RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Government Relations
Main Activities
- Develop and implement an NWAC strategic policy framework in collaboration with other policy areas;
- Prepare complex briefing notes, reports, position papers, letters and responses to correspondence within tight deadlines;
- Develop policies, procedures, forms, templates and work instructions, as needed;
- Monitor, review, and help develop strategies to change legislation which negatively affect Indigenous women and girls;
- Lead measurement and evaluation of government relations initiatives;
- Identify risks and opportunities to the system based on stakeholder expectations and design proactive mitigation and response strategies
- Act as the lead support to the NWAC Board and PTMAs on issues related to research;
- Provide leadership and management of quantitative/qualitative data collection and analysis;
- Conduct community-based research activities in accordance with appropriate Aboriginal Research Ethical guidelines;
- Perform qualitative and quantitative research on racialized, sexualized violence against Aboriginal women and on the status of Canadian and International law as it relates to the human rights of Indigenous women and girls;
- Ensure proper consideration and application of culture and gender-based lenses with a focus on Métis, Inuit and First Nations and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities;
- Ensure that Unit Team members implement environment scans, backgrounders, fact sheets, briefing notes, letters, press releases, position papers, reports and more;
- Work with consultants in projects and events as required;
- Draft correspondence with government offices, partners, and stakeholders, when required; and
- Prepare monthly summary reports of the Strategic Policy Unit’s work to the CEO.
2. Stakeholder Outreach
Main Activities
- Identify where engagement is required on government relations areas and initiate outreach to the appropriate stakeholders;
- Develop and maintain stakeholder partnerships and community engagement strategies;
- Maintain good relationships with Indigenous experts, NIOs, government offices, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public;
- Engage and network with Indigenous experts, NIOs, corporate/private, public and government stakeholders; and,
- Contribute to the development of the fundraising strategy and outreach to corporate partners.
3. Research and Data
Main Activities
- Lead and conduct the review and analysis of formal research findings;
- Ensure environmental scanning, issues identification and analysis and synthesized is relevant and accurate;
- Identify NWAC’s information requirements and develop analytical models for databases, testing, monitoring and tracking mechanisms to support research and evaluation initiatives, and emerging priorities;
4. Perform other related duties as required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- University degree in the area of policy, law, social sciences or other related studies or equivalent experience working on Indigenous issues will be considered;
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience working with government agencies/departments, NGOs, organizations, interest groups and business/corporate entities;
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a managerial role;
- Experience in managing a diverse workforce;
- Relevant experience working or volunteering with Indigenous peoples, groups, or organizations is an asset; and,
- Relevant experience working or volunteering with Not-for-Profit organizations or corporations is an asset.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Knowledge
The employee must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions;
- Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;
- Knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;
- Knowledge of government systems and bureaucracy with regards to funding, politics, public policy and legislation;
- Knowledge of strategic and operational planning and program review;
- Knowledge of leadership and management principles and practices;
- Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, housing, etc.); and,
- Bilingual.
Skills
The employee must demonstrate the following skills:
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills in English and preferably French;
- Strong research and analytical skills;
- Ability to supervise a large team and develop a strong team work environment;
- Ability to carry out culturally-appropriate gender-based analysis;
- Excellent interpersonal skills;
- Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice;
- Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure;
- Ability to conduct research in cooperation and consultation with the NWAC Provincial/Territorial Member Associations and with diverse stakeholders;
- Ability to facilitate meetings; and,
- Ability to carry out research, analyze data, and advance effective advocacy and communication strategies, in partnership with other policy units, under the supervision of the CEO.
Personal Attributes
The employee must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of Director of Government Relations. The employee must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:
- Time management and punctuality.
- Respect for and understanding of Indigenous women’s issues in Canada;
- Dependable and understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines;
- Honest, sincere, considerate and truthful;
- Understanding of the importance of quality work;
- Approachable, articulate and determined;
- Resilient, proactive and positive; and,
- Coachable and adaptable.
WORKING CONDITIONS
NWAC strives to be an employer that properly resources and supports all employees. To that end NWAC, endeavors to provide a clean, safe and secure workplace with various support mechanisms and operational flexibility. The following list describes assumptions about working conditions:
- There may have to travel throughout Canada;
- Lifting, carrying and managing of office equipment and supplies may be required;
- May be expected to work odd or long hours on occasion; and,
- Employees are expected to multi-task with possible interruptions from colleagues and management.
Benefits
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Store discount
- Vision care
- Wellness program
- Work from home
Schedule
- 8-hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekend availability
Education
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience
- government relations: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Gatineau, QC
Please submit resume and covering letter to: apply@nwac.ca
