• 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 salary of $80,000 - $95,000 based on skills, experience and qualifications, plus comprehensive benefits! 

About the British Columbia Assembly of First Nations

The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is a national advocacy organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada, which includes more than 900,000 people living in 634 First Nation communities and in cities and towns across the country.

The Regional Chief provides the political leadership and activities for the BCAFN, and is elected to this role by the BC First Nations Chiefs for a term of three years. BCAFN is further governed by a Board of five directors, elected to three-year staggered terms. Each board member is a Chief or designate for their First Nation community. BCAFN hosts a Special Chiefs Assembly and an Annual General Assembly every spring and fall which allow for BC First Nations leadership to engage in open socio-political discussions in order to provide community-driven directives to the Regional Chief through resolution.

BCAFN is one of ten regional organizations affiliated with the National Assembly of First Nations whose members include 633 First Nations across Canada. The BCAFN Regional Chief sits on the AFN Executive Committee whereby his/her role is to ensure regional concerns of BCAFN members are included in National political discussions and decision-making processes. The Regional Chief also holds specific portfolios that deal with national policy issues and concerns.

The BCAFN Society is registered under the Societies Act of British Columbia. As an incorporated society, BCAFN operates with its own regionally specific mandates, and works towards creating new and better memories for First Nations that include meaningful participatory relationships with the provincial and federal governments as well as industry, and which aim to close the socio-economic gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people.

 To learn more about us, please visit: bcafn.ca

About the BC First Nations Centre of Excellence for Economic Development (CoE)

The CoE was established by a resolution passed by the Chiefs in Assembly of British Columbia in 2021. In 2022, the BCAFN began negotiations with the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Diversification, and Innovation, and secured a funding agreement of $3.4 million over three fiscal years. A key objective of the CoE will be to promote economic development among First Nations in British Columbia.

About the Opportunity

The BCAFN has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Policy Analyst to join our team at the British Columbia First Nations Centre Of Excellence For Economic Development (CoE), based in Vancouver, BC (Hybrid work model available).

Reporting to the Senior Policy Analyst and the CEO, you will be primarily responsible for providing sustainable economic development and fiscal relations strategies.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Contributing to policy, program, and corporate research
• Identifying and addressing problems to support policy initiatives and economic development
• Supporting strategic planning for CoE, BCAFN member First Nations, and stakeholders
• Leading First Nations-focused research and recommendations in sectors like Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Power Generation, Environment, and Tourism
• Preparing speaking notes, briefing notes, reports, communication materials, and working on other assignments as requested
• Providing communication and liaison services for the CoE, participating in events promoting First Nations economic development
• Formulating and recommending policy statements and amendments
• Supporting detailed implementation plans
• Maintaining knowledge of external organizations and government orders for policy
• Contributing to senior management presentations and briefings
• Participating in benchmarking initiatives, operational research, and liaising with First Nations, government agencies, industry, and business leaders
• Engaging in regional and community-based events with First Nations' members, and other conferences directed by the CEO
• Travelling domestically, and on occasion internationally
• Performing assigned related duties

More About You

To qualify, you need a degree in Business, Commerce, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field, or a college diploma with 5 years of relevant work experience. A combination of relevant skills and experience will be considered.

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

• 5+ years of experience with MS Office software (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Extensive experience with research and public policy related to First Nations economic development and commerce as well as relevant provincial and federal policies and programs
• Extensive experience with online and other research – quantitative and qualitative
• Demonstrated proficiency in email software, online searches, and video conferencing
• Proven knowledge in policy analysis, planning and development in a First Nations government or organization setting, provincial or federal government or other public or private organization
• Ability to multi-task and work long hours on occasion
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High organizational and time-management skills
• Familiarity with relevant public policy and legislation
• Robust problem-solving skills to analyze and devise effective solutions
• Ability to work both independently and with others in a multidisciplinary team
• Proficiency with report writing, business correspondence, and oral/visual presentations
• Keen awareness of contemporary and historic issues impacting First Nations communities and people
• Awareness of First Nations economic development issues, programs, and services
• Willingness to travel both domestically and internationally when needed

Above all, we value a collaborative attitude and entrepreneurial spirit with the empathy to understand and meet community members' and leaders' passions and needs, to compassionately drive our organization forward while upholding our culture.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations ancestry. 

About the Benefits

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive salary of $80,000 - $95,000, negotiable dependent on skills, experience and qualifications, along with a great host of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• RRSP Matching of up to 6% of Your Salary
• 3 Weeks of Vacation to Start (Negotiable)
• Paid time off: Christmas Break & National Indigenous Day 
• Moving Expenses (Negotiable)

If you are interested in progressing your career with a growing organization, apply today!