The Ontario Public Service (OPS) has a duty to bring about change and ensure our systems are fair, equitable, and that opportunities are accessible for Ontarians from underrepresented groups.
We have committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. The Centre for People, Culture and Talent has created a new and permanent Indigenous Equity Branch to lead the development of policies and programs to remove systemic employment barriers, champion reconciliation and lead meaningful change for Indigenous peoples in the OPS.
To achieve our commitment, we need your talent and passion! For an organization to be equitable, it must actively build fairness and accessibility into everyday functions and long-term enterprise-wide initiatives. The Indigenous Equity Branch is hiring four Senior Policy Advisors:
• Two (2) Senior Policy Advisors, Indigenous Equity Programs Unit (I0907B)
• Two (2) Senior Policy Advisors, Indigenous Equity Policy Unit (I0907B)
Please note: The headquarters for these positions is at 315 Front Street in Toronto. Options for flexible work and telework arrangements are available.This is an opportunity to be part of establishing a positive, supportive, and collaborative culture where, together, we will build reciprocal relationships and pathways for Indigenous people to thrive in the OPS. Bring your lived experiences as a First Nations, Métis or Inuit and help us achieve our commitment towards establishing fairness, accessibility, and equity in the OPS. We are looking for individuals dedicated to equity and a strong understanding of Indigenous peoples and cultures. Through working in the OPS, you have the opportunity to effect real change that will have an impact on thousands of OPS employees, support improved services to Indigenous communities and pave the way for Indigenous reconciliation within the organization.
About Us: Rooted in Indigenous frameworks, the Indigenous Equity Branch (IEB) champions reconciliation and renewal inside of the OPS and leads enterprise-wide initiatives to help ensure that the OPS is inclusive to Indigenous employees. The IEB works with ministries and corporate partners to support the attraction, development and retention of Indigenous employees. Our team has knowledge and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing, equity, human rights and impacts of colonization in workplace culture and dynamics.
The IEB leads responsibilities related to anti-Indigenous racism in the OPS, including the development and delivery of the OPS Anti-Indigenous Racism Strategy and policy to address systemic racism and employment barriers.
The Branch will:
1. Provide visible Indigenous executive leadership.
2. Offer a career pathway for Indigenous employees.
3. Attract strong Indigenous talent to the OPS in all areas and at all stages along the career trajectory.
Check out our other exciting opportunities within the branch!How we will support you:You will be supported with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones in your career, as you share your knowledge with us and help to make the OPS a better place to work for Indigenous people. From in-depth on-boarding programs to training and coaching, including director led mentoring, we will help you gain valuable experience to broaden your skillsets and develop your OPS career.
The next step is yours! We encourage you to sign up for the virtual Indigenous Equity Branch Open House to learn more about these opportunities. Please review the Additional Information section below for more details or
click here to sign up for the event.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
What can I expect to do in this role?
In this job, you will:
• Provide strategy/policy advice and expertise related to a wide range of human resource issues, initiatives, and programs.
• Plan and lead strategy and/or policy projects through the development process, including associated project management, stakeholder consultation, communication, and implementation planning.
• Develop submissions to executive committees and Cabinet, write briefing materials, presentations, Housebook notes and backgrounders.
• Conduct complex research, analysis, and evaluation of a range of statistical and qualitative data, leading to recommendations in support of evidence-based decisions.
• Identify and manage contentious issues that are highly sensitive and that could have significant impact/implications and require proactive/remedial action.
• Develop and maintain relationships across the enterprise, within other central agencies, line ministries, and other governments, encourage the exchange of information and facilitate consensus building.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders and Indigenous partners.
How do I qualify?
Policy Expertise
• You have experience providing leadership in strategy and policy development, delivery, and implementation to support the development of OPS-wide strategies to combat anti-Indigenous racism and barriers within the organization.
• You can develop standards, performance indicators, benchmarking, monitoring and evaluation strategies to measure performance.
• You can effectively interpret, apply and understand policies and directives.
Research, Evaluation and Analytical Skills
• You can gather and analyze sociodemographic data to identify challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous peoples within the OPS.
• You demonstrate sound judgment, sensitivity and a high degree of political acuity.
• You can assess the effectiveness of strategies/policies/programs against Ministry initiatives and goals.
Knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and Culture
• You honour, welcome and make space for the diversity of perspectives in Indigenous worldviews, beliefs, values, principles and cultural norms.
• You are familiar with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous people and organizations in Ontario, governance protocols, policy priorities and perspectives.
• You have knowledge and experience in Indigenous ways of knowing, equity, human rights and impacts of colonization in workplace culture and dynamics.
• You understand the historical, social, economic, legal, and political context underlying Indigenous policy development and government relations.
• You have an understanding of engagement principles and protocols relevant to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Peoples, as well as experience gathering input and building consensus.
Leadership Skills and Project Management
• You can lead projects from initial concept through completion within specific timelines.
• You can provide project leadership to support the direction of the Ministry/OPS.
Relationship Management and Facilitation Skills
• You have strong relationship building skills to develop meaningful relationships and ongoing engagement with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• You can lead consultations with stakeholders and Indigenous partners ensuring a shared understanding.
• You can create, lead, and present briefings on complex issues analysis to senior management.
• You can respond to issues, provide recommendations and prepare reports using standard computer software.
Additional Information
Open House (Internal and External Applicants)Interested in learning more about these positions, how we work and what to expect? We are hosting an open house for potential applicants, where you'll have the opportunity to engage our senior leaders about the new Indigenous Equity Branch and the OPS. You will have an opportunity to participate in a Q&A session.
If you are interested in attending the open house, please
click here to sign up.
Open House (External Applicants)This open house will be offered for applicants who do not work in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) to find out more about the OPS, its role in serving the people of Ontario and its role as an employer. Participants will be invited to bring their questions and have the opportunity to hear from Indigenous employees about their experiences in the OPS.
If you are interested in attending the open house, please
click here to sign up.
