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Job Specification
Position Title: JUNIOR POLICY ANALYST
Job Code: AMAPCEO - Prog Analysis Ama Unit APA17, 17APA
Job ID: 22211

Purpose of Position:
To conduct labour market research and analysis, and preparation of documents to support the Ministrys program areas to better plan and meet demand for quality services by providing timely access to information and analysis about labour market trends, issues and practices. Within a team environment, to provide technical direction/ support to working groups on major policy projects/ initiatives.

Duties/Responsibilities:
Working within the Labour Market Unit, which focuses on the development of the long term, broad, overarching strategic plan, strategic directions, and foundation elements for transforming the existing child/ youth services system into an integrated policy, program and service delivery framework across all ministries, and in a team environment, this Position:

1. Provides policy analysis and support for the planning, development and evaluation of strategic policies and contributes to the development of program frameworks (e.g. funding models, service delivery options, governance and accountability) which address a range of issues related to child/ youth services across all ministries. Provides support and assists Senior Policy Analysts in the conduct of research and program/ organizational / feasibility and financial analysis.

2. Conducts the research (e.g. collecting data from a variety of sources), monitoring, analysis (e.g. designing and testing models, decision tree, etc.) and assessment of a broad range of issues, trends and directions which affect the development of policies and facilitates the delivery of child/youth services in Ontario, including addressing stakeholder needs and expectations. Prepares policy analysis and develops policy recommendations for consideration by the Senior Policy Analyst and the Manager.

3. Provides technical direction/ support to working groups on major policy initiatives, including assigning project tasks, monitoring project progress and ensuring that deadlines are met. Leads/ supports policy forums responsible for developing survey tools and gathering critical policy information.

4. Develops and establishes effective working relationships with branch/ ministry colleagues, other ministries (e.g. Ministry of Housing Long Term Care, Ministry of Attorney General, Tourism/ Recreation, Ministry of Education, etc.) and other jurisdictions (e.g. federal, other provinces, municipal) to exchange information and seek input regarding development of strategic policies.

5. Participates on ministry and inter-ministerial committees and policy groups to represent the Branch/ Divisions interests and coordinated approach to policy analysis and development.

6. Prepares briefing notes, letters, speeches and position papers for senior management and in response to correspondence for the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers and senior officials signatures.

Knowledge:
Sound knowledge and understanding of policy/ legislative process, policy and research methodology and tools, program standards development, performance measures and program evaluation techniques are required to conduct policy research and analysis; to conduct/ provide support in the development and evaluation of strategic policies and program frameworks; and to develop appropriate tools and techniques for surveys and information gathering which facilitates the development of the Ministrys Strategic plan and the development of program frameworks (e.g. governance and accountability, funding models, service delivery options, etc.). Knowledge and an understanding of the child/ youth services programs, models of funding and service delivery, governance and legislation, critical issues and concerns faced by external stakeholders to develop policies that are responsive to issues and are consistent with the government/ Ministry agenda. Knowledge of project methodology and project management skills to provide project planning, and provide technical direction/ support for work groups.
Strong research and analytical skills are required to find, analyze and synthesize information and to integrate research and analytical findings to support policy development; to conduct research, monitoring, analysis and assessment of a broad range of issues, trends, directions; to analyze relationships among several parts of a problem or situation and to identify key or underlying complex issues. Strategic orientation skills are required to understand and assess the external impact of trends and issues on internal strategy for policy and planning, and to contribute to the development of long term objectives, strategies and goals. Conceptual thinking and initiative are required to apply theoretical knowledge to the identification and analysis of issues, and to make complex ideas or situations clear, simple and/or understandable. Good interpersonal skills are required to establish/ maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, with team members (who may be external to the ministry), with other ministries, and with other jurisdictions and promote consensus building to achieve cooperative work efforts and attain mutual goals. Good oral/ written communication and presentation skills are required to prepare and present complex research analysis, decision making results, policy recommendations, position papers, reports and briefing notes/ material.
Good computer skills are required to access the Internet as a research tools and to prepare own materials using software packages (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, etc.).

Judgement:
Work is performed under the general direction of the Senior Policy Analysts and Manager Labour Market Policy Unit and within Branch/ Division mandates, policy directions and within the broad framework of the government/ ministry agenda related to child/ youth services.
Judgement is exercised in conducting research and analysis (e.g. designing, testing and recommending analytical alternatives/ approaches) of various child/ youth service issues, funding and governance issues impacting strategic policy development, and providing subsequent policy recommendations and impacts. Judgement is exercised in the provision of technical direction/ support to work groups of major policy projects/ initiatives; in researching issues, trends and directions, including stakeholder expectations and needs. Judgement is exercised in developing survey tools and information gathering techniques which are critical to effective data gathering for policy development and in synthesizing information to meet policy requirements of the Branch/ Division. Judgement is exercised in developing/ maintaining effective working relationships within the ministry, with other ministries, and with other jurisdictions especially in the collection, analysis and use/ release of confidential information. Judgement is required in ensuring that information/ data collected is accurate, relevant and current. Judgement is exercised in representing the Branch/ Divisions interests and facilitating a coordinated approach to policy analysis and development when participating as a member of ministry/ inter-ministerial committees and policy groups.

Accountability - Programs:
Position is responsible for conducting, providing support/ assistance and participating in the development of strategic provincial policies, accountability frameworks and program frameworks in child/ youth services sector that impacts across all ministries. Conducts research, monitoring, analysis and assessment of issues, trends and directions which affect policy development, and is accountable for the quality of policy recommendations. Prepares briefing notes/ materials, correspondence, position papers for signature of Senior Ministry Management.

Accountability - Personnel:
Provides technical direction/ support to work groups on major policy projects/ initiatives. Supervises students, seconded staff as required.

Accountability - Finance & Material:
The position is accountable for developing and assessing funding models for delivery of child/ youth services.

Accountability - Impact of Errors:
Failure to provide effective policy analysis, support and recommendations would result in insufficient information or misleading information to support policy development and government decision making in child/youth services sector which could result in the delay of delivery of required programs.

Contact - Internal:
Frequent contact with branch/ division/ ministry colleagues to discuss policy issues and participate on policy projects/ initiatives. Occasional contact with the Offices of the Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister to provide briefings regarding child/ youth service issues. Regular contact with policy colleagues in other ministries to seek input, obtain feedback and exchange information, and develop a coordinated approach to policy analysis/ development. Represents the Branch/ Division/ Ministry on intra and inter-ministerial committees and policy groups.

Contact - External:
Regular contact with other ministries and Federal/ Provincial/ Municipal governments to conduct research, seek feedback and exchange information. Contact with stakeholders (e.g. community organizations such as schools/ boards, hospitals, libraries; service providers; voluntary sectors; etc) as required to conduct research, participate in policy forums on key policy issues, initiatives and activities impacting child/ youth services.