Job Purpose
The Policy Officer will complete a research project to help Habitat for Humanity Canada identify and develop policy recommendations related to local, provincial/territorial and federal housing tax policies. This project will contribute to Habitat for Humanity Canada’s 2026 public policy research and advocacy agenda. This role will sit in the public policy team, applying strong research and policy analysis skills to Habitat Canada’s ability to support local affiliates and contribute to solutions to enable increased access to homeownership in Canada.
Duties and Responsibilities
As a member of Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Public Policy team, your major functions will be to:
- Review and assess current research onhousing taxes and fees.
- Monitor media, think tankand government dialogue on housing fees and taxes.
- Produce a report, using methods including environmental scanning,interviews, and surveys to assess which taxes and fees most impact Habitat for Humanity building costs.
- In consultation with the Senior Manager, Government Relations,identifya set of tax changes that couldbenefitHabitat for Humanity builders.
- Develop recommendations on required changes, including assessfinancial impactfor Habitat and on government.
- Undertake a review of tax credits in other countries, and their impact on charities like Habitat.
- Supportthe Public Policyteam with any other ad hoc requests.
- Attend Habitat Canada staff meetings and events as required.
Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution, preferably in public administration, political science,political economics, other another social science.
- Demonstrated ability to use common research methods to gather information from different sources.
- Demonstrated record of problem-solving and priority-setting in a fast paced, complex, and evolving environment.
- Strong knowledge of Excel and MS Office.
- Knowledgeof federal,provincialand local housing policies and basic understanding of municipal finance.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal in English. Knowledge of French an asset.
- Highly organized,independent,able to prioritize and detail oriented.
- Effective at developing positive working relationships evidenced by a track recordof teamwork and collegiality.
- Shares Habitat’s values for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.
The Policy Officers works during Habitat Canada’s normal office hours 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. If located in the GTA or Ottawa, may on occasion be required to attend the office (GTA) or meetings with working level government officials (Ottawa).
Compensation: $17.60/Hour
Contract Duration: 8 Weeks
About Habitat for Humanity Canada
Founded in 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada is a national charity comprised of local Habitat organizations working in every province and the North. Through innovative home construction, repair, and financing, skills training and advocacy, we bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat for Humanity Canada is a member of Habitat for Humanity International, a leading global non-profit working in more than 60 countries. To learn more, visit and follow @HabitatCanada.