Strategic Policy Directorate
Junior Policy Analyst
Summer 2021
(Document également disponible au français)
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 intergovernmental 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.
There are two teams within the Strategic Policy Directorate which have openings for
students:
Position 1 – UN Declaration Team
The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering on the federal commitment to
implement the UN Declaration 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 May 2021 (4 month term, with the possibility of extension).
Projected term is May 3, 2021 until August 31, 2021.
Salary: Based on Government of Canada rates for post-secondary students (dependent
on amount of work terms completed and level of education).
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
STATEMENT OF MERIT CRITERIA
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
o English or French Essential;
o Collaborative; strong interpersonal skills;
o Strong written and oral communication skills;
o Strong digital literacy and information management capacity;
o Solid analytical and research skills;
o Strong attention to detail and excellent sense of organization;
o Ability to manage work activities, meet deadlines and work effectively under
pressure;
o 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.)
o Knowledge of Indigenous issues;
o An understanding of Indigenous governance arrangements in Canada;
o Strong cultural competency;
o Previous federal public service employment experience;
o Bilingual fluency in English and French;
o 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 workstation (desk setup), as well as sufficient
broadband internet access in order to connect to the CIRNAC network and to participate
in videoconferencing. A computing device will be provided by CIRNAC during the
duration of employment.
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.
KEY WORK ACTIVITIES
The successful candidate will perform the following duties for the SPD:
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.
Please indicate which position you are applying for, if not both.
Those who meet the following criteria should also self-identify accordingly
within the cover letter:
– Canadian citizens
– Indigenous candidates
– Bilingual (English and French) fluency
Successful candidates contacted for interviews 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.
To learn how to apply, please contact Nadine Ratchford, Manager, Career Services, Cape Breton University