Policy Advisor – Mental Health and Addictions Full Time

Please note: This job posting will close on November 11, 2025, at 5 PM and this posting is for an existing vacancy.

Objective:

OFIFC Policy Advisors are change-makers who critically analyze the public policy landscape to advocate for a strengthened and thriving Friendship Centre Movement, Indigenous self-determination, and improved quality of life in urban Indigenous communities.

Key Deliverables:

To recommend through policy advocacy, Indigenous-led solutions, strengths-based approaches, and fundamental changes to systems that do not work for Friendship Centre communities.
To maintain pressure on critical public policy priorities within key areas of specialization that create the conditions for continued oppression, marginalization, and lack of self-determination in Friendship Centre communities. Work is undertaken in alignment with organizational priorities and strategic plan

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Research, Analysis and Advocacy (70%):

Establishes understanding of sector issues and leading practices by gathering data including research, government and stakeholder reports, policies, frameworks, legislation, laws, and statistics within area of specialisation.
Builds relationships with Friendship Centres to understand how policy issues affect Friendship Centres, to determine key community priorities, and to evaluate policy approaches.
Analyzes public policy issues from a Friendship Centre perspective, advancing Indigenous-led solutions, strengths-based approaches, and fundamental changes to systems that do not work for Friendship Centre communities.
Anticipates possible policy issues within area of specialization and their related social, political and economic impacts on Friendship Centres and their communities.
Participates on committees, government tables, and working groups.
Works in a self-directive manner to achieve policy goals aligned with organizational priorities.
Promotes government policy adherence to the Urban Indigenous Action Plan;
Considers policy issues wholistically and from intersecting lenses including impacts on Indigenous youth, women, 2SLGBTQQIA+ community members, seniors and Elders.
Promotes the recognition of OFIFC programs, research, training, and evaluation approaches.
Raises the profile of Friendship Centre culture-based programs and initiatives and Indigenous-led solutions within area of specialisation.
Develops papers, briefings, and presentations that analyze proposed policies, strategies, legislation, or laws from a Friendship Centre perspective.
Prepares letters, briefing notes, sector research, reports, submissions, position papers, board reports, and applications.
Develops and communicates organizational positions through the development of frameworks, strategies, resources, and communications support within relevant area of specialization.
Develops alternate methodologies to evaluate and improve policy frameworks, recommending entirely new Indigenous-led approaches when required.
Prepares reports for submission to funding bodies as per requirements to ensure OFIFC is compliant with funding agreements relevant to area of specialisation.
Supports the development of proposals in the relevant area of specialisation.
Participates in the Policy community of practice at the OFIFC.
Participates in the delivery of training and workshops as relevant to area of specialisation.

Relationships/Partnerships/Support (30%):

Maintains and develops relationships with government and agency policy advisors and other stakeholders to discuss policy implications on priority issues faced by Friendship Centres.
Organizes and leads engagements with Friendship Centres to understand policy issues, share information, and apply input received from Friendship Centres into effective policy advocacy.
Participates in capacity support to Friendship Centres by supporting stakeholder relationships at local level, identifying funding opportunities, and writing Friendship Centre project funding proposals.
Participates in Friendship Centre field visits and documents issues to be addressed.
Establishes strong relationships with colleagues in all work departments at the OFIFC to share information, ensure relevant advocacy messaging, provide technical support, collaborate on projects, and support the advancement of the organization.
Acts as chairperson, technician, facilitator, spokesperson in fora or meetings related to area of specialization.
Participates on integrated internal committees on a voluntary basis

Education/Work Experience:

Post-secondary education in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, or another relevant discipline
2-3 years experience in policy analysis or equivalent community development experience

Behavioural Competencies:

Analytical Thinking
Creativity & Innovative
Problem Solving & Decision Making
Planning & Organizing
Integrity and Credibility
Team Player

Technical Competencies:

Experience with Indigenous community development work.
Demonstrated ability to build and foster relationships with Indigenous communities and external policy stakeholders.
Experience analyzing government policy, legislation, frameworks, and strategies.
Ease in identifying Indigenous community priorities to inform their application through the development of policy approaches, advocacy, and recommendations.
Excellent writing skills including the ability to analyze complex policy concepts and communicate effectively for different audiences.
Knowledge of government organisational structures, political theory, and policy cycle
Ability to be self-directive and to achieve policy goals aligned with organizational priorities.
Must have strong oral communication/public speaking skills.

What we offer:

Culture-based organization
Registered Pension Plan – Employer Matching
Hiring Range: $70,000 – $73,850
Full Pay Range: $70,000 – $82,000
Comprehensive Health benefits after the probationary period including Health Care Spending Account & Lifestyle Spending Account (100% Employer paid

The OFIFC is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce; we promote employment equity and encourage applicants to indicate if you belong to one of the four designated employment equity groups Women, Indigenous peoples, Persons with disabilities, or Members of visible minorities when you apply.

Preference will be given to qualified Turtle Island Indigenous people including members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis (recognized by the Metis National Council). Applicants claiming Indigenous ancestry will be required to provide supporting documentation to substantiate their claim.

Accommodation:

The OFIFC is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Pre-screen Interviews are scheduled to start November 17 – 19, 2025.
Formal interviews are scheduled to take place November 20 – 24, 2025.