Senior Policy Advisor, Intergovernmental Relations

Reporting To: Senior Director of Intergovernmental RelationsLocation: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, Intergovernmental Relations to lead policy and provide expert advice on issues impacting the Métis Nation.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Intergovernmental Relations, you will provide senior-level policy analysis and strategic advice on legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental matters. Working in a dynamic and politically sensitive environment, you will support the advancement of Métis Nation priorities through policy development, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental relations, consultation, and implementation of key federal commitments, including the United Nations Declaration Act (UNDA).
This role requires strong policy expertise, exceptional analytical skills, sound political judgment, and the ability to build productive relationships with Métis Governments, federal partners, and external stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:

• Lead complex policy, legislative, regulatory, and intergovernmental files that advance Métis Nation priorities.
• Conduct advanced policy research and analysis and develop recommendations, options, and strategic advice for management and senior leadership.
• Monitor and assess federal legislative, regulatory, parliamentary, fiscal, and policy developments impacting the Métis Nation and identify emerging opportunities, risks, and implications.
• Support the advancement of Métis self-government, recognition and implementation initiatives, UNDA implementation, and related federal policy and legislative processes.
• Conduct analysis related to Indigenous rights implementation, Crown consultation obligations, distinctions-based policy approaches, and the respective roles of rights-bearing Métis Governments, representative organizations, and advocacy bodies.
• Monitor developments related to Indigenous governance, self-government, treaty and claims processes, and Indigenous-Crown relations and provide advice on implications for Métis Nation priorities.
• Support engagement with federal departments, Métis Governments, Indigenous organizations, and external partners on assigned files.
• Represent the MNC at technical working groups, consultations, policy forums, and intergovernmental meetings.
• Support the development of distinctions-based policy positions, advocacy approaches, and engagement strategies.
• Support the implementation and advancement of priorities under the Canada-Métis Nation Accord, Permanent Bilateral Mechanism, Métis Policy Forum, and other intergovernmental mechanisms.
• Lead technical analysis related to federal budgetary processes affecting the Métis Nation.
• Coordinate the development of MNC pre-budget submissions and related policy recommendations.
• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, policy papers, presentations, correspondence, speaking materials, and decision documents.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to management and senior leadership on complex policy issues.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to other team members, fostering collaboration and professional development.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or certification in public policy, political science, Indigenous studies, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in public policy, legislative affairs, intergovernmental relations, Indigenous governance, government relations, or a related field.
• Experience with and/or knowledge of the Métis political landscape and a commitment to advancing Métis priorities.
• Demonstrated experience independently managing complex policy, legislative, regulatory, or intergovernmental files.
• Experience engaging with federal departments, Parliament, Indigenous governments, and/or external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting Indigenous rights implementation, self-government initiatives, consultation processes, treaty or claims-related work, or Indigenous-Crown relations.
• Experience developing policy recommendations, pre-budget submissions, funding proposals, legislative submissions, or strategic advocacy materials.
• Exceptional analytical, writing, project management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

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.