Community and Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about strengthening relationships with Métis communities and shaping policy that supports self reliance across Alberta? Join us to contribute to grant management, policy development, community engagement, and relationship building that advances Métis communities province wide.

The Community & Policy Advisor is the primary liaison who will build and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as the Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada (AWN), the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA), independent Metis organizations, urban Indigenous organizations, and other provincial ministries (i.e. Municipal Affairs, Alberta Energy, Transportation, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General) or federal departments.You will lead and support projects tied to the administration and further developments of the MNA–Government of Alberta Framework Agreement and for other agreements with other independent Metis organizations (e.g., Memorandum of Understanding with the Fort McKay Metis Nation Association and Lac Ste. Anne Metis Community Association). You must stay informed on a broad range of topics related to the Branch and Métis people in Alberta including the framework of existing GOA legislation, policies, and agreements, as well as ministry priorities and business plan goals, GOA policy development and decision-making processes, and branch operational plans guide the work of this position.

1. Stakeholder & Community Relations

•    Build and maintain strong relationships with the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), Aseniwuche Winewak Nation (AWN), independent Métis organizations, and urban Indigenous organizations, applying strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills.
•    Support organizations in identifying needs and accessing appropriate grant programs by drawing on knowledge of grant administration, program development, and evaluation approaches.
•    Conduct community visits and act as a trusted advisor on emerging issues, using sound judgment, diplomacy, and knowledge of Métis governance, interests, protocols, and history.
•    Participate in and lead initiatives related to the MNA–GoA Framework Agreement, MoUs with the Fort McKay Métis Nation Association and Lac Ste. Anne Métis Community Association, and other agreements as they arise, supported by strong project planning and management skills.
•    Maintain effective relationships with Indigenous leadership to align on priorities and support delivery of programs and initiatives.

2. Cross‑Ministry Collaboration

•    Participate in cross‑ministry and government working groups to strengthen integration of work with Indigenous communities, applying strong collaboration and partnership‑building skills.
•    Share information and project linkages across the ministry using clear written and verbal communication skills.
•    Identify partnership opportunities and policy linkages through effective networking, research abilities, and understanding of Indigenous policy environments.
•    Support related program areas with analysis, advice, and coordination, using sound knowledge of legislation, ministry priorities, and Métis issues.

Role Responsibilities (cont'd)

3. Issues Management

•    Conduct research and analysis to assess emerging issues and develop evidence‑based recommendations, drawing on strong analytical, research, and policy skills.
•    Provide timely advice and guidance informed by existing legislation, agreements, and GoA policies, using sound judgement and political sensitivity.
•    Prepare briefing notes, reports, and documents that clearly outline options and recommendations for decision‑makers, demonstrating strong written communication skills.
•    Maintain relationships with stakeholders such as Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada (AWN), the Metis Nation of Alberta (MNA), and other ministries to stay informed of concerns and respond strategically.

4. Grant Administration

•    Administer grants by drafting agreements and managing documentation through approval processes, supported by knowledge of grant administration and financial reporting.
•    Track grant progress and deliverables, preparing updates and reports using strong project management and monitoring skills.
•    Monitor funded projects, providing guidance to ensure deliverables, timelines, and quality standards are maintained.
•    Communicate with grant recipients to secure required deliverables and offer support to complete outstanding items, using culturally informed and interpersonal skills.

5. Branch & Leadership Support

•    Build collaboration with internal stakeholders including the Manager, Director, Executive Director, branch staff, and departmental teams sharing information and providing guidance using strong analytical skills and knowledge of GOA policy and legislation.
•    Support the branch in achieving team performance objectives through high‑quality research, analysis, and briefing preparation.
•    Participate in branch planning and reporting processes using project planning, organizational, and analytical skills.
•    Maintain comprehensive knowledge of GOA legislation, ministry priorities, Indigenous policy frameworks, Métis agreements, and governance issues to support branch operations and provide informed advice.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:  https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative Problem Solving - Open to new ideas, breaks problems into manageable parts, questions the norm constructively, considers others’ perspectives, and suggests improvements by adapting existing practices.

Develop Networks - Builds strong, impactful relationships, represents diverse group needs, goes beyond to support stakeholders, and ensures all voices are heard and understood.

Agility - Improves work processes by taking initiative, adapting behaviour to change, staying calm under stress, and seeking support when needed.

Build Collaborative Environments - Leverages others’ skills and knowledge, values and learns from teammates, supports open and respectful conflict resolution, and recognizes and appreciates others.

Drive for Results - Aligns diverse groups by clarifying goals, offering bold advice, and proactively improving overall performance using measurable indicators.

Qualifications

University graduation in indigenous studies, public administration, political science, social sciences, sciences, Arts or a related field plus 4 years of progressively responsible related experience. Equivalencies may be considered as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required experience:
•    Working or liaising with an Indigenous government or organization. 
•    Project Management.
•    Research Analysis.

The following assets will be considered: 
•    Extensive experience in policy development, research, and analysis, in an Indigenous or government context.
•    In-depth knowledge of Indigenous history, governance, organizations, and cultures, particularly those relevant to Alberta’s First Nations and Métis communities.
•    Familiarity with provincial, federal, and Indigenous policy directions and priorities.
•    Awareness of national and global Indigenous policy trends, agreements, and legislation.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

Hours of Work:
•    8:15 am to 4:30 pm
•    36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:
•    Permanent 

Location:
•    Edmonton 

Please note, for all work experience use the following date range format and indicate Full-Time and/or Part-time experience in your resume: 

Ex. [Month, Year – Month, Year]- (PT and/or FT) 

Cover letter is Mandatory. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as a modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.