Job Description

BACKGROUND:

SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 32 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples' inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for tracking emerging issues, providing technical support to management, development and oversight of SCO programs, and preparing position papers, reports, and other material with recommendations for consideration to create positive change and improve the safety, protection, and well-being of southern First Nation citizens and communities. This position frequently engages with SCO member Nations, other jurisdictions, organizations, and orders of government.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conducts focus groups, facilitates meetings, and delivers presentations on SCO priorities or assigned special projects

Collects and provides analysis of data adhering to OCAP principles

Undertakes research and reviews and/or analyses complex and strategic policy, programs, and processes. This includes daily monitoring and analysis of government announcements and specific government initiatives and legislation using a First Nation lens

Prepares and edits complex reports and responses and analyzes, organizes, and themes data for internal and external publications, including responses to government consultations, Memorandums of Understanding, and agreements

Prepares briefing materials for the Chiefs Executive Committee, the Grand Chiefs' Office, Chief Executive Officer, and other SCO Program Directors as required

Writes, collates, and submits program plans, implementation plans, annual reports, funding proposals, program goals and objectives, and program proposal budgets as part of the SCO Policy Team, to program partners and funders

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Post-secondary education (bachelor's degree) in social sciences, justice, or community development

Minimum of three (3) years' experience in program delivery or policy analysis, including experience writing proposals, advocacy letters, briefing notes, discussion, and policy papers. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Knowledge and awareness of provincial and federal government policy and process, including policy areas that directly and indirectly impact the health and well-being of First Nations, including understanding of human and Indigenous rights

Experience conducting research (e.g. Jurisdictional scans, literature reviews, interviews, stakeholder consultations, statistical analysis, financial analysis, focus groups, surveys), and policy analysis including knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of researching, evaluating, and analyzing information

Excellent written communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise documents with a high degree of accuracy and for a variety of audiences

Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate research, policy, and ideas to a variety of audiences

Self-motivated, organized professional able to work independently with general supervision and as part of a team, and able to balance competing interests, solve problems or impasses, and move initiatives forward to meet deadlines, often within tight timelines, and with precision

Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively and productively with colleagues, supervisors, and other internal and external stakeholders

Political acumen and the ability to maintain confidentiality when developing and handling sensitive information

Proficiency with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams or Zoom

Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin is considered an asset

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector search

Must have a valid class 5 MB driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle as travel will be required

Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings or events may be required, especially during peak engagement or reporting periods

WAGE RANGE: $80,000 - $95,000 Annually

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Tuesday, January 6th, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST

Please submit a cover letter and resume to:

Human Resources

Southern Chiefs' Organization

202-600 Empress Street

Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5

Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca

Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.

Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.

Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.

Testing may form part of the selection process.

An eligibility list may be created for similar positions and will remain in effect for up to six months.

We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care
Work Location: In person