Make an Impact on Policy That MattersAre you a strategic thinker driven to create meaningful, lasting change?
We are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to lead high-impact initiatives that shape public policy in Ontario. In this role, you will provide expert analysis and develop forward-looking strategies that support ministry and provincial priorities—particularly in areas involving multi-jurisdictional coordination, governance frameworks, and complex policy issues affecting Indigenous communities and other partners.
You will work closely with stakeholders across ministries and levels of government, engage with Indigenous communities, and conduct in-depth research to develop practical, evidence-based policy solutions. This is a unique opportunity to work on high-impact files in a dynamic, collaborative environment—where your expertise will directly contribute to policy outcomes that matter to communities and decision-makers alike.
If you're ready to take on a leadership role in policy innovation, we want to hear from you!
About Our BranchesWe work to advance policies and strategic initiatives that make a meaningful difference for Indigenous communities across Ontario. Our teams provide research, analysis, and advice to ensure government priorities reflect Indigenous perspectives and promote sustainable, inclusive outcomes.
What We DoStrategic Initiatives & Social Policy (SISP)
We focus on social policy areas such as education, health, children and youth services, culture and heritage, anti-racism, and justice. Our work includes:
• Building partnerships with Indigenous organizations and communities
• Developing policies for Métis, off-reserve, and urban Indigenous communities
• Supporting Ontario's response to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• Addressing jurisdictional and treaty issues, including self-government
Social Planning & Economic Policy (SPEP)
We lead the development of provincial Indigenous economic initiatives to increase opportunities and sustainability. Our work includes:
• Collaborating with Indigenous partners, industry, and the federal government
• Identifying opportunities for policy and program improvements across ministries
• Developing lands and resources policy that respects Indigenous rights and promotes responsible stewardship
Information Session:We are offering an opportunity for those interested to attend a virtual session to learn more about the division and the positions to be filled.
Date: December 22nd, 2025Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM A link to the information session is
here.Date: January 5th, 2026Time: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AMA link to the information session is
here.Remember to add this event to your calendar
* This session is optional and has no impact on hiring decisions
About the job
In this role, you will:
•lead research and analysis to support policy and program development.
•provide strategic, evidence-based advice on complex policy issues.
•build relationships and engage with Indigenous communities on policy matters.
• collaborate with ministries, other government partners, and Indigenous communities to advance policy initiatives.
•prepare confidential materials to support decision-making.
What you bring to the team
Policy Development and Strategic Thinking
You have:
•Experience leading or contributing to the design of policy solutions that address complex, cross-cutting issues.
•The ability to assess legislative frameworks, analyze emerging trends, and develop options that advance government and ministry priorities.
•A strategic mindset that allows you to connect research, evidence, and real-world impacts to shape meaningful policy.
•Conducted research that supports evidence-informed policy and program recommendations.
•Strong organizational and project management skills to balance multiple priorities and deliver results.
Relationship Building and Stakeholder Engagement
You can:
•Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, other ministries, and public sector partners.
•Facilitate consultations that are inclusive, transparent, and grounded in mutual trust.
•Navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy and work collaboratively to develop shared policy solutions.
Program Evaluation and Implementation Insight
You bring:
•A keen eye for assessing whether policies and programs are working as intended, and where improvements are needed.
•The ability to help define success, measure outcomes, and translate lessons into action.
•Experience supporting the rollout of new initiatives, including communication, training, and implementation planning.
Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Relevant Issues
• You understand the legal, historical, and social context of Indigenous policy, including Treaty and Aboriginal rights, intergovernmental relations, and reconciliation
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: