Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer Full Time Position – Winnipeg, MB

The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer is responsible for advancing the organization's priorities through policy development, government relations, organizational planning, and executive support. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the incumbent serves as a trusted advisor by providing policy analysis, coordinating government engagement, developing recommendations, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the organization's advocacy and representation.

The position works collaboratively with the Grand Chief, Executive Director, Program Managers, and departmental staff to ensure the organization is responsive to emerging issues, legislative changes, funding opportunities, and government initiatives affecting First Nations. The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer supports informed decision-making through research, analysis, planning, and the development of high-quality briefing materials and reports.

The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer is a key member of the Executive Office and supports the Chief of Staff in advancing the priorities established by the Chief in Assembly and Executive Council. The incumbent strengthens government-to-government relationships, coordinates policy and organizational initiatives across departments, and provides the research, analysis, and government relations expertise necessary to advance the organization's mandate and improve outcomes for the First Nations it represents.

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the organization's Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate initiatives that align with organizational priorities as identified by Chiefs-in-Assembly.
• Conduct environmental scans and identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop business cases, recommendations, and implementation plans.
• Monitor organizational performance and prepare reports on outcomes.
• Support planning sessions and organizational planning exercises.

• Research and analyze federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous legislation, regulations, policies, and programs.
• Assess the impacts of legislative and policy changes on the organization and the First Nations it represents.
• Develop policy papers, discussion papers, briefing notes, issue analyses, position statements, and recommendations.
• Coordinate organizational responses to government consultations and policy initiatives.
• Conduct comparative research and best-practice reviews to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop internal governance policies and organizational procedures as required.

• Build and maintain productive relationships with First Nations governments, federal and provincial governments, municipal governments, and other Indigenous organizations.
• Coordinate meetings between senior leadership and government officials.
• Prepare briefing materials, speaking notes, presentations, and correspondence for executive leadership.
• Monitor government announcements, legislation, budgets, and political developments.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and government funding.
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, consultations, and working groups.
• Coordinate follow-up actions arising from government engagements.
• Support and coordinate United Nations-related work, including monitoring relevant UN declarations, mechanisms, forums, and processes affecting Indigenous Peoples and First Nations priorities.

• Provide policy advice and recommendations to the Office of the Grand Chief.
• Prepare executive briefing notes, reports, presentations, and decision documents.
• Coordinate priority initiatives assigned by the Chief of Staff.
• Assist in preparing materials for Grand Chief, Chiefs in Assembly, and senior leadership meetings.
• Track organizational priorities and ensure timely follow-up on executive decisions.
• Support organizational governance through research, analysis, and executive coordination.

• Conduct research on Indigenous governance, Treaty implementation, public policy, legislation, socio-economic trends, and government priorities.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Ensure relevant reports are completed, reviewed, approved as required, and submitted in a timely manner in accordance with organizational and funding requirements.
• Monitor emerging issues affecting Indigenous communities and recommend proactive responses.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with First Nations leadership, government departments, Indigenous organizations, funding agencies, and community partners.
• Coordinate consultations and engagement activities.
• Support collaborative policy development and organizational…