Indigenous Internship Program - Policy Intern

Indigenous Internship Program

The Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) is a 12-month paid internship program designed to provide recent Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) post-secondary graduates, with the opportunity to gain professional level work experience and a pathway through which they can build and develop transferable skills that can be used to gain sustained employment in their field of choice.

You must self-identify as an Indigenous person to be eligible for this program. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.

Personal Information

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful, and equitable workplace. To enable this commitment and advance broader organizational objectives, this dedicated internship has been created for eligible applicants who self-identify as an Indigenous person. As part of the application process, all applicants must respond to a self-attestation. Applicants who do not self-identify as Indigenous or who choose not to identify will not be eligible.

What makes working in the Ontario Public Service great

Working in the public service has real meaning and impact on the lives of Ontarians. What we do matters, and you can grow your career here. From economic growth to health and social justice, we offer career opportunities in multiple disciplines and business areas to match your passion. Our strength is the diversity of our people and the ideas we generate. We value trust, fairness, diversity, creativity, collaboration and excellence. We are committed to be an employer of first choice.

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.

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?

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (2 positions at 160 Bloor Street East, Toronto, ON, or 360 George Street Peterborough, ON)
Negotiations and Reconciliation Division
Lead and support projects, engage with ministries, Indigenous communities, and external partners on diverse issues related to the negotiation and settlement of land claims. As part of your work, you will:
• assist and support development of Ontario approaches to issues raised as part of active negotiations
• conduct research and analysis, and assist in the development of options and proposals;
• assist with communication and issues management plans
• support the work of inter-ministry and inter-governmental working/ project groups

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (1 position at 160 Bloor Street East, 4th floor, Toronto)
Strategic Policy and Planning Division – Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
In this role, by supporting business intelligence, performance measurement, data and research projects, you will:
• conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis and research to support the development of evidence-based policy recommendations, as well as support the development of business intelligence solutions
• assist with data collection/processing and preparation of concise reports using socio-economic data

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs (1 position at 160 Bloor Street East, 4th floor, Toronto)
Strategic Planning and Economic Policy Branch
By leading and supporting projects, partnering with ministries, and engaging Indigenous communities and external partners on diverse issues ranging from economic and natural resource development to regulating commodities and environmental protection, you will:
• assist and support various projects and studies
• conduct research and analysis for program initiatives and assist in the preparation of options and proposals
• assist with the preparation of communication and implementation plans
• participate on various committees and working/project groups

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• You must have graduated or will complete the requirements to graduate with a degree, diploma or post-graduate certificate from a recognized or legally authorized post-secondary institution within the last five years of May 2018-June 2023.
• You must self-identify as an Indigenous person. The term Indigenous refers to individuals who identify as being descended from the original inhabitants (the first peoples) of what is now known as Canada. In this context, Indigenous people are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit.
• You must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Select here to view information about Indigenous Self-Identification

Research and analytical skills:

• You have the ability to analyze datasets with a variety of tools, process and distil information from a range of sources, including research and scientific data, trends analyses, independent research, and other sources and utilize data, analytics, and data science environments.
• You can identify, research, and integrate information which can be used to clarify issues, support policy or program options, and address queries as raised.
• You can produce data-focused research summaries, reports, and documents.
• You can provide research support to projects and branch initiatives.

Knowledge of communications practices:

• You can create dashboards, reports, and analytical graphics by using different data visualization tools and programming languages/scripts to present insights, support business decision making, and allow the end-user to immerse themselves in the data and discover insights independently.
• You can prepare and present various documents, including presentations, reports, summaries.
• You can clearly and concisely communicate information and recommendations.

Interpersonal and teamwork skills:

• You can establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, Indigenous communities and organizations and stakeholders at varying levels to seek and exchange information.
• You can participate and contribute to working groups.

Planning and organizational skills:

• You are able to plan, organize, and manage multiple tasks and projects with competing deadlines.

Computer proficiency:

• You are proficient in common software applications such as word processing, presentation and spreadsheet applications to draft documents and reports, prepare presentations, conduct analysis, and perform research on the internet.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, June 21, 2023 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.