Policy Analyst (Treaty Education)

About Us

The Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs is responsible for coordinating the Province's approach to Aboriginal issues. That includes discussions and negotiations with the Government of Canada and organizations representing Mi'kmaq communities. Much of our work is conducted through the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum and the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process.

In addition, the Office has a mandate to increase public awareness and knowledge about the Mi'kmaq and our shared history through the Treaty Education Nova Scotia Initiative. In October 2020, the Province of Nova Scotia renewed its Memorandum of Understanding with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and Millbrook First Nation to work in partnership for the purpose of advancing, supporting, and promoting Treaty Education in Nova Scotia and create opportunities for every Nova Scotian to learn about our shared history in the province and in Canada. This is a long-term, generational process and we recognize that it is important to take the time to build a strong foundation of knowledge and resources by working closely with Elders and education professionals.

Mi’kmaq and Provincial government officials are developing specific treaty education programs and services for the education system, the provincial civil service, and the broader public.

If you are a creative, innovative, solution-focused thinker and collaborator with knowledge and understanding of current Indigenous issues, allyship and reconciliation, excellent communication skills, policy/program skills, and connections to Mi’kmaw community who is searching for a dynamic opportunity, we have an exciting opening for you.

About Our Opportunity

As the Policy Analyst you will be conducting research and facilitating various projects and special assignments with respect to policies, programs, events, and initiatives related to Treaty Education.

The Policy Analyst works regularly with the Director of Treaty Education at OAA, the Nova Scotia Treaty Education Lead at Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, and members of the Treaty Education Implementation Committee (TEIC). In consultation with the Director of Treaty Education, other staff and senior officials, the Analyst will develop practical options and recommendations to support the Treaty Education mandate, and further advance government initiatives and address current and future needs.

As the Policy Analyst you will cultivate relationships with key Treaty Education partners and manage research projects that assist in a better understanding of the Treaty relationship in Nova Scotia. The Policy Analyst will work with the Treaty Day advisory group as the provincial lead on Treaty Day events; the Mi'kmaw Language Committee on the revitalization of Mi'kmaw language; the Mi’kmaq History Month Committee on provincial event planning and work with internal; and external stakeholders and Mi’kmaq and Indigenous community members.
 

The Policy Analyst for Treaty Education will report to the Director of Treaty Education, Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) and work as part of a team of partners focusing on the Nova Scotia Treaty Education initiative.

Primary Accountabilities

• Take part in business planning, budgetary and fiscal planning, and support the OAA’s participation with assigned departmental and provincial working groups and other planning and management functions.
• Assist in the development and delivery of policy and programs including environmental scanning
• Communications, including social media
• Report and recommendation preparation
• Gathering, analyzing, and sharing information via oral briefings, written briefing notes, financial and written reports
• Creating and delivering workshops and presentations. 

Qualifications and Experience

You have an undergraduate degree plus five years related experience, or a graduate degree plus 3 years experience.  Equivalences such as a combination of course work and/or volunteer experience related to education, community engagement and/or policy and program development will also be considered.

 

As the successful candidate, you will also have experience and knowledge in Mi’kmaw history and culture. You understand provincial government decision-making processes to lead the development of strategies, policies, and programs.  You can develop and cultivate strong relationships across provincial government departments and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous community such as Mi’kmaw organizations, Mi’kmaq educators, elders, knowledge holders, community leaders, etc.
 

For this role you also have:
 

• Demonstrated partner engagement skills and the ability to build healthy collaborative relationships.
• Knowledge and understanding Indigenous reconciliation.
• Experience in managing projects, policy and evaluation techniques using an equity and diversity lens.
   

You have superior writing skills (written and verbal) with proven experience in report writing and preparation of briefing materials and computer skills, including thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, excellent presentation skills.
 

Other Assets

• Lived experience or connection with Mi’kmaw or other Indigenous communities.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, interview(s), and reference checks. 

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

LEADS

The Government of Nova Scotia has adopted the LEADS Leadership Framework.  During the interview, candidates will be expected to express how they have demonstrated the key behaviours and capabilities required to effectively lead in a caring and inclusive environment. LEADS Domains includes Leads Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions and Systems Transformation.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs.  For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Additional Information

This is a Term employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of December 2025. The appointment status (‘term’, ‘temporary’ or ‘casual’) is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.


The role requires some provincial travel, therefore, a valid drivers license is required.

 

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths. 
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.