Senior Policy Advisor – Conseiller principal en politiques publiques

Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages

. Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeOttawa • CanadaSenior💰 CA$83,862 - CA$115,404 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading research initiatives focused on Indigenous language revitalization, employing advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies while ensuring ethical and culturally appropriate practices. Capable of building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders and translating research findings into accessible formats for various audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Indigenous Language RevitalizationResearch Methodologies DevelopmentProject ManagementIndigenous Data SovereigntyStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Qualitative ResearchQuantitative ResearchEvidence-Based AnalysisStrategic PlanningResearch Framework DevelopmentData AnalysisReport WritingPresentation SkillsGISArchival Research

Soft Skills

Strategic ThinkingProblem-SolvingCollaborationFacilitationCultural Competency

Tools & Technologies

Digital Knowledge RepositoriesEmerging TechnologiesKnowledge Hub

Industry Keywords

Indigenous StudiesSocial SciencesPublic PolicyLinguistics EducationIndigenous Languages ActTRC Calls to ActionEthical Research Standards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives
Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and work plans
Provide strategic advice on Indigenous language research trends, priorities, and opportunities
Identify research gaps and emerging issues affecting Indigenous languages and language revitalization
Contribute to annual and multi-year research agendas
Work effectively across teams and contribute to Knowledge Hub and organizational priorities
Lead and oversee multiple research projects from planning through completion
Coordinate internal and external researchers, consultants, contractors, and partners
Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and performance measures
Ensure projects align with OCIL priorities, strategic plans, and Indigenous community needs
Support project charters and partnership agreements
Conduct and oversee qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies
Synthesize evidence from multiple sources into actionable findings
Analyze trends related to language vitality, demographics, language documentation, mapping, and emerging technologies
Support research related to Indigenous Languages Act reporting requirements
Develop reports, briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations
Promote and apply Indigenous data sovereignty, ownership, access, control, and stewardship principles
Ensure ethical, culturally appropriate, and community-centered research practices
Advise on research governance frameworks and protocols
Support respectful collection, management, sharing, and use of Indigenous language data
Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, and research networks
Facilitate collaborative research initiatives and partnerships
Support engagement activities, advisory committees, and knowledge-sharing forums
Translate research findings into accessible products for diverse audiences
Support reports, fact sheets, toolkits, dashboards, and knowledge resources
Contribute to public awareness and knowledge-sharing initiatives
Provide strategic advice for evidence-informed decision-making

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Linguistics Education, Research Methodology, or a related field
3–5+ years of progressively responsible experience conducting and leading research initiatives
Experience working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or language revitalization initiatives
Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and partners
Experience developing research methodologies and leading evidence-based analysis
Strong understanding of Indigenous language revitalization, documentation, reclamation, or language policy, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action
Experience with geographic information systems (GIS), digital knowledge repositories, archival research, or emerging technologies
Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks and ethical research standards
Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies and ethical research practices
Advanced qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills
Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
Strong project management and organizational skills
Excellent written communication, report writing, and presentation skills
Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong facilitation, consultation, and engagement skills
High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities

Benefits

Comp & perks

Welcoming, safe, and respectful workplace
Rigorous standards for transparency and accountability
Preference for Indigenous applicants in accordance with section 16(1) of the Canadian Human Rights Act