Policy Analyst

Area/Department:  Policy, Evaluation, Research and Communications

Reports to:

Director, Strategic Initiatives and Programs
Supervisory Responsibility:  No  Employment Status:  Term Full Time – March 2026to March 2027 (possibility of extension)

Location:

Remote (Canada)
Salary Range:  $80,000-$85,000

First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC) is a national not-for-profit corporation that is governed and managed by Indigenous leaders and exists to improve the lives of Canada’s First Peoples by addressing healing, wellness, and other mental health challenges. The mission of FPWC is to advocate for collaborative transformative change to create pathways to wellness and whole health for First Peoples shaped by diverse Indigenous cultural lenses.

Our work focuses on implementation of the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and supporting the First Nation workforce of Mental Wellness Teams.

We are currently looking to fill the position of  Policy Analyst . This is a full-time (37.5 hours per week), fully-remote position. Our head office is located in North Bay, Ontario and individuals from Ontario may be given preference.

Under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs, the Policy Analyst will be responsible for initiating policy research, analysis and advocacy on issues related to Mental Wellness for First Nations, towards the achievement of improved outcomes. We are a small organization that values collaboration and teamwork.

Position Purpose
Under the direction of the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs, the Policy Analyst initiates policy research, analysis and advocacy on issues related to Mental Wellness for First Nations, towards the achievement of improved outcomes.

Responsibilities

Provides strategic advice and support to the Chief Executive Officer and Team Managers to support the First People Wellness Circle mandate, priorities, through own initiative and as directed

Gathers, classifies and assesses data, including legislation, laws, policies, trends and government and stakeholder reports within the framework for mental wellness

Compares data analysis with expressed opinions on proposed policies and develops papers identifying potential positions to such proposed policies

Prepares letters, reports, submissions, briefs, research, position papers as policy responses are required

Develop policies, frameworks, strategies and resources, with a focus on mental wellness

Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis on the First Nation Mental Wellness Continuum Framework

Promotes recognition of First Nations culture-based initiatives within area of Mental Wellness

Develops alternative methodologies to improve policy frameworks as they affect First Nations communities, Mental Wellness service providers and other stakeholders

Participates and presents on committees, government tables and working groups as required

Other duties as required by the Director of Strategic Initiatives and Programs

Minimum Experience Required &

Minimum Education

A post graduate level degree in mental wellness related discipline (health/public health) or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (social work, political science, Indigenous Studies, psychology) and a minimum of two years’ experience in the area of health policy or health delivery and experience working in and researching within a First Nations contextOR

A Bachelor’s level post-secondary degree in mental wellness, health or related social discipline and a minimum of five years’ experience in the area of health policy or health delivery, and experience working in research within a First Nations context.

Critical Thinking

Building Relationships and Strategic Partnerships

Results Orientation

Teamwork and Collaboration

Communication

Problem Solving

Addictions and Mental Health Competency

Cultural Competence and Cultural Safety

Technical Skills

Excellent writing, communication and presentation skills

Excellent attention to detail, organisational, and time management skills

Strong analytical and research skills

Ability to work well autonomously and as a member of a highly collaborative team

Ability to act with discretion and handle…