SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 88,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

SCO provides competitive compensation and excellent pension and benefits, as well as a positive work environment.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Intergovernmental Relations, Health Transformation, the Policy Analyst is responsible for tracking emerging issues, providing strategic and analytical support to senior management, assisting with the development of position papers, reports, and other materials with recommendations for consideration to create positive change, and improving the health and well-being of southern First Nation citizens. This position frequently engages with SCO member Nations, other jurisdictions, orders of government, and other organizations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertakes research, reviews, and analyses complex and strategic policy, programs, funding opportunities and processes. This includes daily monitoring of government announcements and specific government initiatives and legislation
• Assists with analysis of government and health system policy and legislation as required, using a First Nations lens
• Participates as part of SCO Health Transformation team at interjurisdictional or intergovernmental working groups, internal SCO working groups, and at external community tables and committees
• Prepares written correspondence (advocacy letters), briefing notes, discussion documents, policy papers, options papers, research reports, strategies, and action and advocacy plans and activities for SCO Health Transformation senior management with a goal of increasing awareness of southern First Nations perspectives, needs, and rights
• Monitors and follows up on external correspondence to government and other partners
• Writes, collates, and submits program plans, annual reports, funding proposals, program goals and objectives, and program budgets for the SCO Health Transformation department, program partners and funders
• Assists with preparation and edits to complex reports and responses, analyzes, organizes, and themes data for internal and external publications, including responses to government consultations, Memorandums of Understanding, and agreements from Health Transformation
• Provides assistance through training and capacity building in budget development and reporting, program implementation, and advocacy to junior staff
• Supports SCO Health Transformation team to conducts focus groups, facilitates meetings and delivers presentations on SCO Health Transformation priorities or assigned special projects
• Drafts communications materials such as media releases, articles, promotional materials or social media content related to Health Transformation projects
• Assists with coordination and development of health focused resolutions for SCO Chiefs-in-Summit, assists with the resolution table at Chiefs-in-Summit gatherings
• Provides input for briefing materials for the Chiefs Health Action Table, the Chiefs Executive Committee, the Grand Chiefs’ Office, or Chief Executive Officer as required
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. Other combinations of relevant work experience will be considered
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in policy analysis, including experience writing advocacy letters, briefing notes, discussion, and policy papers. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered
• Knowledge and awareness of provincial and federal government policy and process, including policy areas that directly and indirectly impact the health and well-being of First Nations, including understanding of human and Indigenous rights.
• Experience conducting research (e.g. Jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, interviews, stakeholder consultations, statistical analysis, financial analysis, focus groups, surveys), and policy analysis including knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of researching, evaluating, and analyzing information.
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, concise documents with a high degree of accuracy and for a variety of audiences
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate research, policy, and ideas to a variety of audiences
• Ability to apply a strategic and financial analysis lens when researching a variety of policy areas and decision-making documents.
• Self-motivated, organized professional able to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team, and to balance competing interests, solve problems or impasses, and move initiatives forward to meet deadlines, often within tight timelines and with precision.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, supervisors, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Political acumen and ability to maintain confidentiality when developing and handling sensitive information
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams or Zoom
• Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
• Current and clear Child and Adult Abuse Registry Checks
• A valid class 5 MB driver’s license with access to a reliable vehicle for business travel

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Thursday, February 20^th, 2025, at 4:00 PM

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs’ Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0R5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.