Senior Policy Analyst

Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA)

. Lead policy research, analysis, and development to provide strategic recommendations for improved public policy supporting the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families .

Posted 11/4/2026full-timeRemote • CanadaSenior💰 CA$69,900 - CA$78,065 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced policy analysis and development skills, with a strong focus on Indigenous issues and evidence-based decision-making. Capable of leading policy research, developing strategic recommendations, and effectively communicating with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Advanced Policy AnalysisIndigenous Gender-Based AnalysisProject ManagementStakeholder EngagementPublic Policy Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy Research MethodologiesLegislative ProcessesEvidence-Based Decision-MakingCritical AnalysisOptions DevelopmentPolicy Development CycleEnvironmental ScanningRegulatory AnalysisIndigenous Rights KnowledgeIndigenous Women's Issues Knowledge

Soft Skills

Strong Research SkillsAnalytical ThinkingProblem-SolvingCollaborationRelationship-Building

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteOffice 365Research ToolsDatabases

Industry Keywords

Indigenous StudiesPublic PolicySocial SciencesWomen’s StudiesGovernment AdministrationHuman Rights FrameworksUNDRIPColonialismSystemic RacismIntergenerational Trauma

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead policy research, analysis, and development to provide strategic recommendations for improved public policy supporting the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families
Provide evidence-based public policy leadership supporting ONWA’s advocacy efforts and development of culturally relevant policies, legislation, programs, and best practices
Research and analyze local, provincial, national, and international reports, policies, programs, initiatives, and economic trends affecting Indigenous women and their families
Examine existing and emerging legislation and policy developments to identify impacts, opportunities, and gaps
Develop business cases, briefing notes, discussion papers, submissions, and policy papers
Lead the development, coordination, and presentation of briefing materials, reports, recommendations, and presentations for ONWA management and senior leadership
Present materials to provincial and national partners, committees, and government representatives
Support ONWA’s provincial, national, and international advocacy efforts
Represent ONWA at relevant regional, provincial, national, and international committees, policy tables, and engagements
Report to the Policy Manager

Requirements

What you’ll need

Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, Women’s Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in policy-related roles, including demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Peoples
Advanced policy analysis and development skills, with experience analyzing and/or developing policies that impact Indigenous Peoples
Demonstrated experience in the full policy development cycle, including research, critical analysis, options development, recommendations, and evidence-based decision-making using an Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis
Strong research, analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Experience identifying policy gaps, assessing limitations, formulating and defending positions, and proposing innovative solutions
Experience in project management, including coordinating and managing cross-functional projects, developing work plans, establishing deliverables, monitoring progress, and completing reporting requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to prepare and deliver briefing notes, written submissions, policy papers, presentations, reports, and recommendations to varied audiences
Ability to provide strategic policy advice and recommendations to management, senior leadership, government representatives, committees, and external partners
Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to work effectively with multiple government departments, Indigenous organizations, communities, and not-for-profit organizations
Strong organizational and time management skills
Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and meet strict deadlines
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, databases, research tools, and other relevant technology
In-depth knowledge of Indigenous issues, including colonialism, systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma
Advanced knowledge of public policy development, legislative processes, government systems, and government administration at municipal, provincial, federal, and/or international levels
Knowledge of Indigenous rights, human rights frameworks, and UNDRIP
Knowledge of Indigenous women’s issues, including safety, violence prevention, justice, health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and social and cultural well-being
Understanding of Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis and intersectional policy research, analysis, and development
Knowledge of policy research methodologies, evidence-based decision-making, environmental scanning, and legislative and regulatory analysis
Understanding of the relationship between public policy, legislation, government funding, and program and service delivery
Knowledge of current political, social, economic, cultural, and legislative developments affecting Indigenous women and their families
Ability to speak an Indigenous language is considered an asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salaries
Generous paid vacation time
Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
Additional paid stat and civic holidays
35-hour work week
Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision, and EAP; all premiums are covered by the employer
Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
CAAT defined benefit pension plan with secure lifetime retirement income
Paid sick days
Paid cultural/personal wellness days
Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
Ongoing professional development
Possible reimbursement on a portion of cell phone and internet expenses
Accommodations available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process