Policy Advisor, Legislative Affairs

Reporting To: Manager of Legislative Affairs

Location: Hybrid or local (MNC Office, #600-180 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON)

Position Status: Full Time (35 hours per week), Permanent

Application deadline: September 19, 2026

The Organization:

The Métis Nation is a distinct Indigenous people recognized under Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act, 1982. The Métis National Council (MNC) and its Governing Members advocate for the Métis Nation. The primary mandate of the MNC is to work with federal and other key stakeholders to resolve systemic issues and concerns of the Métis Nation such as the fiscal relationship with the federal government; economic development; health; childcare and family services; education; environment, Métis veterans, and language promotion and protection. The MNC represents the Métis Nation both domestically and abroad and seeks to reinforce the Métis Nation’s right to self-government in Canada

The Position:

The Métis National Council is seeking a Policy Advisor, Legislative Affairs to support the Intergovernmental Relations Branch at the MNC. This position plays a key role in advancing the organization’s national and international priorities through policy development, government relations, legislative analysis, and strategic coordination.

Reporting to the Manager of Legislative Affairs, the position provides flexible policy and operational support across the Intergovernmental Relations, Legislative Affairs, and International Relations teams.

The Policy Advisor will contribute to a broad range of files related to federal, provincial, territorial, and international engagement; legislative and regulatory affairs; intergovernmental coordination; and strategic policy development impacting the Métis Nation.

Working collaboratively across the organization, the Policy Advisor will support relationship-building with governments, Indigenous organizations, and external partners; contribute to the development of briefing materials and policy products; assist in convening meetings and engagement activities; monitor legislative and regulatory processes; and support the advancement of Métis Government priorities through research, analysis, and advocacy.

Key Responsibilities:

∞ Research, analyze, and develop policy recommendations on issues impacting the Métis Nation across intergovernmental, legislative, and international affairs files.

∞ Support the coordination and implementation of strategic initiatives and engagement activities across the Intergovernmental Relations Branch.

∞ Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, political, and policy developments at the federal and international levels and provide timely advice to leadership.

∞ Prepare legislative submissions, briefing notes, presentations, correspondence, reports, speaking points, and advocacy materials to support MNC priorities.

∞ Support relationship-building and engagement with Métis Governments, federal departments, Indigenous organizations, international partners, and other stakeholders.

∞ Assist with coordinating meetings, forums, conferences, and engagement activities, including logistical and policy preparation support.

∞ Contribute to the development of strategic policy positions and advocacy approaches that advance Métis priorities and support distinctions-based engagement.

∞ Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment and coordination across policy files and engagement activities.

∞ Lead and maintain project tracking systems, action item monitoring, timelines, and reporting processes across legislative, intergovernmental, and international relations files to support branch coordination and accountability.

∞ Support analysis or parliamentary committee activity, federal consultations, Cabinet and legislative processes, and related government decision-making mechanisms impacting Métis priorities.

∞ Other duties that may be assigned by senior leadership relevant to the implementation of intergovernmental, international, or legislative priorities.

Qualifications:

∞ Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, Indigenous studies, international relations, law, public administration, or a related field and/or equivalent experience.

∞ Experience with and/or knowledge of the Métis political landscape and a commitment to advancing Métis priorities.

∞ Experience supporting policy development, government relations, legislative affairs, advocacy, or stakeholder engagement activities.

∞ Strong analytical ability to synthesize complex information and provide timely advice and practical recommendations.

∞ Knowledge of federal governance structures and policy processes.

∞ Experience working with government agencies, elected representatives, Indigenous organizations, or external stakeholders is considered an asset.

∞ Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise and strategic briefing materials.

∞ Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

∞ Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team environment.

Knowledge and Skills:

∞ Understanding of Métis culture, history, and the unique challenges faced by Métis communities or strong desire to learn.

∞ Knowledge of the Métis Nation's historical, political and legal issues or strong desire to learn.

∞ High level of tact, diplomacy and discretion.

∞ Excellent judgement and creativity.

∞ Organizational, multi-tasking and time-management skills.

∞ Resilience and adaptability.

∞ Strong ability to work independently and with a team

Additional Requirements:

∞ Complete a clean Criminal Record Check with the Vulnerable Sector.

∞ Willingness to travel domestically or internationally, at times with short notice.

The Métis National Council is an organization that is primarily engaged in serving the interests of persons identified by their Métis citizenship. For this position, preference in employment will be given to applicants who identify as Métis, in accordance with section 24(1) of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Since this role involves delivering culturally appropriate services to the Métis community, being Métis is a reasonable and bona fide requirement of the position. Applicants are invited to indicate their Métis identity in their application and provide proof of Métis citizenship at the time of application.

The Metis National Council is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to the principles of Employment Equity. We encourage applications from qualified applicants of all genders, including Indigenous persons, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.