Senior Policy Analyst - Analyste principal en politiques publiques

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

The Senior Policy Analyst leads the development and implementation of policy strategies which advance the mandate of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Language. The role focuses on developing, analyzing, and refining policy approaches that support Indigenous language revitalization across Canada, grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems and worldviews.

The position plays a key role in bridging community engagement with policy by building and sustaining reciprocal, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, partners, and stakeholders/rightsholders. It ensures that community perspectives, priorities, and knowledges are meaningfully reflected in policy development, engagement frameworks, and knowledge translation.

We are currently accepting candidates as we have this position opening across the following departments:

Innovation Hub : advances Indigenous language revitalization through innovative approaches, emerging technologies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Its work supports and evaluates innovative initiatives, builds partnerships and capacity, and explores new tools and approaches that strengthen Indigenous language learning, knowledge sharing, accessibility, and intergenerational transmission.

Dispute Resolution: supports the Commission’s responsibilities under the Indigenous Languages Act by providing mediation and other culturally appropriate approaches to resolving disputes related to Indigenous languages. The department also supports the Commissioner in reviewing complaints and delivers its work through processes designed to be culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and responsive to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis realities.

National Center : advances the Commission’s mandate and coordinating its interconnected departmental hubs. It brings together the Commission’s core functions and initiatives within a national structure, supporting collaboration across research, innovation, engagement, policy, and Dispute Resolution, with Communications providing cross-functional support.

Key Responsibilities

In collaboration with the Manager, lead the development of strategic, policy-based approaches that reflect community priorities and are grounded in Indigenous knowledge systems.

Provide strategic policy advice and recommendations to senior leadership on complex and emerging issues, supporting informed decision-making.

Prepare high-quality briefing materials, speaking notes, and issue analyses.

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

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 respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous rights holders, partners, and stakeholders to support meaningful engagement and collaboration.

Collaborate across internal teams to ensure coordinated policy development, aligned engagement approaches, and consistent communication outputs.

Monitor and analyze legislative, policy, and thematic developments to identify risks, opportunities, and emerging trends, and provide timely, sound policy advice.

Translate complex policy, research, and community knowledge into clear, accessible, and actionable outputs for diverse audiences.

Represent the Commission at key engagements and forums, strengthening relationships with external partners and promoting mutual learning.

Support the development of tools, frameworks, and approaches to assess the effectiveness and impact of policy initiatives.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Graduate degree in public policy, public administration, Indigenous studies, social sciences, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Significant experience (3-5+ years) in policy development, analysis, and advisory roles, preferably within Indigenous, cultural, or language revitalization contexts.

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 language revitalization, 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.

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

Skills and Competencies

Demonstrated ability to develop and provide strategic policy advice on complex and sensitive issues.

Exceptional analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize diverse sources of information into clear, actionable insights.

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

Strong project management skills, with experience leading initiatives from design through implementation.

Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments.

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

The Commission offers a competitive benefits package, including medical and dental benefits and a pension plan, three weeks paid holidays to begin, plus additional paid days off through the year, including federal and provincial holidays. The Commission offers a wonderful, supportive work environment, with opportunities for career development, mentorship, and professional development.

The Commission recognizes that our success requires us to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve, and diversity in its widest context, one where all people, regardless of difference, are valued and respected.

Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants in accordance with sec