Senior Policy Analyst – Children and Family Services

Senior Policy Analyst – Children and Family Services

Location: #200 12308 111 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta

Closing Date: Until Suitable Candidate is Found            

Position Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) Permanent Position                

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is looking for a Senior Policy Analyst (SPA) to join our Children and Family Services (CFS) Team. The successful candidate will provide strategic support to develop, influence, evaluate and analyze policies, legislation, and practices to create a positive impact ensuring the interests and needs of Métis Albertans are accurately reflected in new and existing policies and legislation. The SPA will leverage their expertise in data and policy analysis to ensure that the Métis needs and interests are represented in research and programming with respect to CFS. The SPA must have experience in policy analysis, possess strong research and writing skills, and have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive research, including environmental scans and literature reviews, on key files related to Children and Family Services and Act C-92.
• Review research and data collected from both internal databases and third-party sources.
• Compile tables, charts, graphs, and other necessary resources for reports and documents.
• Provide comprehensive research, analysis, and policy support leading to policy options, briefings, and recommendations for consideration by CFS Leadership.
• Identify, analyze, and monitor issues of concern/key policy issues, communicate relevant findings of the analysis, and provide recommendations and strategic advice to Leadership.
• Examine the efficacy of existing policies, review and amend policy drafts, and provide suggestions to improve existing policies.
• Synthesize and communicate relevant findings and analyses to CFS Leadership through data-driven, well-documented discussion papers, background documents, presentation decks, research reports, briefs, correspondence, and briefing notes.
• Provide recommendations for policy development, interpretation, and conduct policy writing.
• Identify information requirements and organize and interpret information collected; apply information to develop, implement, and evaluate programs/policies/procedures.
• Support the articulation of a strategic policy agenda for the Children and Family Services department and related initiatives.
• Provide coordination, advice, and guidance on policy and regulatory/legislative related initiatives in alignment with the policy agenda within Children and Family Services frameworks and priorities.
• Propose, plan, and develop policy research projects addressing issues of concern to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
• Create and manage processes to provide advice and achieve decisions relating to the development and implementation of plans, programs, and policy.
• Lead policy planning, strategic analysis, and advice to support the department's key initiatives.
• Support funding submissions, grant applications, cases for support, pre-budget and policy submissions.
• Maintain, update, and assist in managing information databases.
• Attend and engage in meetings, conferences, and other forums as required.
• Other duties as required or assigned.

Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of Métis history, culture, and issues affecting Métis people. An in-depth understanding of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government and Métis culture is an asset.
• Understanding of policy analysis, familiarity with technology, and ability to adapt to new technology.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google Workspace programs.
• Experience using databases to research and compile accurate and relevant information.
• Ability to conduct research and analyze data to identify underlying principles or facts, and present data in tables, spreadsheets, and reports.
• Exceptional writing skills with experience drafting reports, briefing notes, opinion papers, policy positions, and documents.
• Experience working in a complex environment, interacting with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong sense of ethics and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions.
• Political and cultural sensitivity.
• Flexible and adaptable to work in a diverse and fast paced environment.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to develop solutions and high attention to detail.
• Strategic thinking and ability to see the big picture.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage conflicting demands and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Indigenous Studies, Public Government, Business, Law, Political Science, Public Policy, Government Administration, Social Sciences, or similar.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a Policy Analyst role or government role.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience conducting research, analyzing information and policy experience in Indigenous communities (Métis specific is an asset).
• Experience in assessing policies and programs, leading discussion groups, writing proposals and reports.
• Experience with government processes and the steps required for policy development and implementation is an asset.
• Project Management experience, including coordinating resources, timelines, and deliverables.

Other Requirements 

• Position will be based in Edmonton, Alberta.
• Ability to work a regular schedule from Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends as required.
• Ability to travel throughout Alberta, with notice.
• Reliable transportation and valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Acceptable attainment and annual maintenance of a Police Information Check with a Vulnerable Sector Check and an Intervention Record Check is required

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops. and be a part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada.
• An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, history, and art.
• Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
• Generous time off policies.

Métis applicants are encouraged to apply.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest. We are committed to a fully human-led recruitment process and do not use artificial intelligence to review candidate applications. We take a deliberate and thoughtful approach to selecting candidates, ensuring integrity and equity at every stage.

As a Métis government, the Otipemisiwak Métis Government is committed to the recruitment, retention, mentorship, and advancement of Métis Citizens and other Indigenous Peoples while maintaining a fair and equitable hiring practices to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, and we value the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of all candidates.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that candidates who have been selected to move forward to the next stage of the recruitment process will receive an email to complete a short online video submission. Our team receives a large volume of applications and will reach out only as applicable.

If you experience barriers to applying or require accommodations at any stage of the recruitment and selection process, please contact employment@metis.org. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience.