CO-OP Winter 2022: Junior Policy Analyst

Strategic Policy Directorate
Junior Policy Analyst

Spring 2022

This is a Co-op position for students enrolled in a co-op program as part of their studies.

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Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC)’s mandate is to continue to renew the nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, government-to-government relationship between Canada and First Nations, Inuit and Métis; modernize Government of Canada structures to enable Indigenous peoples to build capacity and support their visions of self-determination; and, lead the Government of Canada’s work in the North. These efforts include continuing to modernize our institutional structure and governance so that Indigenous peoples can build capacity that supports implementation of their vision of self-determination and well-being.

CIRNAC’s Implementation Sector provides whole-of-government leadership, oversight, and coordination in the implementation of treaties, self-government and other modern agreements, and the recognition of Indigenous rights. We advance and support inter-governmental relationships and we advise, collaborate and build capacity for meaningful engagement to support the full and fair implementation of the spirit of agreements and the Crown’s consultation obligations.

A key component of the Implementation Sector’s Policy, Planning and Coordination Branch (PPCB) is the Strategic Policy Directorate (SPD), which researches and develops advice for implementing Indigenous and Treaty rights, as well as advancing respectful Crown-Indigenous relationships. The work undertaken by SPD includes (inter alia): the federal implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UN Declaration), in close collaboration with Indigenous partners; and, providing strategic advice and direction on the implementation of treaties and other self-government agreements. Furthermore, SPD continues to build capacity for the whole-of-government to take responsibility related to s.35 in a coordinated and meaningful way.

Position 1 – UN Declaration Team

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Department of Justice in delivering on the federal commitment to implement Bill C-15: the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act within a dynamic and complex work environment. Balancing ongoing research and policy development tasks while responding to ministerial and Indigenous Partner requests, you will be working with a team working to build the framework for reconciliation in Canada.

Position 2 – Policy and Coordination Team

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing research and policy development for implementing Indigenous and Treaty rights, as well as advancing respectful Crown-Indigenous relationships. Balancing ongoing research and ongoing/priority policy development tasks, you will be working with a dynamic team to further advance work that builds upon the reconciliation agenda for Modern Treaty partners.

Positions to be filled: 2

Locations: Telework from within Canada (physical office is located in Gatineau, QC)

Position Type: Full-time

Work Term: commencing January 2022 (4 month term, with the possibility of extension). Projected term is January 11, 2021 until May 31, 2021.

Salary: Based on Government of Canada rates for post-secondary students (dependent on amount of work terms completed and level of education).

https://www.canada.ca/en/treasury-board-secretariat/services/pay/rates-pay/student-rates-pay.html

Hours: 37.5 hours/week

STATEMENT OF MERIT CRITERIA

KEY WORK ACTIVITIES

The successful candidate will perform the following duties for the SPD:

• research and analysis of information pertaining to Indigenous groups in Canada;
• developing media scans and project tracking;
• drafting of briefing notes, correspondences, presentations, and reports;
• Coordination of dockets and correspondences (as needed);
• managing information and filing electronic documents;
• delivering presentations to the team and to management;
• Attending meetings with a variety of partners and stakeholders, including colleagues from CIRNAC and other government departments, as well as Indigenous partners;
• provide support on administrative and operational issues;
• other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Education

This position is open to students in and beyond their third year of undergraduate studies or in graduate studies, in a field of study relevant to the position. This could include, but is not limited to: sociology/anthropology, history, communications, policy analysis, negotiation, conflict resolution, political science, social sciences, geography and environmental studies, public administration, law, Canadian studies, or an Indigenous studies program.

Skills

• English or French Essential;
• Collaborative; strong interpersonal skills;
• Strong written and oral communication skills;
• Strong digital literacy and information management capacity;
• Solid analytical and research skills;
• Strong attention to detail and excellent sense of organization;
• Ability to manage work activities, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• Willingness to learn.

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

(Asset qualifications are not essential to perform the work but – now or in the future – would benefit the organization or be an enhancement in terms of the work to be performed.)

• Knowledge of Indigenous issues;
• An understanding of Indigenous governance arrangements in Canada;
• Strong cultural competency;
• Previous federal public service employment experience;
• Bilingual fluency in English and French;
• Currently enrolled in a graduate studies program.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS

Preference will be given to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students. Accordingly, Indigenous students are encouraged to apply and self-identify within their cover letter.

The Public Service of Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employees’ population contributes to its strength and integrity. In support of achieving a diversified workforce, we encourage Indigenous peoples, women, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply. Therefore, preference may be given to candidates in the above mentioned categories.

In accordance with the Student Employment Programs Participants Regulations, preference will be accorded to candidates who are Canadian Citizens, within the meaning of the Citizenship Act.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Security Clearance – Reliability Status

NOTES

As this position is expected to be primarily remotely-based, successful candidates will be expected to provide their own computer, as well as sufficient broadband internet access in order to connect to the CIRNAC network and to participate in videoconferencing. CIRNAC will provide access to the corporate network via Citrix.

CIRNAC continues to closely follow public health guidelines from provincial/territorial and federal health authorities, including guidance from the Public Health Agency of Canada and Public Service and Procurement Canada.

Should public health directives allow, candidates would be welcome to complete their terms from the office of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, located in Gatineau, QC. Should a successful candidate choose this option, they will be responsible for all costs associated with relocation to or within the National Capital Region.

Successful candidates may be offered the option of extending their co-op term, subject to successful completion of the first co-op term and budgetary allowances. Please indicate in your cover letter if you are interested in an 8-month work term.

APPLICATION NOTES 

• Candidates must provide a brief cover letter outlining how they meet the requirements of the position, as well as demonstrating an interest / lived experience working on issues that affect Indigenous groups in Canada.
• As a separate page of their cover letter, candidates must fill out the following table with yes/no responses:

 

Question	Response
Are you a Canadian Citizen?
Are you bilingual in English and French?
Are you an Indigenous person?
Do you identify as a woman?
Are you a person with disabilities?
Are you a member of a visible minority?

 

• Candidates must provide a writing sample composed within the last year. The maximum length of the sample is two pages (you may submit the first two pages of a longer composition).
• Candidates must also provide a resume and transcript (preferably with a short description of courses taken that indicate knowledge of Indigenous issues) with their cover letter, if applicable.
• Failure to include the aforementioned documents in your application package will result in your application being screened out of the competition.

How to Apply:  

Please send resumes, cover letters, transcripts, and writing samples to Kennedy Bastien:  kennedy.bastien@canada.ca by email by noon EST on September 21, 2021.