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Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer

Full Time Position - Winnipeg, MB

The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer is responsible for advancing the organization's priorities through policy development, government relations, organizational planning, and executive support. Reporting directly to the Chief of Staff, the incumbent serves as a trusted advisor by providing policy analysis, coordinating government engagement, developing recommendations, and supporting initiatives that strengthen the organization's advocacy and representation.

The position works collaboratively with the Grand Chief, Executive Director, Program Managers, and departmental staff to ensure the organization is responsive to emerging issues, legislative changes, funding opportunities, and government initiatives affecting First Nations. The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer supports informed decision-making through research, analysis, planning, and the development of high-quality briefing materials and reports.

The Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Officer is a key member of the Executive Office and supports the Chief of Staff in advancing the priorities established by the Chief in Assembly and Executive Council. The incumbent strengthens government-to-government relationships, coordinates policy and organizational initiatives across departments, and provides the research, analysis, and government relations expertise necessary to advance the organization's mandate and improve outcomes for the First Nations it represents.

Role and Responsibilities

Organizational Planning

• Support the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the organization's Strategic Plan.
• Coordinate initiatives that align with organizational priorities as identified by Chiefs-in-Assembly.
• Conduct environmental scans and identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Develop business cases, recommendations, and implementation plans.
• Monitor organizational performance and prepare reports on outcomes.
• Support planning sessions and organizational planning exercises.

Policy Analysis and Development

• Research and analyze federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous legislation, regulations, policies, and programs.
• Assess the impacts of legislative and policy changes on the organization and the First Nations it represents.
• Develop policy papers, discussion papers, briefing notes, issue analyses, position statements, and recommendations.
• Coordinate organizational responses to government consultations and policy initiatives.
• Conduct comparative research and best-practice reviews to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop internal governance policies and organizational procedures as required.

Intergovernmental Relations

• Build and maintain productive relationships with First Nations governments, federal and provincial governments, municipal governments, and other Indigenous organizations.
• Coordinate meetings between senior leadership and government officials.
• Prepare briefing materials, speaking notes, presentations, and correspondence for executive leadership.
• Monitor government announcements, legislation, budgets, and political developments.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and government funding.
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, consultations, and working groups.
• Coordinate follow-up actions arising from government engagements.
• Support and coordinate United Nations-related work, including monitoring relevant UN declarations, mechanisms, forums, and processes affecting Indigenous Peoples and First Nations priorities.

Executive Support

• Provide policy advice and recommendations to the Office of the Grand Chief.
• Prepare executive briefing notes, reports, presentations, and decision documents.
• Coordinate priority initiatives assigned by the Chief of Staff.
• Assist in preparing materials for Grand Chief, Chiefs in Assembly, and senior leadership meetings.
• Track organizational priorities and ensure timely follow-up on executive decisions.
• Support organizational governance through research, analysis, and executive coordination.

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research on Indigenous governance, Treaty implementation, public policy, legislation, socio-economic trends, and government priorities.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data to support informed decision-making.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Ensure relevant reports are completed, reviewed, approved as required, and submitted in a timely manner in accordance with organizational and funding requirements.
• Monitor emerging issues affecting Indigenous communities and recommend proactive responses.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with First Nations leadership, government departments, Indigenous organizations, funding agencies, and community partners.
• Coordinate consultations and engagement activities.
• Support collaborative policy development and organizational initiatives.
• Promote effective communication between internal departments and external partners.

Organizational Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to organizational initiatives.
• Support organizational planning, evaluation, and reporting processes.
• Recommend improvements to organizational policies, systems, and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness.

Communications Support

• Prepare speeches, presentations, executive correspondence, briefing packages, and reports.
• Assist with advocacy materials, government submissions, and strategic communications.
• Support public announcements and media responses related to policy or government initiatives as required.
• MKO is political advocacy organization that works to represent the leadership and member First Nations. All staff at MKO may be given other duties as assigned that enable MKO to fulfill the mandate and responsibility to its member communities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, Public Policy, Law, Economics, Business Administration, Communications, or a related discipline.
• A master's degree in a related field is considered an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in:
  • • Policy analysis and development
    • Government or intergovernmental relations
    • Organizational planning
    • Indigenous governance
    • Public administration
    • Executive advisory roles
      

• Experience working with First Nations governments, Indigenous organizations or political advocacy organizations is strongly preferred.
• The successful candidate will possess knowledge of:
  
  • • Indigenous governance structures and leadership.
    • Treaty and Aboriginal rights.
    • Federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal government systems.
    • Government decision-making and legislative processes.
    • Public policy development and analysis.
    • Organizational planning and governance.
    • Government funding and budget processes.
    • Current issues affecting First Nations communities.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking abilities.
• Outstanding written communication skills with the ability to prepare executive-level reports, policy papers, and briefing materials.
• Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and diplomacy skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to analyze complex legislation and policy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting competing deadlines.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and digital collaboration tools.
• Must be able to provide a satisfactory and current Criminal Record Check (including vulnerable sector check), Child Abuse Registry Check, and Adult Abuse Registry Check.
• Ability to speak a First Nations language would be an asset.
• Domestic travel required.
• Attendance at evening and weekend meetings, conferences, and community events may be required.
• Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence and the ability to travel independently.
  

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience

Interested applicants are invited to submit their cover letter identifying the position applying for and resume, along with 3 professional reference listings (include a most recent employer reference) by 4:00 p.m. on August 11, 2026.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. Preference will be given to qualified First Nations applicants; applicants are encouraged to self-declare in their resume or cover letter. No phone calls will be accepted.

Incorporated in 1981 as the Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak (MKO). MKO is a non-profit, political advocacy organization that provides a collective voice on issues of inherent, Treaty, Indigenous, and human rights for citizens of the 26 sovereign First Nations we represent. The MKO First Nations are signatory to Treaties 4, 5, 6, and 10.

Please visit our website at mkonation.com