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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 (Environment) serves as an interdisciplinary environmental expert on the nexus between climate change and other environmental issues.  The Policy Analyst (Environment) undertakes research, policy development, and engagement with the CAP affiliates, building from recent CAP environment and climate change engagements.  The Policy Analyst (Environment) will facilitate knowledge exchange between CAP and its affiliated organizations, the Government of Canada, and other actors working to advance “nexus” environmental decision-making processes that are more responsive to Indigenous Peoples issues and priorities and our call for “transformative change”. 

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

• Support the Director of Environment and Environment staff in advocacy engagements as they relate to the nexus between climate change, biodiversity, water, pollution, and other environmental priorities, and including Indigenous rights-based 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 strategic policy making for climate and environmental governance.
• Undertake policy analysis on the impact of proposed and existing federal and interprovincial climate and environmental policies, legislation, regulations, strategies, plans, programs, and positions, as they relate to advancing “nexus approaches” or holistic decision-making and identify opportunities for Indigenous involvement and leadership. 
• Prepare draft briefs for the CAP leadership and constituency summarizing complex issues, providing policy options and recommendations, and being a CAP lead resource on strategic environmental governance, including the advancement of climate justice and environmental rights.    
• Stay abreast of emerging issues and trends related to climate change and biodiversity that impact CAP and its constituents, including developments in international law and sustainable development initiatives.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange among CAP affiliates through existing CAP forums, including opportunities to input into the development and implementation of the Environmental Justice Strategy.
• 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.
• Assist in the development of CAP communications and strategies about climate change, biodiversity, water, pollution, health, food, and other nexus areas to bring public awareness about CAP and its vision, mandate, and positions on the environment.
• When required, attend or support representatives of CAP at meetings, conferences and events.
• Contribute to the preparation of CAP proposals for funding for 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, biodiversity, 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.
• 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 ust.
• Bringing a network of individuals and institutions related to climate change, biodiversity, or other environmental issues, or environmental/climate justice 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 written or oral French is an asset.
• Ability to use Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. 

• 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.