’ relevant policy experience preferably working with First Nations or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Knowledge of the Canada Water Agency’s mandate, federal water policy frameworks, and their implications for First Nations rights and governance.
• Understanding of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to water (e.g., SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation), and their relevance to First Nations contexts.
• The ability to analyze complex information and data, and communicate this concisely to a variety of audiences (e.g., officials, portfolio-holders, Chiefs, etc.)  
• Advanced written and verbal skills, including the ability to use appropriate terminology and present in front of audiences both in-person and virtually.
• Demonstrated experience and strong ability in writing proposals and reports, leading discussion groups, and synthesizing information into policy positions and documents.
• Familiarity with the manipulation and analysis of data using databases such as Excel.  
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to apply effective research techniques, with respect to confidentiality and ethics.  
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with team members, governing bodies, and partners both inside and outside of the AFN.   
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, professionalism, teamwork, and judgement.  
• Sound planning and organization skills with the ability to multi-task while working under pressure and with competing deadlines.  
• English is the working language although the ability to communicate effectively in French or an Indigenous language is an asset. 

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

Salary Range: AFN offers a competitive salary, attractive benefits, and pension plans.

What can we offer you?

• Paid time off for December holiday break
• 100% employer paid group insurance, including extended health coverage, dental, a health spending account, short-/long-term disability, and life insurance
• Pension plan, with 8% employee contribution matched by employer
• Annual amount towards participation in physical fitness programs
• Annual professional development amount
• Three (3) weeks of paid vacation per year, progressively increasing after years of service
• Three (3) weeks of paid sick leave per year
• Nine (9) days of special leave per year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Maternity and parental leave top-up

Accommodation Statement: 

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.

While we appreciate all applications, only those candidates short-listed for an interview will be contacted.

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

Application Procedure:

Please apply through our website at https://afn.ca/about-us/work-with-afn/. A French version of this job advertisement is also available on the website.        

Closing Date: Open until filled.