Senior Policy Advisor - Conseiller principal en politiques publiques

About the Role The Senior Policy Advisor provides strategic leadership and supports OCIL's mandate to advance Indigenous language preservation, revitalization, reclamation, and promotion across Canada. The position leads complex research initiatives, develops research frameworks and methodologies, coordinates partnerships, and ensures excellence in support of organizational priorities and legislative obligations. We are currently accepting candidates as we have this position opening across the following departments: Innovation Hub: advances Indigenous language revitalization through innovative approaches, emerging technologies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Dispute Resolution: supports the Commission's responsibilities under the Indigenous Languages Act by providing mediation and other culturally appropriate approaches to resolving disputes related to Indigenous languages. The department also supports the Commissioner in reviewing complaints and delivers its work through processes designed to be culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and responsive to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis realities. National Center: advances the Commission's mandate and coordinating its interconnected departmental hubs. Key Responsibilities Strategic Research Leadership - Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives. - Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and work plans. - Provide strategic advice on Indigenous language research trends, priorities, and opportunities. - Identify research gaps and emerging issues affecting Indigenous languages and language revitalization. - Contribute to the development of annual and multi-year research agendas. - Works effectively across teams and contributes to Knowledge Hub and organizational priorities. Research Project Management - Lead and oversee multiple research projects from planning through completion. - Coordinate internal and external researchers, consultants, contractors, and partners. - Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and performance measures. - Ensure projects align with OCIL priorities, strategic plans, and Indigenous community needs. - Support the development of project charters and partnership agreements. Indigenous Language Research and Analysis - Conduct and oversee qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies. - Synthesize evidence from multiple sources into actionable findings. - Analyze trends related to language vitality, demographics, language documentation, mapping, and emerging technologies. - Support research related to Indigenous Languages Act reporting requirements. - Develop reports, briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations. Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance - Promote and apply principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, ownership, access, control, and stewardship. - Ensure ethical, culturally appropriate, and community-centered research practices. - Advise on research governance frameworks and protocols. - Support the respectful collection, management, sharing, and use of Indigenous language data. Partnerships and Engagement - Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, and research networks. - Facilitate collaborative research initiatives and partnerships. - Support engagement activities, advisory committees, and knowledge-sharing forums. Knowledge Mobilization - Translate research findings into accessible products for diverse audiences. - Support the development of reports, fact sheets, toolkits, dashboards, and knowledge resources. - Contribute to public awareness and knowledge-sharing initiatives. - Provide strategic advice to support evidence-informed decision-making throughout the organization. Qualifications Education and Experience - Master's degree in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, Public Policy, Linguistics Education, Research Methodology, or a related field. - Significant involvement (3-5+ years) of progressively responsible experience conducting and leading research initiatives. - Experience working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or language revitalization initiatives. - Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and partners. - Experience developing research methodologies and leading evidence-based analysis. Knowledge and Expertise - Strong understanding of Indigenous language revitalization, documentation, reclamation, or language policy, including the Indigenous Languages Act and the TRC Calls to Action. - Experience with geographic information systems (GIS), digital knowledge repositories, archival research, or emerging technologies. - Knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty frameworks and ethical research standards. Skills and Competencies - Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies and ethical research practices. - Advanced qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills. - Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. - Strong project management and organizational skills. - Excellent written communication, report writing, and presentation skills. - Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. - Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. - Strong facilitation, consultation, and engagement skills. - High degree of cultural competency, humility, and respect when working with Indigenous Peoples and communities. Assets - Doctoral degree in a related discipline is an asset. - Knowledge of one or more Indigenous languages. - Proficiency in an Indigenous language and bilingualism (English/French).