Policy Analyst/Writer

One New Position

Permanent full-time

Salary Range: $ 82,176.98 – $ 111,180.62

Are you an experienced Policy Analyst and Writer who is looking to build on your strong track record of policy research, analysis and advocacy, and for an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous people within a strengths-based environment?

If so, let’s talk!

Organization Description

Thunderbird Partnership Foundation is a national non-profit organization serving First Nations in mental wellness. Our mandate is set by three frameworks:

Honouring Our Strengths: A Renewed Framework to Address Substance Use Issues Among First Nations People in Canada

Indigenous Wellness Framework

First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum

Our core stakeholders are First Nations communities and the network of First Nations adult and youth treatment centres. To support the mandate, Thunderbird has two office locations, one based in a First Nations community in southwestern Ontario and the other in the city of London, Ontario. This position is based at the Delaware Nation office, near the village of Bothwell.

Your opportunity

The Policy Analyst/Writer is dedicated to advancing the mandate and initiatives of Thunderbird through undertaking policy research, analysis and advocacy on issues related to Mental Wellness for First Nations, towards the achievement of improved outcomes.

The Policy Analyst/Writer will assess plans, policies, reports, memoranda and other related documents as directed and monitor and evaluate substance use and mental health issues that are currently impacting or emerging as issues that may impact First Nations communities in mental wellness (substance use, addictions, and mental health).

The Policy Analyst/Writer has knowledge and ability to understand Indigenous and First Nations local, regional, national, and international policy issues as they relate to mental wellness and health within the Indigenous determinants of health (IDOH).

You will join a team dedicated to meaningful work that supports the wellness of others.

You will bring your experience and skills to support others while learning from your wellness-focused team.

You will see the value of your work in the relationships and capacity you help build.

As the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation Policy Analyst/Writer, you will

Provide policy research, analysis, and strategic support directly to the Policy & Knowledge Translation Manager. This work is prepared to assist the Director and Chief Executive Officer in setting policy direction, ensuring Thunderbird’s mandate and programmatic priorities are successfully achieved.

Gather, classify, and assess data, including legislation, laws, policies, trends and government and stakeholder reports within the context of HOS, FNMWCF, and other relevant files.

Compare data analysis with expressed opinions on proposed policies and develop papers identifying potential positions to such proposed policies.

Provide research and analysis for guidelines that support policies.

Prepare letters, reports, submissions, briefs, research, and position papers as policy responses are required.

Develop policies, frameworks, strategies and resources as they affect the relevant file area.

Maintain and execute data pipelines utilizing universal cloud relative paths across all shared team scripts to ensure seamless cross-functional script execution within secure environments (e.g., Dropbox).

Craft speeches, video and audio scripts, talking points, compelling emails and other written materials for CEO and key stakeholders.

Assist with fact-checking, proofreading, and editing content produced by other team members.

Adapt writing style and tone to fit various platforms and audiences.

Promote recognition of First Nations culture-based initiatives within the area of mental wellness.

Participate on committees and attend meetings and gatherings, while representing Thunderbird as directed. Develop and communicate briefing notes for the Chief Executive Officer and Policy and Knowledge Translation Team to share with Thunderbird directors and managers.

Maintain and develop relationships with government and agency policy advisors and other stakeholders to discuss implications of proposed policies and approaches on priority issues faced by stakeholders as it relates to mental wellness.

Participate in Integrated Field Visits (IFVs) and prepare IFV reports.

Participate in capacity support to Thunderbird by identifying funding opportunities, promoting stakeholder relationships, and collaborating and writing project funding proposals.

Prepare written reports, articles, briefs, and other documentation on the progress of stakeholder engagement processes.

Provide verbal and written reports to the Policy & Knowledge Translation Manager on activity, including progress, issues, problem-solving initiatives and recommendations.

Provide information and analysis to the Policy & Knowledge Translation Manager and leadership team that is accurate, sound, and relevant through an agreed process.

In conjunction with the supervisor and/or team, develop an action plan resulting from engagement initiatives that supports continuous quality improvement and desired outcomes.

Ensure all drafted trauma-informed, substance use, and crisis management resources undergo a strict double-verification gate – comprising cultural validation from the designated Elders working group and clinical sign-off from the Mental Wellness Manager – prior to public or partner distribution.

Act as chairperson, technician, facilitator, spokesperson at forums or meetings convened to discuss relevant policy directions or responses.

Articulate the vision, mandate, and priorities of Thunderbird in alignment with the strategic objectives of the Thunderbird stakeholders, First Nation communities, First Nations regional bodies, National Indigenous Organizations, external Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and federal, provincial and territorial governments.

Work with the partnership team on such issues as United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), Safe Policy Pathways (SPP), and other priorities as they arise from time to time, such as pain management, safe supply. Regional issues and priorities such as opioids, cannabis, harm reduction, and life promotion.

Work closely with the partnership team and communicate with Indigenous organizations such as the First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC), Assembly of First Nations (AFN), Native Woman’s Association of Canada (NWAC), First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework Implementation Team, We Matter, and others.

You bring

A postgraduate level degree in a mental wellness-related discipline, Public Health, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Public Policy, or Research with a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in the area of health policy or health delivery and experience working in and researching within a First Nations context

or

A bachelor’s level post-secondary degree in mental wellness, health or related social discipline and a minimum of five (5) years’ experience within the Indigenous health or wellness sector, and experience working in research within a First Nations context.

Other requirements include

A good working knowledge of online and digital tools for interaction with stakeholders (internal and external)

The ability to function autonomously, to be flexible and adaptable to change.

Knowledge of government organizational structures and legislative processes.

Excellent writing skills and ability to document clearly and succinctly for internal and external audiences.

Proven experience in working and researching in a First