Policy Analyst

**EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY**

**Job Title: Policy Analyst**

**Department: Administration/Chief & Counsel**

**Pay Range: $29.00 - $35.00 per hour**

**Status: By Special Appointment, Full Time Fixed-Term Contract w/ Benefits**

**Closing Date: October 22nd, 2024**

**Position**:
Reporting to the Chief and receiving work direction from the Chief, the Intergovernmental Affairs Policy Analyst (Policy Analyst) is responsible for providing strategic advice, policy analysis, and intergovernmental leadership to the Walpole Island Chief and Council on matters related to internal and external governance of Walpole Island First Nations. The Position leads the development of W.I.F.N legislation, regulation and policies; provides research and analysis to inform decision-making by senior management and elected leaders; serves as the policy lead on assigned intergovernmental files, including negotiations with the federal and provincial governments; and undertakes consultation initiatives involving W.I.F.N Members and residents of W.I.F.N Lands.

**Requirements**:
**Skills and Effort Requirements**
- Managerial skills.
- Leadership and coaching skills.
- Excellent time-management skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- Knowledge of First Nations historical, political, legal, and governance issues.
- Negotiation skills.
- Excellent analytical, judgment persuasion, and consensus abilities.
- High degree of organization, multi-tasking, and priority-setting skills in a fast-paced political atmosphere.
- Critical thinking skills, including the ability to research, analyze, evaluate, and make decisions concerning complex information and ideas.
- The ability and willingness to make difficult decisions in a timely manner, demonstrating good judgment, respect for organizational policies that govern W.I.F.N

**Minimum Requirements**
- A bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, planning, political science, or a related field.
- A minimum of five years’ experience related to the duties listed above, with direct experience
- leading negotiations, developing policy options, and coordinating policy processes in a self-governing First Nation context is considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of experience and education may also be considered.
- Working knowledge of the functions and interactions of the various levels of government including federal, provincial, Treaty First Nation, Jay Treaty, and municipal.
- Knowledge and experience working with First Nations communities and governments - familiarity with the activities and culture of W.I.F.N is considered an asset.
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with demonstrated experience writing concise and accurate briefing material to support decision-making.
- Experience leading, facilitating, and managing projects.
- Capacity to respond quickly to changing demands and priorities under tight deadlines.
- Ability to exercise good judgment, tact, and diplomacy.
- Ability to undertake and analyze quantitative and qualitative research.

**Responsibilities**:
Under the supervision of the Chief, the duties and responsibilities of the Policy Analyst include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Research, analyze, plan, and develop new and amended W.I.F.N legislation, regulations, policies, and service delivery standards in conjunction with other W.I.F.N Governance departments by identifying best practices in other jurisdictions, analyzing existing policies and practices, presenting alternatives for consideration, and drafting language that reflects government direction
- Support W.I.F.N’s compliance with its legislative framework and assist, or lead program and policy evaluations
- Assist with the development, interpretation, and implementation of the W.I.F.N legal and policy framework (Treaty, side agreements, W.I.F.N Law, policies, and other documents) Research information on government-related activities and politically sensitive issues, identifying and, where appropriate, preparing policy memos with strategic analysis and recommendations on significant developments
- Advance W.I.F.N’s intergovernmental priorities by leading engagement and negotiations with Federal, Provincial, and other modern treaty and self-governing Indigenous governments, neighboring First Nations, surrounding municipalities, and the Southwestern Ontario regional district on assigned files
- Gather information, analyze, and prepare reports and materials for other W.I.F.N Governance departments for presentation to the Chief and Council
- Provide administrative support to the W.I.F.N Chief and Council, including preparation of briefing material, motions, and speaking notes
- Provide speaking notes and briefing material for elected officials and senior staff.
- Identify potential program funding and initiatives that may assist in achieving the goals and priorities of W.I.F.N
- Travel incl. occasional overnight Canadia