Policy Analyst & Legislative Drafter

Policy Analyst & Legislative Drafter

Locations: 11738 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB or 124-1530 27th Avenue NE Calgary, AB*

Closing Date: January 13, 2025, or Until Suitable Candidate Found

Position Status: Full Time (40 hours/week) Permanent Position

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government is recruiting for a Policy Analyst & Legislative Drafter to join the Self-Government Department. Reporting to the Governance & Policy Manager, the chosen candidate will have a unique opportunity to contribute directly to shaping policies, regulations, and legislation which will have a tangible impact on the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s future. The Policy Analyst & Legislative Drafter takes on a high level of responsibility by shaping major policy and legislative initiatives and working in a collaborative environment that values excellence, integrity, creativity, and cultural connection. The successful candidate must possess strong research and writing skills and have strong interpersonal skills with ability to build relationships with multiple stakeholders. This role offers a chance to grow professionally while contributing meaningfully to the advancement of Métis self-governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Elected Representatives to translate legislative proposal ideas into effective legislative language.
• Ensure legislative drafting meets established standards, timelines, and cultural considerations.
• Draft high-quality government bills, regulations, and orders for the Citizens’ Council and Cabinet for introduction in the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s legislative process.
• Provide legal and legislative advice to leadership, ensuring alignment with the Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Constitution and governance principles.
• Review, revise, and amend legislative texts to ensure clarity, precision, and legal consistency; collaborating with legal counsel when necessary.
• Monitor legislative developments and provide guidance on emerging legal and regulatory trends.
• Support the implementation of legislative initiatives through comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultation.
• Lead and coordinate environmental scans, legislation reviews, and policy discussions to develop policy, regulation, and legislation options aligned with the goals of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
• Carefully review legislation to ensure policies and regulations are developed in accordance with legislative requirements and effectively implement legal mandates.
• Lead and coordinate components of legislation review, identify key deadlines and requirements, and propose project objectives.
• Assist in the preparation of analysis or project tracking reports using standard software.
• Examine the efficacy of existing policies, review and amend policy drafts, and provide recommendations for policy development.
• Provide guidance and advise on development and approval practices and processes for policy, regulation, and legislation.
• Prepare and draft reports and briefings for review by leadership.
• Lead and contribute to legislative and policy activities within the Self-Government Department, ensuring timely progress toward key deadlines and objectives.
• Compile tables, charts, graphs, and other necessary resources for reports and documents.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in software tools, including Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams) and Asana with the aptitude for using new software.
• Exceptional ability to conduct thorough research and apply findings to policy and legislative drafting.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, particularly in drafting precise legal language and conveying complex information clearly.
• Meticulous attention to legal accuracy, consistency, and adherence to drafting standards.
• Flexible and adaptable with an ability to thrive in a dynamic and changing environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle tense and stressful situations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Exceptional facilitation, verbal, and written communication skills, with an ability to produce professional documents, reports, and presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the proven ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Political and cultural sensitivity and a strong sense of ethics, with the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality in all interactions.
• Knowledge of Métis history, culture, governance, and issues affecting Métis people. An in-depth understanding of the unique legal context of the Otipemisiwak Métis Government.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Post secondary education in Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Public Administration, Juris Doctor, or similar.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Policy Analyst, Legal Aid/Assistant, or similar role, with proven experience drafting and amending policies and legislation.
• Experience with acts, regulations, and policies administered by Provincial and Federal Legislation.
• Experience using databases to research and compile accurate and relevant information.
• Experience with web and literature searches.

Other Requirements

• Position will be based in Edmonton or Calgary, depending on candidate location. Due to space constraints, if candidate resides in Edmonton, this position is eligible for a work from home rotation, until desk spaces are available.
• Ability to work a regular schedule of Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM with occasional evenings and weekends is required, with notice.
• Reliable transportation and a valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
• Travel within Alberta is required. Additional, less frequent, out-of-province travel may also occur, with notice.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government under its newly ratified Constitution and be an instrumental part of the largest Indigenous Government in Canada as it rapidly grows and develops.
• An opportunity to learn about Métis culture, history, and art.
• Meaningful work in a fun and supportive work environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A comprehensive benefit package and employer contributions to Pension Plan.
• Generous time off policies.

The Otipemisiwak Métis Government thanks all applicants for their interest.

Please note that the Otipemisiwak Métis Government offices will be closed beginning December 23rd and will re-open January 6, 2025. While we will continue to accept applications during this period, please be aware that we will be contacting candidates upon our return in January.

Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.