Policy & Communications/Economic Development/Environment – Senior Policy Analyst

Position: Senior Policy Analyst
Reporting To: Director of Policy and Communications, Director of Economic Development, Director of Environment
Department: Policy and Communications/Economic Development/Environment
Status: Permanent Full-time
Location: Hybrid – Remote and Chiefs of Ontario Secretariat Office, 468 Queen St East, Toronto Ontario

The Chiefs of Ontario is inviting applications for the position of Senior Policy Analyst. The Analyst will be responsible for leading a range of advocacy initiatives, including in the areas of mining in relation to First Nations and leading coordination on a regional scale to enhance successful partnerships between First Nations and private sector actors. Our ideal candidate will have strong research and writing skills, enjoy working in a rapidly changing sector, be willing to learn, and have the ability to lead complex projects.

Policy Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research, data collection, and analysis of policies and programs relating to First Nations in Ontario
• Support program development by assisting in planning, research and co-ordination of projects and activities
• Assist the Environment, Economic Development, and Policy sectors with the interpretation of legislation, policies, programs, and services relevant to Ontario First Nations
• Prepare position and research papers, briefing notes, presentations and policy documents
• Participate in meetings and functions with representatives of First Nations, provincial, and federal governments and other organizations
• Develop and maintain partnerships with government ministries, First Nation communities, and other advocacy organizations to ensure effective dialogue and collaboration between partners
• Work in tandem with directors of Policy and Communications, Environment and Economic Development and relevant policy analysts to build relationships with government, First Nations, and private sector partners related to mining
• Coordinate efforts to develop communication tools to ensure awareness and knowledge of COO’s Accommodation and Consultation Policies, along with knowledge of regionally developed Accommodation and Consultation tools
• Maintain awareness of funding opportunities that may benefit and enhance First Nations’ participation in the mining sector
• Performing other duties as assigned
• Assist in organizing and planning relevant private sector engagements and advocacy presentations such as but not limited to the COO Chief’s Panel Prospectors and Developer’s Association Panel 2025
• Leading and hosting the Chiefs of Ontario Mining Task Force meeting agendas, meeting reports, and relevant communication materials as needed
• Organizing and planning meetings with relevant private sector stakeholders and analyzing their current approaches to First Nations FPIC rights and how they can be improved
• Organizing and planning relevant webinars and information sharing sessions between First Nations lands/resource development staff and private sector stakeholders to increase FPIC standards in the private sector
• Travel will be required

Relevant Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in political science, policy, or other relevant field
• Relevant work experience in combination with education will be considered
• Experience preparing briefing notes, reports, memorandums, and policies
• General knowledge of the organization and activities of the Chiefs of Ontario and current events related to First Nations in Ontario

• Knowledge of First Nation traditions, cultures and values; understand the history and relationship between First Nations and the Crown is an asset
• Familiarity with issues relevant to natural resource projects and First Nations Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
• Professional integrity and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential
• Political acuity is a strong asset
• Good analytical and problem solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, including written and verbal
• Time management, organization and planning skills
• Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat)
• Preferably fully vaccinated against COVID 19.

Benefits:

• Hybrid Work Arrangement
• Two (2) Weeks Paid Time Off for December Holiday Break
• Two (2) Weeks of Paid Vacation per Year, Progressively Increasing After Years of Service
• Three (3) Weeks of Paid Sick Leave per Year
• Five (5) Days of Personal Time per Year
• 100% Employer Paid Group Insurance, Including Extended Health Coverage, Dental, a Health Spending Account, Short-/Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

DURATION: March 24, 2025, with the possibly of renewal based on available funding.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled.

Send letter of application, resume and include 2 references marked confidential to: opportunities@coo.org

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

Successful Candidate must be eligible to work in Canada.

Download PDF for Job Posting here: Various Sectors – Senior Policy Analyst