Do you have experience working collaboratively with First Nations communities to support and advise on policy and program development?
If so, consider this opportunity to help advance Indigenous priorities through partnership, shared decision-making, and relationship-based collaboration within the Indigenous Relations Branch.
The Ministry of Indigenous Affairs leads the Ontario government's work with First Nations and other Indigenous partners by providing corporate Indigenous policy leadership, management support, and negotiating and settling land claims. The ministry works closely with First Nations communities, Indigenous organizations (including Métis, Inuit, Native women, and off-reserve organizations), and the federal government to support strong and respectful, relationships.
Note: These positions are located at 160 Bloor Street East, Toronto, however alternate work arrangements may be available.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• Lead the program and policy development process and perform complex and sensitive policy analysis
• Develop and review functions in support of Indigenous and partner engagement and consultation
• Provide advice, guidance and tools to assigned Indigenous relationships and related processes, including First Nations emergency response and partnerships
• Analyze and assess issues raised by ministries and provide strategic advice
What you bring to the team
Knowledge of the Indigenous Community:
You have:
• extensive knowledge and understanding of the factors and issues impacting and influencing Indigenous policy development: the Crown's legal duty to consult, Indigenous and Treaty rights, inter-governmental relations.
• extensive knowledge and understanding of current Indigenous socio-economic issues and political structures and processes.
• knowledge of the policies, provincial and federal regulations and legislation affecting Indigenous peoples of Ontario
Policy and Program Development:
• You can develop benchmarks and performance criteria to assess new/ changed policies and programs and provide recommendations for change.
• You understand the concepts, barriers and principles for engaging and consulting with other government stakeholders (e.g. municipalities and related proponents) and partnering with Indigenous people on policy and program development and legislative and regulatory amendments.
Communication and Relationship Management
You have:
• proven written communication skills to prepare a variety of correspondence (e.g. reports, presentations, etc.) and demonstrated ability to brief and present materials to various audiences, including Indigenous audiences.
• interpersonal communication skills and political acuity to liaise with internal and external partners, particularly Indigenous partners, stakeholders and provide briefings to senior management.
• relationship management skills to build effective relationships with colleagues, other government stakeholder and Indigenous organizations and representatives.
• You are proficient with computers and common office productivity applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, email, internet and presentation software.
Analytical and Research
• You have research and analytical skills to proactively assess and address issues affecting Indigenous people.
• You are able to identify and mitigate issues and potential risks.
Project Leadership
You have:
•proven project leadership skills to plan, coordinate and implement project activities and guide project team members.
•knowledge of project management theories and tools.
Don't meet every qualification?
If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's
Human Rights Code and the
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer
accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please
contact us.Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:
What we offer
The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario's largest employers. Employees work for a wide range of ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer:
• a career that can grow across ministries and job functions
• flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs
• many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups
• tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like flex hours, self-funded leave and more
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package includes:
• a defined-benefit lifetime pension plan (guaranteed, ongoing inflation-protected income after retirement)
• group health, dental, life and disability benefits
• a range of vacation and leave options
• an Employee and Family Assistance Program, which provides confidential counseling services