SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 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:

The Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for tracking emerging issues, providing technical support to senior management, develops and oversees SCO Health Transformation programs, prepares position papers, reports, and other material with recommendations for consideration to create positive change and improve the health and well-being of southern First Nation citizens and communities. This position frequently engages with SCO member Nations. other jurisdictions, organizations, and orders of government.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develops, researches, 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
• Provides analysis of government and health system policy and legislation as required, using a First Nations lens
• Represents SCO 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 federal and provincial government policy. Flags issues for senior management and communications
• Monitors and follows up on external correspondence to government and other partners
• Drafts program plans, funding proposals, program goals and objectives, and program budgets for the SCO Health Transformation department
• Writes, collates, and submits annual and other program reporting (narrative and financial) to senior leadership and funders
• Creates complex reports, analyzes, organizes, and themes data for internal and external publications
• Edits complex documents such as responses to government consultations, Memorandums of Understanding, and agreements from Health Transformation, ensures documents adhere to SCO communication and language standards and formatting
• Provides technical assistance through training and capacity building in budget development and reporting, program implementation, and advocacy to junior staff
• Coordinates special projects as determined by senior leadership
• Conducts focus groups, facilitates meetings and delivers presentations on SCO Health Transformation priorities or assigned projects
• Coordinates and develops health focused resolutions for SCO Chiefs-in-Summit, assists with the resolution table at Chiefs-in-Summit gatherings.
• Prepares briefing materials for the Chiefs Health Action Table and the Chiefs Executive Committee
• Prepares briefing materials for the Grand Chiefs’ Office and Chief Executive Officer as required
• Ensures detailed yearly work plans and deliverables are met
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree in public policy, political science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is an asset. Other combinations of relevant work experience will be considered
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in policy analysis, including extensive experience writing advocacy letters, briefing notes, discussion, and policy papers. An equivalent combination of education and experience would be considered
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, including program design and implementation
• Knowledge of First Nations Health Legislation
• Knowledge and experience with education programs, institutions and systems
• Knowledge and awareness of provincial and federal government policy and process, including policy areas that directly and indirectly impact the health and wellbeing of First Nations
• Experience conducting complex and strategic research (e.g.  Jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, interviews, stakeholder consultations, statistical analysis, focus groups, surveys), and policy analysis including knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of researching, evaluating, and analyzing information
• Knowledge of sources of data and current literature, emerging trends and developments in First Nations issues and rights pertaining to health and wellbeing
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to write clear, concise documents and reports 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
• Self-motivated 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
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, supervisors, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work under pressure, independently managing a wide range of tasks, often within short timelines and with precision
• Highly developed understanding of quality standards with respect to preparing, proofreading/editing, formatting, and packaging a variety of documents
• Political acumen and ability to maintain confidentiality when developing and handling sensitive information
• Understanding of human and Indigenous rights
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams or Zoom
• Ability to speak Dakota or Ojibway language an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

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

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, July 23^rd, 2024, at 4:30 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202-600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca
Please cite the job title in the subject line if you are applying via email.
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates.
Please self-identify in your cover letter.