Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

With a good understanding of Canadian federal-provincial fiscal arrangements and a high level of skill in fiscal and economic analysis, the incumbent of this position provides high-calibre research and complex input into the federal-provincial policy development process and the management of the Province's financial relationships with the federal government, other provinces and territories. Provides advice to the Premier, the Minister of Finance and senior officials in the Ministry and other ministries. Develops policy options in the area of fiscal arrangements reform and other federal-provincial fiscal issues, and assesses proposals of other jurisdictions and ministries. Co-ordinates work of professional staff in areas of responsibility as assigned by the Manager, Federal-Provincial Relations.

Duties / Responsibilities :

With guidance and input from the Manager, Federal-Provincial Relations and scope for independent decision-making, the incumbent:

1. As a recognized policy specialist

-identifies and understands key facts of an issue relevant to decision-making, such as the implications of the Canadian Constitution and the linkage between federal-provincial finance issues and the broader government policy agenda;
-maintains leading edge awareness of new trends and developments in areas of expertise/responsibility and ensures Manager and Branch Director are kept informed of developments and their implications for Government policy;
-in consultation with Manager, develops written work plans and advises on appropriate analytical approaches consistent with needs; prepares and presents briefing notes, papers, etc to the Premier, Minister of Finance, Deputy, senior staff;
-analyzes reports/policy submissions/proposed federal-provincial agreements and evaluates them in terms of policy and financial implications for Ontario and other jurisdictions;
-with Manager's input, ensures all relevant aspects are incorporated into the policy development process, including need for follow-up action, legal implications, communications strategy, input from other Branch staff, other areas of the Ministry and other Ministries;
-contributes to the work of other Branches/Divisions/Ministries by offering expert commentary, advice and analysis;
-prepares confidential reports for Senior Ministry staff recommending policy options and outlining fiscal consequences of identified alternatives; with manager's input, ensures finished product meets quality control standards and deadlines and conveys message in a clear, understandable fashion;
-manages several different high priority issues at the same time.

2. Analyzes proposals, Cabinet Submissions from other ministries and outside groups and drafts appropriate comments; prepares Cabinet Submissions as required. Analyzes reports/policy submissions/proposed intergovernmental agreements and evaluates them in terms of policy and financial implications for Ontario and other jurisdictions. Consults with other staff in Finance and in other Ministries and governments on joint issues and projects.

3. Develops new agreements or protocols with the federal government and other provinces, using knowledge of the Constitution Act, Fiscal Arrangements Act, Social Union Framework Agreement, and quantitative computer models of cost and revenue impacts.

Develops workplans and selects appropriate policy, quantitative and fiscal analysis techniques; carries out and writes up explanations containing recommended changes to draft agreements/protocols and policy position of the government, as required.

4. Works on key strategic projects. For example:

-works with other ministries to develop Ontario's position on federal-provincial fiscal issues; and
-works on other special projects as required.

5. Provides leadership to other staff by explaining tasks and monitoring progress both as a project head on some projects and as a branch resource. For some products assumes full responsibility for project development, deciding on direction of work of other economists and consultants. Ensures section maintains up-to-date knowledge with respect to areas of responsibility and advises Manager of status/needs. As team/project leader of some projects, sets deadlines and edits material to ensure quality control.

6. Ensures that websites and central files are complete and up-to-date. From time to time, deals with questions from the public/press in areas of expertise/responsibility in a confident and competent manner.

7. Maintains leading edge awareness of new trends and developments in areas of expertise/responsibility and ensures Section and Manager are kept informed of developments and their implications for Government policy; develops and maintains contacts in other Branches/Ministries/Governments and monitors other necessary data sources, for purposes of obtaining data and insights necessary for research analysis.

8. As Branch representative, participates in, and leads as requested, meetings or work teams involving other ministries, other government staff and private sector groups.

Knowledge :

Advanced knowledge/skills in economics, public finance, public or business administration, political science, or related discipline. Knowledge of the policy areas assigned to the Section. Thorough knowledge of federal-provincial transfer programs and constitutional issues. Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated expertise in designing and operating quantitative economic and financial computer models. Working knowledge of research techniques applicable to the areas of federal-provincial finance, and well developed analytical skills. Working knowledge and experience with appropriate microcomputer programs and applications.
Good administrative and organizational skills as well as the fundamental negotiation skills required to plan and carry out projects on an inter-branch, inter-division and inter-ministry basis. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out complex assignments to tight deadlines and to edit, guide or coordinate the work of others, as assigned. Well-developed interpersonal skills, including ability to develop and maintain contacts in public and private sectors. Ability to design and execute effective presentations of complex material, and brief the Minister/Deputy Minister or senior Ministry management on major issues. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines, manage multiple issues, and keep issues moving forward.

Judgement :

Projects are assigned and carried out under the general guidance of the Manager, who gives guidance in establishing terms of reference, expected output and acceptable time frames. With guidance and direction from the Manager, the incumbent exercises independence and creativity in determining the best method of research and analysis and in outlining viable policy alternatives. He/she exercises judgment in bringing forward policy ideas where they are timely and appropriate. Judgement is also exercised in developing analytical techniques and guiding or advising junior staff in their research. Exercises judgement and discretion at meetings with interest groups and when making presentations and during discussion of contentious issues.

Accountability - Programs :

Is accountable for developing effective proposals/counter-proposals on assigned policy issues, maintaining awareness of issues and developments in areas of expertise and sensitivity to the needs and expectations of senior staff. Works to tight deadlines. Ensures accuracy of technical analysis and consistency with Government policy in preparation of briefings/papers or Ministerial correspondence.

Accountability – Personnel :

May coordinate and lead project teams composed of individuals from other sections, branches, divisions and ministries in developing responses to policy issues or priorities. May coach/guide other staff in research techniques, improving analytical methods, writing and presentation skills. May supervise summer students.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Recognized throughout the Ministry as an expert in federal-provincial financial transfer arrangements and federal and provincial fiscal policies and policy trends. Incumbent provides analysis and advice to senior management up to and including the Premier and the Minister of Finance. Errors in judgement, recommendations, data, interpretation of data or incorrect analysis could lead to late or unavailable response on policy issues, or inaccurate fiscal forecasts and unrealistic Budget Plans, resulting in inappropriate policy announcements or intergovernmental agreements, or leading to possible adverse finance consequences for Ontario, embarrassment to the Premier or Minister, and loss of Branch credibility.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with staff in other branches, divisions, ministries to exchange information and consult on financial and policy issues and options. Often makes presentations/briefings to senior management of the Ministry and the Minister. May represent Branch on intra/inter-ministerial committees/task forces.

Contact - External :

Occasional contact with public, media, consultants, representatives of interest groups and members of the academic community to provide/obtain information, collect data and enhance expert knowledge in areas of responsibility.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT/OTHER GOVERNMENTS: Regular contact with officials in other governments to gain/give information, collect data and consult on programs, policies and financial issues. May represent Ontario at federal-provincial meetings.