Indigenous Rights Advisor [Canada (remote) | Ottawa (hybrid)]

About this position

Indigenous rights advisor

The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples’ (CAP) advocacy and political representative efforts are to improve the socio-economic conditions of off-reserve Non-Status and Status Indians, Southern Inuit of Labrador and Métis Peoples living in urban, rural, remote and isolated areas throughout Canada. CAP meets with federal ministers, informs federal policies, raises political awareness, and works to find practical ways to improve federal programs and services for this constituency of off-reserve Indigenous Peoples.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Government Relations, the Indigenous Rights Advisor is the lead staff position for Indigenous rights advocacy and is responsible for non-status, Metis and off-reserve research, policy, education, and initiatives related to Indigenous rights. They work with CAP Staff and its affiliate organizations to see the realization of rights, and the advancement of reconciliation. This position is largely focused on engaging with the Government of Canada to implement Indigenous rights for the non-status, off-reserve, Metis, and southern Inuit communities that can largely be found in urban settings including the implementation of the Supreme Court of Canada’s Daniels decision (Daniels v. Canada, 2016)

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Cultural Agility
• Change Management
• Initiative
• Problem Solving
• Collaboration
• Sound Judgment
• Work Ethics
• Diplomacy
• Analytical thinking
• Interpersonal Communication

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

• Lead CAP’s work in the area of Indigenous rights and bring Indigenous rights skills, analysis and expertise to program initiatives; Bring Indigenous perspectives and recommendations to relevant policies, discussion forums and advocacy initiatives; and help facilitate the involvement of Indigenous peoples in the development of Indigenous Rights policy and program priorities.
• In collaboration with other staff, research and analyze the impact of Canadian federal and provincial government social and economic policies/legislation on Indigenous people’s rights and their communities.
• Monitor public policy and relevant activity to assess the impact generally on our community and in particular the impact on Indigenous rights and levels of commitment to reconciliation in communities, provide research and analysis on specific issues as they relate to Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
• Prepare evaluations of national and international practices that contravene Indigenous rights and prepare relevant recommendations.
• Prepare policy briefs, letters and advocacy strategies relevant to Indigenous rights and reconciliation; Collaborate with provincial affiliate organizations, advocacy partners and human rights organizations to help build public support and pressure for changes in federal government and other related legislation and policies related to Indigenous rights issues; and participate in and when required make presentations on behalf of CAP related to Indigenous rights.
• Support work within CAP to strengthen our understanding of Indigenous Rights in all areas and to develop and to assist with the development of educational and resources, the facilitation of workshops and other educational activities
• Act as a spokesperson on Indigenous rights issues when requested. Assist with public communication and media strategies.
• Perform other work-related duties as required.

YOU’LL NEED TO HAVE

• Post-secondary education in a related field (i.e., law, political science, conflict studies) together with 3-5 years’ relevant work experience in support of Indigenous rights and a clear commitment to reconciliation.
• Experience and knowledge of and commitment to Indigenous rights.
• Knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing, history within Canada, and language and culture.
• 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 consultation skills.
• 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.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples and communities.
• Collaborative work style working respectfully within a diverse indigenous work environment.
• Excellent research and analytical skills with the ability to identify, analyze and articulate issues with a strong commitment and engagement and advocacy in the work.
• Strong organizational, planning, administration, and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal/written, relational and inter-personal communication skills with the ability to advocate and make presentations (i.e., public presentations).
• Ability to work effectively with Indigenous organizations and communities, government bodies, educational institutions, and other key organizational actors.
• Excellent skills working in cross-cultural, anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks.
• Strong computer skills in the use of various software applications - Office 365, SharePoint, One Drive, Teams, Zoom and other social media and online platforms.
• Lived cross-cultural experience is an asset; and
• Recognition of personal and professional boundaries.

OUR WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid working would normally be performed from the CAP National Office. Employees may be required to work from home or take other measures deemed necessary to reduce the risk of COVID-19 during the pandemic
• Remote working arrangements are permitted for employees residing outside of the Ottawa region
• Manual dexterity is required to use desktop computers and peripherals
• Occasional weekend and evening work
• Full-time fixed 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, and our staff enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements.

WHAT WE STAND FOR

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

CAP works collectively with its ten 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.

Please visit our website to learn more about our accomplishments.

APPLY NOW

If you want to contribute to the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples' work, we want to hear from you. Apply by January 6, 2022.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require an 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.

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

Resumes will be accepted until position is filled. Only selected candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.