Administrative Assistant / Junior Research Analyst

Administrative Assistant / Junior Research Analyst

Department: Executive and Indigenous Affairs

The Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs works to provide overall management and direction to the Executive branch of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Department is responsible for coordinating and supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of initiatives and actions in support of cross-government goals. It ensures mutually respectful intergovernmental relations between the territorial government and Aboriginal, provincial, territorial, and national and international governments are maintained, along with negotiating and implementing land, resources, and self-government agreements that address Aboriginal rights in the Northwest Territories.

Job Information

The Administrative Assistant/Junior Research Analyst, based in Yellowknife, reports to the Executive Director, Healthcare System Sustainability and plays a pivotal role in supporting both the Healthcare System Sustainability Unit and Governance and Service Integration Division within the Department of Executive and Indigenous Affairs. The incumbent is responsible for a wide range of functions essential to the success of these divisions, including administrative and research support.

Key responsibilities include acting as the first point of contact, providing professional communication and reception services, managing phone calls, correspondence, and document proofreading and formatting in line with GNWT communication standards. Additionally, the incumbent manages the coordination of office operations, meeting scheduling, and procurement of office supplies and equipment, ensuring seamless divisional functionality.

The role also involves data input, processing and storage, and assisting in the development of clear, plain language reports to convey complex policy and program information.

Collaboration is at the core of this role. The incumbent works closely with colleagues across GNWT, Indigenous governments, and NGOs to assist with the implementation of initiatives related to health and social services sustainability, homelessness strategies, anti-poverty programs, and food security by playing an essential role in coordinating activities across multiple committees, functions, and government departments, ensuring smooth communication and execution of projects.

Research support is a critical component, requiring the incumbent to track documents and compile information to assist in facilitating informed decision-making for divisional projects. This includes conducting basic research and providing support on divisional projects addressing health and social services system sustainability challenges as well as governance and service integration efforts.

Success in this position requires advanced organizational and communication skills, along with basic analytical skills and a strong understanding of GNWT policies, protocols, and healthcare issues. High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion are paramount, particularly when handling sensitive information. Errors in judgment or delays in performance could have significant legal, political, or reputational impacts on the department and GNWT.

Typically, the above qualifications would be attained by:

An Administrative, Office, or Business Administration Diploma and two years of administrative experience.

Advanced certifications, such as Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or financial certifications, further validate expertise.