Children and Families Policy Analyst ($82,000 - $88,000/yr + hybrid/remote options!)

• Make a lasting difference to the BCAFN by helping with their growth and development
• Become a key part of a progressive and diverse provincial, territorial organization that values every perspective
• Earn a competitive annual salary of $82,000-$88,000, negotiable based on experience, plus comprehensive benefits! 

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 BCAFN is one of ten regional organizations affiliated with the National Assembly of First Nations whose members include 634 First Nations across Canada.

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.

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

The British Columbia Assembly of First Nations (BCAFN) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Child and Family Policy Analyst to join our team, based in Vancouver or Prince George, BC (hybrid), with remote options available for candidates within BC.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and Senior Policy Director, you will play a pivotal role in advancing systemic change and supporting First Nations leadership on child and family well-being matters, ensuring alignment with BCAFN’s mission and advocacy goals.

In this position, you will be primarily responsible for providing policy analysis, strategic guidance, and collaboration to support transformative initiatives that promote First Nations child and family well-being.

Your responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Advancing jurisdictional and systemic change through the Tripartite Working Group on Children and Families (TWGCF), collaborating with federal and provincial governments
• Collaborating with the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs (UBCIC), First Nations Summit, and other partners to address child and family well-being issues
• Coordinating initiatives and projects, including addressing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (CHRT) non-compliance motions with legal partners
• Facilitating and coordinating political and technical meetings to advance the work
• Supporting the BCAFN Regional Chief and First Nations Leadership Council on key issues, including Jordan’s Principle, child welfare jurisdiction, and compensation negotiations
• Conducting research and preparing speaking notes, reports, and briefs to support informed decision-making by First Nations leaders
• Facilitating partnerships with organizations such as the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society, Our Children Our Way and other organizations and agencies as required
• Providing strategic recommendations to the First Nations Leadership Council
• Maintaining records of high-level meetings to ensure effective follow-through on action items

To qualify, you will need a university degree in a related field such as social work, law, public administration, or First Nations studies, with 3+ years of experience working on policy related to child and family issues, First Nations inherent rights, or within government agencies such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD).

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

• Background in law or legal expertise, particularly related to child welfare and systemic reform
• Proven knowledge of First Nations historical, political, and legal issues, with an understanding of colonial impacts on child and family well-being
• Experience with legislation, regulations and policy development in child welfare, including Jordan’s Principles, First Nations Child and Family Services Program and Canadian Human Rights Tribunal matters
• Strong analytical, research, and reasoning abilities to provide actionable recommendations
• Expertise in preparing reports, briefs, and speaking notes to support leadership decision-making
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with government agencies (e.g., MCFD), First Nations organizations, and communities
• Excellent time management skills to manage multiple priorities and produce results within tight timelines
• Familiarity with the political landscape and government policies affecting child and family matters
• Willingness and ability to travel as required

As our ideal candidate, you bring exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, paired with the emotional resilience needed to navigate the complex and sensitive realities of historical and current First Nations child welfare challenges. Your empathetic approach, cultural awareness, and unwavering commitment to advancing First Nations self-determination will set you apart. Additionally, your ability to recognize and navigate the high-stakes nature of this work, including its leadership and political dimensions, combined with your collaborative mindset, will ensure your success in this critical role.

This is a meaningful opportunity for a passionate professional with a legal or policy background to drive systemic change in child and family well-being, creating a lasting and positive impact on First Nations communities and families.

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

In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a competitive annual salary of $82,000-$88,000, 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!