Senior Policy Advisor, Culture, Heritage & Language

Position Title: Senior Policy Advisor, Culture, Heritage & Language

Reporting To: Director of Culture, Heritage & LanguageLocation: Remote, Hybrid or local (MNC Office, #600-180 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON)

Position Status: Full Time (35 hours per week), Permanent

The Organization:

The Métis Nation is a distinct Indigenous people recognized under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members advocate for the Métis Nation. The primary mandate of the MNC is to work with federal and other key stakeholders to resolve systemic issues and concerns of the Métis Nation such as the fiscal relationship with the federal government; economic development; health; childcare and family services; education; environment, Métis veterans, and language promotion and protection. The MNC represents the Métis Nation both domestically and abroad and seeks to reinforce the Métis Nation’s right to self-government in Canada.

The Opportunity:

The Métis National Council is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor, Culture, Heritage & Language to lead policy and provide expert advice on issues impacting the Métis Nation. Reporting to the Director of Culture, Heritage & Language, you will provide senior-level policy analysis and strategic advice on matters relating to culture, heritage, language, education, women, and gender equity, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People (MMIWG), and related priorities. You will work closely with MNC leadership, Governing Members, governments, Indigenous organizations, and external partners to ensure Métis perspectives are reflected in legislation, policies, programs and legislations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as primary advisor on Culture, Heritage, and Language providing strategic guidance and technical expertise to the Director.
• Analyze legislation, regulations, and policy initiatives across federal, provincial, and territorial jurisdictions, providing recommendations that advance the interests of the Métis Nation.
• Evaluate existing and proposed policies, programs, strategies, initiatives, research proposals, and special projects, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with governments, Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and community partners to support policy development and collaborative initiatives.
• Represent the MNC at on committees, working groups, conferences and other forums as assigned to amplify the Métis voice.
• Contribute to the annual operational work plans and provide regular updates on project progress and deliverables.
• Prepare or contribute to briefing notes, technical press releases, communications, position papers, and responses to inquiries regarding MNC positions in Culture, Heritage and Language.
• Monitor emerging trends, legislation, and policy developments affecting Culture, Heritage, Language, Education, Women and Gender Equity, MMIWG, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ priorities, providing timely analysis and recommendations.
• Coordinate events and initiatives within the assigned portfolio and oversee reporting requirements.
• Support funding transfer processes and related administrative requirements.
• Lead and manage complex projects independently while contributing to cross-departmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field and/or a minimum of five (5) years of progressively related experience in Education, preferably with Métis or other Indigenous peoples.
• In depth understanding and knowledge of the Métis political structure, community values, and a commitment to advancing Métis priorities on the national or international stage.
• Analytical ability to quickly synthesize complex information/situations and provide timely advice and creative, realistic and appropriate solutions in the best interests of the MNC.
• Experience working with and lobbying government agencies, elected representatives and committees at a national and international level as well as knowledge of the overall functioning of government.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills: able to professionally articulate a position and the ability to influence others through reasoned and well-thought-out ideas.
• Understands the importance of Metis Culture, Heritage and Language
• Passion for culture, heritage, and language advocacy.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Demonstrated understanding of Métis culture, history, and the unique challenges faced by Métis communities.
• Strong knowledge of the Métis Nation's historical, political and legal issues.
• High level of tact, diplomacy, and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Sound judgement and creativity in problem solving and decision making.
• Excellent organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills
• Proven resilience and adaptability in dynamic or complex environments

Additional Requirements

• Complete a clean Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector.

Willingness to travel domestically or internationally, at times with short notice.

The Métis National Council is an organization that is primarily engaged in serving the interests of persons identified by their Métis citizenship. For this position, preference in employment will be given to applicants who identify as Métis, in accordance with section 24(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Since this role involves delivering culturally appropriate services to the Métis community, being Métis is a reasonable and bona fide requirement of the position. Applicants are invited to indicate their Métis identity in their application and provide proof of Métis citizenship at the time of application.

The Metis National Council is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to the principles of Employment Equity. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all genders, including Indigenous persons, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.