Position Title: Policy Advisor (Intergovernmental Affairs)
Location: Ottawa, ON
Work Model: Hybrid - 2-3 days per week onsite
Additional Notes:
Our client represents and advocates for a distinct Indigenous people with a rich cultural heritage and a unique history. It works to promote the rights, interests, and well-being of its members, ensuring their voices are heard on issues that matter most to their communities. We are searching for a Policy Advisor – Intergovernmental Affairs to play a central role in supporting the rights, priorities, and representation of Indigenous communities through strategic intergovernmental engagement. Reporting to the Director of Intergovernmental and International Relations, the Policy Advisor will lead policy development, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy initiatives across all levels of government.

Responsibilities will include:

Policy Analysis and Development

• Conduct research and develop policy analysis on intergovernmental issues affecting Indigenous communities, providing timely and evidence-based recommendations.
• Analyze complex legislative, regulatory, and policy proposals to identify opportunities and risks, and provide strategic guidance for advancing positive outcomes.
• Monitor political, economic, and social developments relevant to Indigenous communities and assess their implications through policy briefs and internal updates.

Strategic Planning and Implementation

• Contribute to the development and execution of long-term strategic plans for intergovernmental engagement, identifying key priorities and pathways to influence change.
• Support the coordination and implementation of structured bilateral mechanisms and government-to-government frameworks.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy strategies and intergovernmental efforts, recommending adjustments to improve impact.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with government officials, Indigenous partners, and civil society stakeholders to foster mutual understanding and progress.
• Represent the organization at intergovernmental meetings, forums, and negotiations, advocating for the rights and interests of Indigenous communities.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies, including government relations and public policy engagement, to advance community priorities.
• Coordinate internal alignment with other departments to ensure cohesive messaging and unified representation in external engagements.

Communications and Materials Development

• Prepare high-quality written materials such as policy briefs, reports, presentations, and speaking notes for leadership, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Create communication tools to raise awareness of Indigenous rights and issues among policymakers, media outlets, and the public.

Event and Meeting Coordination

• Organize and coordinate events, roundtables, and meetings related to intergovernmental affairs, including logistics, agendas, and follow-up.
• Represent the organization at government and agency committees, stakeholder meetings, and national conferences as required.

The ideal candidate for the Policy Advisor – Intergovernmental Affairs will play a key role in advancing the priorities of Indigenous communities at both the national and intergovernmental levels. This position requires a high level of political awareness, analytical skill, and cultural sensitivity. The Policy Advisor is responsible for conducting in-depth research and analysis to develop realistic, creative, and timely policy recommendations that align with Indigenous interests. They are expected to monitor complex political, legal, and social developments, assess their impact on Indigenous communities, and provide strategic responses that identify both opportunities and areas for improvement.

A critical aspect of the role involves engaging with government agencies, elected officials, and parliamentary committees to influence decision-making and promote Indigenous rights and priorities. The Policy Advisor will represent the organization at national and intergovernmental forums, support the development and execution of advocacy strategies, and provide senior leadership with briefings, talking points, and recommendations for high-level meetings; therefore, strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential. The Policy Advisor must be able to clearly articulate complex positions through professional written materials such as memos, policy papers, and presentations. Collaboration with internal teams and external partners is key to ensuring consistent, effective advocacy and relationship-building with stakeholders. This role also requires strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

The Policy Advisor will coordinate the planning and implementation of intergovernmental initiatives, ensuring high standards and timely delivery. Professional conduct is critical to success in this role. The ideal candidate demonstrates a strong understanding of Indigenous history, culture, and political dynamics, along with sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy. The ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team, while showing resilience and adaptability, is essential.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining a valid Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening will be required, and travel may be needed, sometimes on short notice

What will make you stand out:

• Proven experience engaging directly with senior government officials, negotiating policy positions, and securing tangible outcomes for Indigenous communities.
• Deep knowledge of Indigenous governance systems and legal frameworks, particularly relating to self-determination, intergovernmental mechanisms, and rights recognition.
• Exceptional political acuity and strategic thinking, with the ability to navigate complex policy environments and anticipate emerging issues.
• Strong, persuasive communication skills, demonstrated through high-quality policy writing, briefings, and public speaking engagements.
• Lived experience or demonstrated commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities, with cultural humility, authenticity, and a relationship-based approach to advocacy.

Interested candidates are encouraged to reach out to Britt at bmiles@recruitinginmotion.ca

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