Program Consultant and Legal Counsel

We are an organization comprised of industry thought leaders who are passionate about health data and want to make a difference in the health care field. We are an independent, not-for-profit organization and together with our partners we provide essential information on Canada’s health systems, enabling decisions that lead to healthier Canadians. As a valued member of the CIHI team, you and your work will have a pivotal role in the evolution of Canada’s health care systems.

CIHI is recognized as an exceptional place to work that embraces diversity, respect, integrity, collaboration and innovation. Learn about our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and the work being done to create a more inclusive and welcoming organization by focusing on how we learn, govern and practise.

At CIHI, we recognize what matters to our employees. Some of the benefits of working at CIHI include

Retirement Planning Program

Generous vacation days for permanent and long-term contracts

Work‑life balance

Learning and Professional Development Program

Flexible benefits program from your first day on the job for permanent and long-term contracts

Why is this role important? Under the direct supervision of the Manager and Senior Legal Counsel, the Legal Counsel provides expert legal advice on privacy law matters and ensures compliance with legislative and legal requirements. The incumbent also provides guidance as needed on a variety of corporate, commercial, intellectual property, information technology and procurement law matters. In addition to the above, the Legal Counsel also supports the Privacy Office in reviewing and maintaining CIHI’s policies and procedures covering the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information, health workforce personal information and personal information in compliance with legislative and legal requirements, as well as industry best practices.

What you’ll do

Acts as the subject matter expert by providing strategic privacy and legal advice and recommendations to internal stakeholders on matters relating to the collection, use, disclosure, retention and disposition of personal information and personal health information, and the amendment, implementation and application of privacy policies within CIHI.

Provides strategic advice and recommendations to senior management on a broad range of key privacy issues and priorities to support CIHI’s Privacy Program. Prepares associated reports and briefing notes for senior leadership.

Leads the development of Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA) by providing advice, guidance and privacy expertise to program areas and projects, including the application of Privacy and Security risk management methodology.

Conducts planned external audits and other related ongoing compliance monitoring activities, analyses and presents results to senior management.

Conducts research on and monitors emerging issues, trends and developments in the area of privacy of interest to CIHI, including federal, provincial and territorial legislation and regulation, decisions of federal, provincial/territorial Privacy Commissioners / Ombudsmen and identifying implications and recommendations for CIHI.

Handles legal files as assigned, with a focus on: privacy, corporate/commercial, procurement, information technology, employment, and intellectual property.

Liaises with external stakeholders to stay informed on privacy, legislative and access to information issues impacting CIHI.

Drafts, negotiates and provides advice on various contracts and agreements for funding, collaboration, purchase of goods and services, data sharing and copyright.

Prepares and delivers privacy and legal education sessions to the organization.

Identifies areas of shortcoming and drafts templates and other legal instruments to streamline the corporation’s activities and processes.

What you’ll bring to the table

LL.B or equivalent law degree and member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.

CIPP/C Certification is an asset.

Minimum of five years of post‑call experience. Experience in private practice, in‑house or a combination thereof would be an asset.

Legal knowledge and experience in privacy law, corporate/commercial, information technology, procurement and employment, with a focus on intellectual property licensing.

Strong drafting and negotiation skills with a focus on privacy, information technology, intellectual property licensing and commercial law would be an asset.

Knowledge of Canadian privacy laws with a focus on the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).

Knowledge of privacy principles, frameworks and legislation such as Privacy by Design, Fair information Principles.

Knowledge of the health sector, research, AI and information technology would be an asset.

Familiarity or direct experience with the triennial reviews conducted by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario in relation to prescribed entities or prescribed persons under PHIPA.

Excellent practical and business‑oriented approach and sound decision‑making abilities.

Strong communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple and clear manner.

Excellent analytical and research skills.

Excellent planning and organization skills and an ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Works well with little supervision, possesses initiative.

Proven ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

Fluency in English required, bilingualism in both official languages is an asset.

At CIHI we are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier‑free and accessible environment. Part of this commitment includes arranging accommodations to ensure an equitable opportunity to participate in the recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Data Privacy and Record Retention Notice

In accordance with Ontario’s legislation, CIHI is required to retain copies of this job posting and all associated application materials for a minimum of three (3) years from the date the posting is removed from public view.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your personal information and application data will be stored securely in our systems for this mandatory retention period to ensure compliance with provincial employment standards.

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