Senior Innovation Analyst - Analyste principal en innovation

Location : Ottawa (in person/Hybrid) with consideration for remote

About the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL)

The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is dedicated to promoting and championing Indigenous languages by supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Canada to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages.

Our national team is passionate about our work, and the difference we make with the research, resources and innovation we develop collaboratively with partners and share with Indigenous communities. We have policies in place to ensure a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace, as well as rigorous standards for transparency and accountability.

Our Vision: All Indigenous languages in Canada are safe, vibrant, and thriving.

Our Guiding Principles

There is an urgent need for concerted efforts and investments toward the revitalization of Indigenous languages to arrest and reverse the erosion that has already occurred. Research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment.

Indigenous languages are fundamental to the identities, cultures, spirituality, relationships to the land, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples.

Indigenous languages have and continue to contribute to the strength of Canada as a whole, including biodiversity and the richness of linguistic and cultural heritage. The Commission is committed to protecting the vitality of all Indigenous languages, including sign languages and sleeping languages.

We welcome interest by qualified candidates as we expand our national team to launch new, exciting projects and to meet growing organizational needs.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager of the Innovation Hub, the Senior Innovation Analyst is responsible for supporting the administration, evaluation, and growth of the Innovation Hub. This role plays a critical function in supporting funding distribution, project lifecycle tracking, conducting initial assessments of applications, and strengthening community engagement to expand participation in the Innovation Hub.

The Senior Innovation Analyst will lead the development and implementation of Innovation Hub initiatives in collaboration with internal departments, external partners, community organizations, and industry stakeholders, and funding agencies. The incumbent will identify opportunities to enhance innovation programming, establish strategic partnerships, and support the advancement of innovative projects that align with organizational priorities and community needs.

Key Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Manager, lead the full lifecycle of innovation-related work associated with grants and funding agreements, including project performance, collecting and analyzing data, preparing reports and recommendations, and ensuring accountability for funded projects.

Lead the design, management, and implementation of projects that advance departmental and organizational priorities.

Evaluate project outcomes, identify trends and areas for improvement, and provide insights that inform strategic decision-making and continuous program enhancement.

Integrate and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data, including community input, research findings, and jurisdictional scans, to develop clear, evidence-based policy options and recommendations.

Build and maintain relationships with experts, rightsholders, communities, organizations, and other stakeholders to identify and advance innovative approaches.

Prepare high-quality briefing materials, summaries, and analysis related to supporting funding decisions, project evaluation, and Innovation Hub initiatives.

Analyze data and feedback to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and contribute to the continuous improvement of funding processes, tools, and delivery models.

Strengthen collaboration opportunities between the Commission and partners, communities, governments, and rightsholders.

Monitor emerging innovation and technology-driven trends, including digital tools, platforms, and data practices, to identify risks, opportunities, and areas for program enhancement within the Innovation Hub.

Promote Innovation Hub funding opportunities to increase awareness, participation, and diversity of applicants, while supporting outreach efforts such as information sessions, workshops, and engagement events

Strengthen applicant and partner capacity and reduce barriers to participation in innovation-related opportunities, including access to information and resources.

Work cross-functionally with internal teams to support coordinated program delivery and consistent communication related to funding opportunities and project updates.

Represent the Commission at key engagements and forums, strengthening relationships with communities, governments, external partners, and rightsholders.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Degree in Business Administration, Indigenous Studies, Project Management,

Social Sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Significant experience (3-5+ years) experience in program management, grants administration, policy analysis, innovation, or a related field.

Experience in leading community outreach, stakeholder engagement, partnership development, and government relations.

Experience working with or alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments, with a demonstrated understanding of distinctions-based approaches.

Knowledge and Expertise

Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, language revitalization priorities, cultural preservation, and the broader policy landscape in Canada, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action .

Knowledge of Indigenous governance, rights, and culturally grounded community engagement practices.

Understanding of funding programs, grant administration processes, and program evaluation.

Familiarity with federal, provincial/territorial, and Indigenous policy environments and decision-making processes.

Knowledge of community engagement strategies and partnership development.

Skills and Competencies

Project management experience, including planning, implementation, risk management, and evaluation.

Experience managing grants and funding agreements, ideally in an Indigenous context.

Demonstrated ability to develop and foster strong, trust-based relationships with communities, governments, partners, and diverse stakeholders/rightsholders.

Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess applications and synthesize information

Experience supporting community capacity building.

Skilled in building relationships, facilitating collaboration, and navigating complexity.

Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy in managing project information, funding records, and reporting requirements.

Demonstrated experience working collaboratively in cross-functional environments, with the ability to build and maintain effective communication across teams and priorities.

Demonstrates strategic judgement and sound decision-making in complex environments, including the ability to navigate competing priorities and sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, reports, and materials for senior leadership.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and project tracking tools.

High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities.

Ability to work collaboratively across teams, while also operating independently and taking initiative.

Assets

Proficiency in an Indigenous language and bilingualism (English/French).

What We Offer