Your Impact

The Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC) is a political advocacy organization representing the interests of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit women, girls, and gender diverse people, including those who are non-status. NWAC is an aggregate of Indigenous women’s organizations from across Canada with representation in each province and territory, and was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1974.

This exciting opportunity aims to make a difference in the lives of Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse people at both local and global levels.

General Duties

The NWAC Senior Policy Advisor will:

• Plan, develop, and implement strategic policy work plans for NWAC policies and projects on  a series of policy priorities impacting Indigenous communities;
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and analysis in various priority areas to support policy development within NWAC, other advocacy organizations, and government bodies to best advocate for Indigenous women;
• Establish and execute effective networking strategies with various rightsholders and stakeholders such as provincial and territorial associations, Indigenous women and gender-diverse community members and their families, Indigenous non-profit organizations, and private sector stakeholders;
• Provide thorough and concise briefings on policy areas to the President and CEO to help guide NWAC’s overall decision-making processes and policy directions;
• Plan and carry out community consultations, engagements, and information gathering sessions on a full range of policy areas;
• Develop various documents related to policy directions such as: press releases, research and analysis papers, data analysis reports, policy documents, fact sheets, project proposals, etc.;
• Participate in and represent NWAC at various policy meetings with rightsholders and stakeholders to support policy directions and report outcomes to the Senior Director.

What we Value

• We value, diversity, sharing, adaptability and a willingness to learn;
• NWACs policy unit strives to be authentic, respectful, responsive, and anti-oppressive. We value decolonized and community-based approaches to policy that are informed by the lived experiences of Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people;
• We value inclusive, intersectional, and gender-based approaches to all our policy work.

How we Work

• Informed by our guiding principles, methodology, and ethics, we identify, research, and respond to different policy issues following our Policy Development Framework;
• We are prepared to research and advocate for short, medium, and long-term priorities as well as immediate and urgent needs as they emerge;
• To ensure we remain accountable, we continuously engage with our Board of Directors and communities, consistently apply our Guiding Principles, prioritize inter-departmental collaboration and knowledge translation, and conduct analysis and process evaluation.

Criteria

Education and Experience Requirements

• University degree in policy, law, social sciences or other related studies;
• Master’s Degree is an asset;
• Significant and relevant experience in co-developing and implementing qualitative and quantitative research with Indigenous peoples, and presenting gathered information in various documents and reports;
• Experience working with senior officials and decision-makers, including Directors and above;
• At least 6 years of relevant work with NGOs, Indigenous organizations, interest groups, government agencies, or business/corporate entities in a policy function.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary concerns and issues  Indigenous women, girls, and gender diverse people face on Turtle Island
• Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous best practices concerning the promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, our diverse cultures, histories, and traditions;
• Knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
• Understanding of Indigenous social policy including violence prevention, housing, education, languages, de-carceration, child and family services, disability rights, harm-reduction, etc.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to respectfully conduct research and analysis with Indigenous peoples and present information in various reports;
• Ability to develop recommendations to support senior management with their decision-making processes with policy directions;
• Ability to develop and deliver presentations to various groups of rightsholders and stakeholders;
• Ability to resolve conflicts, facilitate meetings, and to seek solutions for policy directions;
• Ability to work in a fast-pace environment with changing  priorities and short deadlines;

Effective Skills

• Leadership
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Conflict resolution and mentorship
• Collaboration with diverse partners
• Integrity and respect

Language

Fluency in English is essential. Knowledge of Indigenous languages and/or French is a strong asset.

Other

• Preference will be given to Indigenous candidates.
• Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Interviews will be held on unceded Algonquin territory in Ottawa or by teleconference.

Please send Cover Letter & CV to apply@nwac.ca

SOURCE: Charity Village