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Who We Are

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP) represents the interests of Métis, status and Non-status Indians, and Southern Inuit Indigenous Peoples living off-reserve in Canada. CAP is one of five National Indigenous Representative Organizations recognized by the Government of Canada.

What We Stand For

Our vision is that all Indigenous Peoples in Canada will experience the highest quality of life, founded on the rebuilding of our Nations and that all Indigenous Peoples are rightfully treated with respect, dignity, integrity, and equality.

CAP works collectively with its eleven provincial and territorial affiliate organizations across Canada to promote and advance the common interests, collective and individual rights, and needs of its constituents. Our mandate is to improve the socio-economic conditions of off-reserve status and non-status Indians, Métis and Southern Inuit living in urban or rural areas. CAP holds meetings with government officials to find practical ways to improve federal programs, policies and services for off-reserve Indigenous Peoples.

If you want to take an active role in Indigenous rights advocacy, we want to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about our work and accomplishments.

Summary

Reporting to the Director of Environment, the Policy Analyst (Climate Engagement) will assist on policy and research work in the development of policy and data resources and policy statements related to our response to the climate change crisis, including showcasing and supporting our constituency’s leadership.  The Policy Analyst (Climate Engagement) will undertake activities to support the development of a federal policy environment that seeks, values, and supports CAP and its affiliate organizations to share Indigenous knowledge, leading towards better climate change mitigation and adaptation policy.  The Policy Analyst (Climate Engagement) supports knowledge exchange between CAP and its affiliate organizations, the Government of Canada, and other actors working on climate change mitigation and adaptation.  The Policy Analyst (Climate Engagement) will work with an interdisciplinary team to build upon CAP’s capacity to engage on interrelated climate change priorities.

What We Are Looking For

• Communication, both written and oral
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Teamwork
• Initiative and self-directed work
• Adaptability
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Planning and Organizing
• Decision-making
• Result Focus
• Accountability
• Strategic and critical thinking

What You’ll Do

• Support the Director of Environment and Environment staff in advocacy engagements as they relate to climate change science and interrelated environmental objectives.
• Expand upon CAP’s relationships and work in collaboration with external stakeholders (community-based organizations, service deliverers, academics, government representatives, and industry) to identify and take advantage of opportunities to be more meaningfully involved in climate science and other knowledge sharing activities.
• Undertake policy analysis on the impact of proposed and existing federal and interprovincial climate change policies, legislation, regulations, strategies, plans, programs, and positions, and overarching efforts for climate change literacy and the incorporation of Indigenous/traditional knowledge into “best available knowledge” climate change mitigation and adaptation decision-making. 
• Prepare draft briefs for the CAP leadership and constituency summarizing complex issues, providing policy options and recommendations, and being a CAP lead resource on climate change and Indigenous knowledge.  Note that this does not mean that the Policy Advisor will provide Indigenous knowledge on any topic, but is instead concerned with the processes, mechanisms, methodologies, and governance about how Indigenous knowledge about climate change is gathered, shared, and incorporated into “best available knowledge” decision-making at the federal government level.      
• Stay abreast of emerging issues and trends related to climate change, data sovereignty, climate literacy, Indigenous community engagement, and the development of “best available knowledge” decision-making processes, including developments in international climate change and biodiversity assessment methodologies. 
• Facilitate knowledge exchange among CAP affiliates through existing CAP forums, including opportunities to input in climate change assessment processes. 
• Assist in the development of impactful external reports, presentations, papers, submissions and briefing notes etc. articulating the organization’s position and providing policy recommendations to government as they relate to knowledge about climate change.
• Assist in the development of CAP climate change mitigation and adaptation priority setting and strategic planning and the communication of those to external partners to bring public awareness about CAP and its vision, mandate, and positions on climate change.
• When required, attend or support representatives of CAP at meetings, conferences and events.
• Contribute to the preparation of CAP proposals for funding for climate change or other environmental initiatives/programs.
• Perform other work-related duties as required under this job description or as the position evolves within the broad mandate of the CAP Environment Department and funding requirements, and to assist other CAP activities such as hosting or attending meetings.

You’ll Need To Have

• Interdisciplinary Degree in an environmental/sustainable development field (e.g., environmental policy, environmental studies, environmental science, resources/environment/sustainability management), a Degree in Science (e.g., biology, ecology, earth science), or a closely related field, with a focus on climate change and/or Indigenous studies, or a combination of equivalent education and work experience.  A Master’s Degree or additional education/training in the areas of work detailed above is an asset.  Recognition as a traditional knowledge holder is an asset. 
• Demonstrated experience in strategic policy research, development, or advocacy. 
• Demonstrated success working within interdisciplinary teams and in partnerships with groups such as policymakers, researchers, advocates, and service providers with excellent relationship-building, consensus-building and communication skills.
• Experience working with Indigenous organizations is a very strong asset; or with non-profit organizations or community groups is a strong asset.
• Eagerness to take on challenging work, display cultural sensitivity, and treat all with respect and dignity are a must.
• Bringing a network of individuals and institutions related to Indigenous knowledge and climate change is an asset.  
• Self-starter that can work independently and in a team setting, including setting work plans and demonstrating work towards objectives with minimal supervision.
• Good interpersonal relations, negotiation, presentation and influencing skills to deal effectively with stakeholders and deliver difficult or sensitive messages.
• Tact and diplomacy, empathy, a high level of discretion and sound judgement in providing strategic advice for courses of action that may significantly impact the credibility of CAP.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication in English is required.
• Fluency in an Indigenous language is an asset.
• Fluency in written or oral French is an asset.
• Ability to use Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.    

Our Working Conditions

• Work will be performed from the CAP National Office in Ottawa, Ontario.
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be necessary.
• Occasional air travel may be required to attend meetings.
• This is a full-time contract position. Continued staffing of this position is subject to annual priorities and confirmation of funding from the federal government.
• Salary commensurate with experience.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, we also provide a generous benefits plan, including health, medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Mental Health Coaching. Furthermore, we offer a generous paid time off package.

Apply Now!

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise, and we will work with you.

Priorities will be given to qualified Indigenous candidates, and applicants are asked to self-identify on their cover letter.

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.

We thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes, but only selected candidates will be contacted.