Senior Policy Analyst Region 4

About the Role:

As the Senior Policy Analyst for the Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community (Region 4) at the Métis Nation of Ontario, you will play a crucial role in advancing self-government initiatives, securing funding through grant applications, and ensuring effective communication with community councils. Reporting to the Regional Manager, you will contribute to policy development, funding acquisition, and stakeholder engagement to support the MNO's objectives in Region 4.

What you will be doing:

• Policy Development and Analysis:
  • Conduct research and analysis to inform policy development initiatives related to Métis rights, self-government, and community development.
  • Provide recommendations and guidance on policy matters to support the strategic objectives of the Métis Nation of Ontario.
• Grant Writing and Funding Acquisition:
  • Identify funding opportunities and sources to support programs, projects, and initiatives within Region 4.
  • Prepare and submit grant applications, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and strategic priorities of the MNO.
• Financial Reporting and Compliance:
  • Assist in the preparation of final reports to funders, ensuring accurate documentation of project outcomes and financial expenditures.
  • Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and compliance with funding agreements.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Represent the MNO at meetings, conferences, and forums with government agencies, funding bodies, and community stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to advocate for Métis interests and promote collaboration on initiatives.
• Community Council Support:
  • Communicate important information, updates, and decisions to community councils within Region 4.
  • Facilitate consultations and feedback mechanisms to ensure community input and participation in decision-making processes.
• Communications:
  • Work with Regional Leadership, staff and consultants to maintain communication mechanisms with the Huron-Superior Regional Métis Community, including social media, newsletters, etc.
  • Work alongside leadership and staff to develop content for aforementioned platforms.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation:
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives that advance the self-government and development priorities of Region 4.
  • Monitor progress towards goals and objectives, adjusting strategies as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Other reasonable duties as may be assigned

 Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of experience in a policy analyst (or comparable) position
• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in policy analysis, grant writing, and project management, preferably within Indigenous organizations or government entities.
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality evidence and data based reports and professional presentations
• Demonstrated ability in policy and program development and evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire and expand knowledge and to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment
• Previous experience dealing with confidential information
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of funding sources, grant application processes, and financial reporting requirements.
• Ability to deal with complex, confidential, and sensitive issues in a timely manner, with tact, discretion, maturity, and judgment.
• Strong desire to act in the service of the Métis Citizens, to advance and uphold rights and culture
• A high degree of technology literacy and proficiency in standard office equipment
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience in preparing reports and presentations for diverse audiences.
• Strong project coordination, including the design and implementation of project work-plans
• Superior organization skills and highly detail-oriented
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing demands and assess changing priorities
• Demonstrated ability to work alone/independently with minimal supervision  
• Willingness to travel within Region 4 and occasionally across Ontario, as required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of a graduate level degree in a related field
• 5-7 years or more experience in a similar/comparable role
• Knowledge of Métis-specific and broader indigenous policy and research, key challenges, and programs
• Bilingualism (considered an asset)
• Demonstrated ability to manage project budgets and project deliverables using project management software or other processes (considered an asset)

Positions at the MNO may require the following:

1. Current CPR/First Aid certification or ability to obtain
2. Completion and maintenance of Vulnerable Sector Verification
3. A reliable vehicle (or ability to rent), driver’s licence, $1,000,000 liability insurance, and a clean driving record
4. Flexibility to work extended hours as necessary
5. Ability to occasionally travel within Ontario for limited periods of time