Senior Policy Analyst

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change.

ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

• 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
• Participate in CAAT defined benefit pension plan and retire 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

At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honor the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally, and internationally for generations to come.

The Senior Policy Analyst leads policy research, analysis, and development to provide strategic recommendations for improved public policy that supports the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families. Reporting to the Policy Manager, the Senior Policy Analyst provides evidence-based public policy leadership to support ONWA’s advocacy efforts and the ongoing development of culturally relevant policies, legislation, programs, and best practices.

The Senior Policy Analyst conducts research and analysis of local, provincial, national, and international reports, policies, programs, initiatives, and economic trends that affect Indigenous women and their families. They examine existing and emerging legislation and policy developments to identify potential impacts, opportunities, and gaps affecting Indigenous women and their families.

The Senior Policy Analyst develops decision-making documents, including business cases, briefing notes, discussion papers, submissions, and policy papers. They lead the development, coordination, and presentation of briefing materials, reports, recommendations, and presentations for ONWA management and senior leadership, as well as provincial and national partners, committees, and government representatives.

The Senior Policy Analyst supports ONWA’s provincial, national, and international advocacy efforts and represents ONWA at relevant regional, provincial, national and international committees, policy tables, and engagements.

• Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, Women’s Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 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, including the ability to identify policy gaps, assess limitations, formulate and defend positions, and propose innovative solutions.
• Experience in project management, including coordinating and managing cross-functional projects,…