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Job Specification
Position Title: POLICY ADVISOR
Job Code: AMAPCEO - Resources Plan Mgt, 18PRP
Job ID: 21212

Purpose of Position:
To support the development of legislation1regulations, policy and programs related to provincial air quality and climate change in Ontario.

Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Leads, participates on, or provides support to a variety of project teams primarily engaged in a wide range of activities in support of policy and program development.

2. Provide analysis on the need for revised/new policy development within provincial, national and global contexts. Plan and develop options and recommendations for the revision of existing or new policy

3. Conducts research and analytical projects and studies in support of air quality and climate change initiatives; designing research plan and methodologies; identifying information/data sources; conducting library/internet/interview research; compiling; organizing, analyzing; and evaluating findings; forecasting impacts and implications; presenting findings and conclusions to project teams/senior advisor/manager.

4. Establishes and develops relationships with key air quality climate change and policy stakeholders, both within and external to government, in order to exchange information, collaborate on research and analysis.

5. Participates in related implementation and transition activities and plan/policy development including representing the Division and Ministry on government-wide initiatives and working groups.

6. Devises performance measures and indicators to monitor the success of air quality and climate change policy/programs and their implementation; identifies gaps and formulates proposals to address and improve.

7. Examines, assess and provides input to policy/program planning proposals developed in other areas which have potential implications for air quality and climate change.

8. Conducts research and environmental scans to remain apprised of issues/developments in other ministries and jurisdictions with potential impact on the work of the section/branch/division/ministry, and brief senior advisor/manager accordingly.

Knowledge:
Knowledge of the theories, practices and strategies of environmental and air quality and climate change. Knowledge of legislation, regulations and policies related to air quality and climate change. An understanding of the related legislation and programs to consult with other ministries and stakeholders, and remain apprised of current issues and developments as we indicate as their potential impacts. Knowledge of the government decision-making, policy & program planning and development processes to ensure Cabinet Submissions, briefing material etc. meet procedural and quality standards. Knowledge of change management concepts and research & analysis techniques to gather, assess and evaluate information in support of policy & program initiatives. Excellent communication, consultation and presentation skills to deal effectively with internal and external stakeholders. Well developed research and analytical skills to conduct studies, design plans and forecast impacts and implications. Working knowledge in the use of internal searches, word processing, database management, presentation graphics and other software necessary to conduct research, prepare briefing materials, reports and produce policy submissions.

Judgement:
Under the general supervision of the Manager/Senior Advisor, in accordance with legislation, regulations, policy, programs and established OPS planning processes, judgment is exercised in: researching, analyzing, drawing conclusions and presenting findings to project teams, Senior Advisor and Manager; formulating recommendations, based on substantive research for e.g., assigned planning activities and/or planning process, terms of reference, work plans and project schedules; developing plan implementation tools and guidelines for applications by branch program areas; identifying research sources and emerging issues; assessing planning initiatives developed elsewhere.

Accountability - Programs:
Accountable for the conduct, quality and timeliness of planning related research and analysis; and for the development and presentation of findings, conclusions and recommendations derived from research and analysis to support policy initiatives. As project team member, position is accountable for providing support to the project leader by carrying out research, evaluating findings, forecasting impacts and presenting conclusions.

Accountability - Impact of Errors:
Failure to reflect the input of critical air quality and climate change policy stakeholders in the conduct of research and consultation, and/or the drawing of faulty/inadequate conclusions, and/or incomplete analysis of likely impacts and implications, could lead to poorly though out plans and/or planning processes being put forward, reflecting badly on the Division and Ministry, wasting resources and delaying key strategic planning initiatives.

Contact - Internal:
Ongoing, with managers, colleagues and associates within the Section, Branch, Division and across all levels of Ministry, to exchange information, brief, discuss, advise and consult In areas of responsibility.

Contact - External:
Frequently, with other ministries, other governments/jurisdictions, industry groups, environmental and other non governmental organizations, related community and the public, to exchange information/obtain clarification, consult on issues, conduct research and analysis.