Senior Policy Advisor

Job Description

Job DescriptionSalary: $70,276 - $87,845

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Iqqanaijaaqtaarasuaqtut ilagijauqataullutik Inuit Nunanganni Nunalirinirnmut Angirutiusimajunut sivulliqpautauniaqtut iqqanaijaaqtaartitaujunnaqtunut. Ikajuqturpatsi iqqanaijaaqtaarasuaqataujusi nalunaiqsiqullusi ilagijauqataunitsinnik.

APPLICANTS WHO ARE REGISTERED UNDER AN INUIT LAND CLAIMS AGREEMENT WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY HIRING. WE ENCOURAGE INUIT APPLICANTS TO SELF-IDENTIFY. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO ENSURE AUTHENTICITY OF INUIT OR OTHER INDIGENOUS IDENTITY CLAIMS.

Senior Policy Advisor - Existing position

Band: 4 - $70,276 - $87,845 **Compensation is aligned with internal equity and market benchmarks. In limited circumstances, offers above the posted range may be considered for candidates with exceptional qualifications or highly specialized expertise**

This role, as with all positions at ITK is 100% in-office, requires being in the office full-time at 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON.

We do not use AI to assess or screen applications. Our hiring process is grounded in human review and values lived experience, cultural competency, and diverse career paths, in addition to formal education and work experience.

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to a Manager within the Department of Policy Advancement, the Senior Policy Advisor is responsible for leading the development and delivery of policy work within assigned priority areas to advance outcomes for Inuit across Canada.

The Senior Policy Advisor provides analysis, advice, and guidance on policy matters and supports the development of policy positions and recommendations. This role works closely with Inuit Treaty Organizations, governments, and partners to support coordinated policy development and implementation.

The incumbent also leads projects and supports working groups and initiatives, ensuring activities are delivered in alignment with established priorities, timelines, and funding requirements.

Key policy areas may include, but not be limited to:

• Inuktut
• Languages Legislation
• Urban Inuit

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

POLICY & PLANNING

• Lead assigned policy files, ensuring work is advanced in alignment with departmental priorities.
• Conduct analysis and develop policy options and recommendations at the national level.
• Draft and review policy documents, including reports, position papers, and briefing materials.
• Identify research and evidence needs and support activities to address gaps.
• Monitor external policy developments and emerging issues, assessing impacts on Inuit priorities.
  

PLANNING & PROJECT DELIVERY

• Lead the planning and delivery of policy projects and initiatives within assigned areas.
• Contribute to departmental operational and work planning, including identifying priorities within assigned files.
• Develop project plans, proposals, and supporting materials (e.g., workplans, budgets).
• Track progress and ensure deliverables are met within established timelines and requirements.
  

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT & COLLABORATION

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with Inuit Treaty Organizations, governments, and partners.
• Lead and facilitate working groups, committees, and consultations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to advance shared policy objectives.
• Support engagement activities, ensuring Inuit perspectives are reflected in policy work.
  

COMMUNICATION & KNOWLEDGE SHARING

• Prepare and present materials for internal and external audiences, including senior leadership and committees.
• Support the development of communications products in collaboration with Communications.
• Provide guidance and share knowledge with colleagues and junior staff, as appropriate.
  

ADMINISTRATIVE & COORDINATION

• Coordinate policy and project activities, including meetings, consultations, and reporting requirements.
• Monitor project budgets and activities, ensuring alignment with approved plans.
• Maintain organized records and documentation related to policy and project work.
  

Performs other duties as assigned.

KEY CONTACTS

• Represent ITK in meetings and conferences or on committees and working groups as assigned by the Manager, including participation on task forces or working groups that bring together government departments and Inuit Treaty Organizations.
• Must be able to work both independently and co-operatively with a variety of individuals and groups, including government and Inuit Treaty Organizations; and other partners.
• Must be able to foster strong working relationships with Inuit Treaty Organizations and relevant Federal and Provincial/Territorial Government departments.

QUALIFICATIONS

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of policy issues affecting Inuit in Canada
• Understanding of Inuit communities, land claim agreements, and governance structures
• Ability to analyze policy issues and develop practical recommendations
• Strong writing, facilitation, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to Inuit priorities and contexts
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills (primarily in English; Inuktitut and/or French an asset)
  
• Team player, self-motivated and directed

EXPERIENCE

• Experience in policy analysis, research, and/or program development
• Experience leading projects or initiatives
• Experience working with partners, stakeholders, or governments
  

EDUCATION

• Bachelors Degree in a relevant discipline: public policy, health sciences, nutrition, environmental studies, etc. with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience and/or field research in a similar role; OR
• Equivalent combination of education and experience

OTHER INFORMATION

• In-person office environment: frequent use of computer and telephone;
• Long periods of sitting at a desk in front of a computer;
• Occasional travel and regular meetings;
• Operational direction is provided by the Director;
• Politically sensitive issues may become stressful; and
• Frequent deadlines, which intensify when workload is large.

BENEFITS

Conditional to ITKs Human Resources Policies, you may be eligible for:

• 100% employer-paid group insurance upon hire
• Employer RRSP contributions
• Annual training allowance
• Excellent health and wellness allowance
• Relocation allowance
• Vacation starting at 3 weeks/year
• Paid Christmas break (usually between Xmas and New Year)
• Candidates with exceptional skills or experience may be considered for compensation above the posted range.

*Applicants who are registered under an Inuit Land Claims Agreement will be given priority hiring. We encourage Inuit applicants to self-identify. We reserve the right to ensure authenticity of Inuit or other Indigenous identity claims.

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for their interest in ITK however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.