Policy Research and Initiatives Advisor

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041.

Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people.

Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life.

Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.

• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24 / 7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination.

Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• Reporting to the Manager Strategic Policy and Regulatory Compliance, is responsible for providing expert and strategic policy support and advice to the Department on the future scope trends or policy implications of policy direction;
• leads policy and program development initiatives, develops policy options and recommendations and provides strategic advice;
• undertakes research and analysis to assess impacts of initiatives and the development of strategies and policies; interpreting federal and provincial legislation and regulations, monitoring and assessing impact on Regional policies and practices, including planning initiatives;
• maintains awareness of new policy developments and trends which may impact policy direction; providing quantitative analysis, research and advice to assist the Commissioner’s Office and Departmental management in developing strategic policies and key areas for program enhancement;
• researching, developing and analyzing innovative and strategic policies and programs; preparing environmental and jurisdictional scans;
• and developing cross-functional linkages with branches and other departments to ensure that policies and programs align with Regional, Departmental, Provincial and Federal goals;

preparing briefing notes, business cases, policy proposals and committee reports.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Develops program policies and implementation strategies for initiatives.
• Develops and executes program evaluations, managing both internal and external resources.
• Develops and assesses strategic policy decisions, managing both internal and external resources.
• Leads or participates in cross functional project teams, to develop and implement Branch, Department and Corporate priorities and programs;

leads and / or participates on special projects, as assigned.

• Researches, analyzes and evaluates legislation and policies in a local, provincial and federal context and evaluates applicability to the Department and identifying best practices for inclusion in Regional program proposals.
• Collects, analyzes, manipulates and manages information and data and associated systems.
• Gathers and analyzes information on policy-related issues; analyzes data and prepares reports; monitors and reviews data.
• Develops strategic linkages with provincial and federal governments, the private sector and local / regional municipalities to share information and develop effective program policies and partnerships.
• Interprets and provides policies, programs or initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Maintains critical awareness of evolving issues by participating in activities as they relate to Branch and Department programs.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Environmental Science, Public Administration, Political Science, Economics or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated effectiveness with conducting financial analysis and producing program evaluations to determine program effectiveness and policy implications.
• Demonstrated experience in writing and reviewing reports / studies, including ability to identify problems, research, analyze and interpret data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Department’s policies, services and initiatives.
• Knowledge of provincial legislative, regulatory and policy framework and ability to interpret and translate into policy and program options for the Department.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary research and evaluation methods, including writing detailed reports, proposals and business cases.
30+ days ago