Senior Policy Advisor (Indigenous Relations)

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about Indigenous relations and policy development? Do you have a strong commitment to making a meaningful impact through collaboration, advocacy, and strategic decision-making? If you are driven to create positive change and support Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Plus (2S+) People, we invite you to join our team as a Senior Policy Advisor.

As a Senior Policy Advisor in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and advising on policy initiatives: Leading the development, analysis, and implementation of policies related to Indigenous relations, ensuring alignment with governmental priorities and Indigenous community needs.
• Stakeholder engagement: Building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships with Indigenous leaders, organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure inclusive, collaborative decision-making processes.
• Providing strategic advice: Offering expert advice to senior government officials and ministries on Indigenous matters, including policy, legislation, and community engagement strategies.
• Conducting research and analysis: Leading research efforts to understand the impacts of existing policies and identifying opportunities for new approaches to support the growth and well-being of Indigenous communities.
• Supporting Indigenous rights and interests: Advocating for the protection and advancement of Indigenous rights, promoting reconciliation efforts, and ensuring policies are developed with cultural sensitivity and respect for Indigenous traditions.
• Monitoring policy implementation: Overseeing the execution of key policy initiatives and ensuring they are effectively implemented within set timelines and budget parameters.
• Reporting and communication: Preparing briefing notes, reports, and presentations for senior leadership, ensuring clear communication of complex policy matters to diverse audiences.

If you’re eager to use your expertise to foster meaningful change and strengthen relationships between the government and Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit Plus (2S+) People, we encourage you to apply. Join us in this critical role, where your contributions will directly impact the future of Indigenous policy and relations in our region.

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

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors 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.

• Systems Thinking: Apply a holistic approach to policy development, addressing interconnected social, political, and economic factors to drive long-term change.
• Agility: Navigate evolving political and social landscapes, adapting strategies to meet shifting needs and priorities in Indigenous relations.
• Build Collaborative Environment: Foster strong, respectful relationships with stakeholders, ensuring policies are co-created and supported by all parties.
• Drive for Results: Focus on outcomes, advancing policy initiatives that positively impact Indigenous communities and ensuring objectives are met effectively.
• Develop Self and Others: Commit to continuous learning and support the growth of junior staff to strengthen the team’s overall capacity.
• Develop Network: Build a strong network with Indigenous leaders and partners to drive successful, collaborative policy outcomes.

Qualifications

4 years University graduation in a related field (e.g., Indigenous relations/Native studies, Social Sciences, Women and Gender studies, or related field) plus 4 years related experience. 

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.

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.

Relevant Experiences:

• Policy Development: Developing and analyzing policies. 
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, government officials, and other stakeholders.
• Project Management: Managing projects related to Indigenous safety, economic security, and social issues, ensuring timely and successful delivery.
• Research: Apply theoretical methods and analysis tools to real-world policy settings.

Assets: 

• Indigenous Knowledge: Indigenous histories, cultures, and the government-Indigenous relationship.
• Government Processes: Alberta’s political environment, including decision-making within the Legislative Assembly and other government bodies.
• Gender and Social Issues Expertise: Strategies to address violence and enhance the safety and economic security of Indigenous women, girls, and 2S+ people.

Notes

Hours of Work

• 7.25 daily hours
• 36.25 weekly hours
• 8:15AM to 4:30PM (Monday to Friday)

Location

• 9920 108 Street Edmonton (Forestry Building)

This competition will be used to fill 2 permanent Sr. Policy Advisor roles within the Indigenous Relations Ministry.

Please provide a cover letter that outlines how your experience and education relates to the role.

If a security screening is required.

• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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 working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs