Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Analyst

Classification: Band 5 — Senior Specialist

Reports To: Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs or delegate

Location: Hybrid — travel and visits to Hitacu as required

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Band: Band 5 ($61,800 – $92,700)

POSITION PURPOSE

The Policy & Intergovernmental Affairs Analyst plays a key role in advancing YG's intergovernmental priorities by analyzing policy and legislative developments, shaping YG's positions, and supporting strategic engagement with other governments. The role bridges external processes and internal governance by translating complex developments into actionable advice, policies, and coordinated responses that uphold YG's rights and treaty obligations.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Policy & Legislative Analysis

• Reviews policy and legislative initiatives from federal, provincial, and local governments to identify interactions with the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, YG laws, and governance priorities.
• Analyzes implications for YG's rights, jurisdiction, and areas of interest (forestry, waters, harvesting, culture).
• Researches legal, treaty, and policy frameworks.

Strategic Memos & Briefings

• Researches government activities, emerging issues, and politically sensitive developments.
• Prepares strategic policy memos with clear analysis and recommendations.
• Recommends prioritization of engagement requests based on risk, impact, and alignment with YG priorities.
• Prepares briefing notes, correspondence, and recommendations.

Whole-of-Government Coordination

• Coordinates cross-department input to ensure a whole-of-government perspective informs all positions.
• Works with internal policy staff and subject matter experts to develop and refine YG's policy positions on external initiatives.

External Engagement Support

• Drafts high-quality correspondence, briefing notes, and speaking notes for YG leadership in intergovernmental engagement.
• Participates in co-development processes with treaty partners and other governments.
• Engages with officials from other governments to seek clarity and advance YG's positions.
• Tracks incoming referrals and ensures timely, strategic responses.

Treaty-Informed Advice

• Identifies risks, impacts, and opportunities in external processes.
• Applies treaty frameworks to all analysis and recommendations.
• Supports negotiation and intergovernmental discussions with analysis, context, and options.
• Monitors emerging issues and proactively flags strategic considerations.

Internal Process & Governance

• Implements IGA processes, tools, and standards to ensure consistency, efficiency, and quality.
• Drafts internal policies, procedures, and guidance documents to support YG governance and decision-making.
  
  

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Indigenous Studies, or related field
• Minimum 2–4 years of policy, research, or intergovernmental experience
• Strong analytical, research, and writing skills, including briefing notes and policy memos
• Familiarity with treaty implementation and Indigenous governance

Preferred:

• Experience working with or for a Modern Treaty First Nation
• Familiarity with the Maa-nulth Final Agreement
• Master's degree in a related discipline
  
  

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Policy analysis & research
• Briefing-note writing
• Treaty & legislative literacy
• Cross-departmental collaboration
• Attention to detail
• Discretion with sensitive information
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office and hybrid work; periodic travel to Hitacu, Port Alberni, Victoria, and Ottawa
• Occasional evening work tied to engagement deadlines
  
  

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to upholding the Maa-nulth Final Agreement and YG's rights and jurisdiction
• Respect for Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ culture, language, and protocols