Climate Change Policy Analyst ($75,000 - $80,000/yr + hybrid/remote options!)

at  British Columbia Assembly of First Nations BCAFN

• Make a lasting difference to the BCAFN by helping with their growth and development
• Become a key part of a forward-thinking, inclusive, and diverse team that values every perspective
• Earn a competitive annual salary of $75,000 - $80,000, negotiable based on experience, plus comprehensive benefits!

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

BCAFN is looking for a full-time Climate Change Policy Analyst, based in Prince George, Vancouver or Willaims Lake, consideration will be given for a remote location.
This role involves providing policy support and coordination for climate change projects and engagements under the guidance of the Chief of Staff, the Regional Climate Change Coordinator and supported/mentored by the Climate and Environment Policy Analyst, contributing significantly to the development of a First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitoring and analyzing federal and provincial climate-related legislation, policies, and plans to develop strategic responses that affect Aboriginal Title, Rights, and interests of BCAFN members
• Conducting in-depth research and providing analysis, advice, and recommendations on climate and environmental policy, including identifying gaps and implications for First Nations’ interests
• Leading coordination efforts for engagement with First Nations communities and organizations to implement the First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda and other climate projects
• Preparing comprehensive agendas and communication materials, taking detailed meeting notes, and planning and facilitating Steering Committee meetings
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with contractors and consultants to ensure positive collaboration and timely project deliverables
• Proactively monitoring and managing project timelines, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved on schedule
• Creating and presenting detailed position and research papers, briefing notes, proposals, presentations, and policy documents to support BCAFN’s climate change objectives
• Coordinating and supporting the organization in virtual and in-person meetings and events with stakeholders including First Nations, provincial, and federal governments, to advocate for First Nations’ climate interests

To read the full position description, please click here.

MORE ABOUT YOU

To qualify, you will need post-secondary education in a related field of study and 2+ years of experience of relevant experience, ideally in policy analysis, research, or project coordination related to climate change, environment, and First Nations.

The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:

• Proven knowledge of the AFN Climate Strategy, BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and provincial and federal climate policies and legislation
• Holistic understanding of how climate policy and policy changes affect the lives and sovereignty of First Nations communities
• Strong computer literacy, particularly in data analysis and Excel
• Experience with various research methodologies, including both First Nations and Western approaches
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, to translate complex policy and legal language into understandable concepts for a variety of audiences
• Developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective networks and positive relationships
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the team, with occasional evening and weekend work
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce results within deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

Our ideal candidate is a self-driven, independent thinker, adept at collaborating with a multidisciplinary team. Your keen eye for detail and curiosity propels you to delve into the complexities of policy development, legislation, and its impacts on First Nations communities, fostering a deep understanding and innovative solutions. This exploration is always through a First Nations lens, reflecting a lived, worked, or deeply understood experience that honours the perspective and values of First Nations communities.
Above all, you are defined by your flexibility, initiative, and a strong passion for First Nations Climate Action and advocating for First Nations’ rights, titles, and interests. Skillfully navigating governance and organizational structures with respect, empathy, and diplomacy, you exhibit a well-rounded personality, emotional intelligence, and the discernment necessary to tackle various professional scenarios.
This is an impactful and dynamic position that requires a motivated individual who is ready to contribute to meaningful climate change initiatives within the First Nations communities. We are looking for a candidate who is not only skilled and experienced but also shares our values of respect, solidarity, and teamwork.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitoring and analyzing federal and provincial climate-related legislation, policies, and plans to develop strategic responses that affect Aboriginal Title, Rights, and interests of BCAFN members
• Conducting in-depth research and providing analysis, advice, and recommendations on climate and environmental policy, including identifying gaps and implications for First Nations’ interests
• Leading coordination efforts for engagement with First Nations communities and organizations to implement the First Nations Climate Leadership Agenda and other climate projects
• Preparing comprehensive agendas and communication materials, taking detailed meeting notes, and planning and facilitating Steering Committee meetings
• Building and maintaining professional relationships with contractors and consultants to ensure positive collaboration and timely project deliverables
• Proactively monitoring and managing project timelines, ensuring milestones and deliverables are achieved on schedule
• Creating and presenting detailed position and research papers, briefing notes, proposals, presentations, and policy documents to support BCAFN’s climate change objectives
• Coordinating and supporting the organization in virtual and in-person meetings and events with stakeholders including First Nations, provincial, and federal governments, to advocate for First Nations’ climate interest

The following skills and experience will be crucial for this role:

• Proven knowledge of the AFN Climate Strategy, BC First Nations Climate Strategy and Action Plan, and provincial and federal climate policies and legislation
• Holistic understanding of how climate policy and policy changes affect the lives and sovereignty of First Nations communities
• Strong computer literacy, particularly in data analysis and Excel
• Experience with various research methodologies, including both First Nations and Western approaches
• Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, to translate complex policy and legal language into understandable concepts for a variety of audiences
• Developed interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain effective networks and positive relationships
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the team, with occasional evening and weekend work
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce results within deadlines
• Willingness and ability to travel as require