Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To support the Infrastructure Partnerships Branch and the Municipal Infrastructure Policy Unit in the development and implementation of provincial infrastructure policies and programs as well as large-scale and multi-jurisdictional projects and initiatives. To plan and conduct complex policy, statistical and socio-economic research and financial analysis. To develop conclusions and recommendations for the development and/or enhancement of policies, strategies and/or infrastructure programs. To provide issues management and manage positive relationships with all internal and external stakeholders.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The Municipal Infrastructure Policy Unit, as a part of the Infrastructure Policy and Planning Division (lPPD), is responsible for developing new approaches to capital investment strategies and allocation issues and for economic modeling and analysis related to the municipal and environment sectors. Areas of coverage include infrastructure programs delivered by line ministries, transfer payment partners, and cost-share partners such as the federal government, municipalities and private sector proponents.

The incumbent will, on an as-needed basis, be deployed as a resource to conduct assigned projects and/or support cross-functional project/team work across the Branch and the Division while still reporting directly to the assigned Manager. In this context, and reporting to the Manager, Municipal Infrastructure Policy Unit, the position:

1. Provides, in conjunction with the Manager, strategic analysis, advice and expertise with respect to existing policies, programs and policy options submitted by stakeholders, including but not limited to line ministries and the Federal government). Identifies implications and current emerging policy issues and makes recommendations on policy options/development and/or the review and implementation of strategies.

2. Supports the development of strategies and provincial public policies and policy options through the conduct of in-depth research and studies for capital needs assessment and capital data acquisition: gathers information on legislation, regulations, environmental trends and scanning, socio-economic and financial analysis relating to current, emerging and anticipated sectors' information requirements, incentives and issues, the work of jurisdictional practices, as well as policy analysis, and technologies.

3. Collects data using a variety of recognized research techniques, establishes inter-relationships, alternative results and effects. Manipulates and compiles information/data using qualitative and quantitative analysis. Analyzes current and emerging contentious issues and trends, provides interpretation including implications on the policy decision-making process. Prepares detailed materials, based on research findings, including business cases, reports, policy and regulatory options/proposals as well as recommendations in support of program and policy re-alignment/enhancement, as required by the Manager and/or other Division's and Ministry's Senior Management, and for briefing purposes, to Treasury Board, Management Board of Cabinet, Cabinet Office and Cabinet Committees. Briefs the Manager and/or Unit's senior staff and provides progress reports on projects assigned.

4. Assists in the development of methodology for conducting research and recommends the scope of research and analysis, including technical parameters and methods, research scope, timelines, communications, post-implementation and evaluation.

5. Establishes a network of internal and external key and critical contacts and manages positive and effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including the sectors. Provides technical information on research findings, interprets relevant legislation and regulations, solicits input on proposed policies and programs, obtains data, develops consensus, and collaborates on policy development. Represents the Ministry on research, policy and program issues on inter and intra-ministerial committees, meetings, and work teams (e.g., presents Ministry policies, interests, and discusses options). Makes recommendations on policy development and reports on proceedings to the Manager and other Unit's senior staff.

6. Prepares, in addition to research finding reports and policy options, specialized briefings as required by the Ministry Senior Management team, including the Minister, OM, ADM and other Ministry senior executives. Prepares suggested responses, as required, to questions from the Ontario Legislature, media or general public. Prepares other materials such as generic reports, business cases, recommendations, tables and presentations. Reviews and participates in the development of communications materials such as news releases, backgrounders, papers and web content.

7. Assists in the development and implementation of procedures, processes and accountability mechanisms (e.g., contributes to leading-edge innovative approaches in capital reporting and accountability as well as the establishment of an infrastructure tracking system). Coordinates and monitors the flow of information, data and research findings into the tracking system, ensuring confidentiality, accountability and accuracy, and as required, formulates responses to requests for information and access to such data and information by staff and Senior Management.

8. Participates, on an as-needed basis, in other corporate projects, including cross-Branch and divisional initiatives (e.g., contributes to and supports the work of other project teams engaged in capital data acquisition and analysis, best practices implementation, ongoing criteria, the development of evaluation for future capital plans and proposals, as well as cross-cutting database and information technology issues). Assists in the preparation of action or work plans, and assists in the preparation of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), including the gathering of important information/data.

9. Identifies emerging issues in assigned area of infrastructure policy of interest to the Ministry. Informs and keeps Senior Management updated on emerging issues and required actions, including the range of options to be considered.in the decision-making process, the risks associated with each option and corresponding risk management strategies (e.g., develops advice/recommendations on how to allocate limited capital funding in the sector). Monitors concerns and issues, documents follow-up actions that are required, and briefs Senior Management, accordingly.

Knowledge :

Expert knowledge in economics, public administration, or a related discipline as well as microeconomic theory, public finance economics, business administration or a related discipline, in order to support the government's capital planning and allocation process and develop appropriate policy through the conduct of complex policy, statistical and socio-economic research and financial analysis.

Expert knowledge of research methodologies and techniques, principles and practices, as well as qualitative and quantitative research methods and techniques, to plan and conduct research in support of the integration of projects/initiatives related to the municipal and environment sectors; gather, compile, analyze and interpret data/information and implications that may affect the Ministry's policies and programs; analyze information/data, prepare reports on findings and develop policy options and/or conclusions for policy/program enhancement and/or development.

Knowledge of policy of one or more infrastructure sectors, such as the municipal and environment sectors, to understand how it applies to the Ministry's interest and to recommend, based on research findings, policy options or the development of new policies/legislation/regulations.

Sound knowledge of the government's policy development process, to recommend and/or develop policy options and strategies for implementation.

Knowledge of government's and Ministry's legislative and regulatory environment, principles and processes that the Ministry of Infrastructure is responsible for, to: interpret information and data that is relevant to the sectors; identify issues that could have significant implications on policies, legislation, regulations, and the government's and Ministry's strategic directions. Project management, to manage and coordinate the conduct of research involving numerous internal and external stakeholders and to participate on other corporate and cross-functional projects, as assigned.

Demonstrated analytical, planning and coordination skills, to: analyze and interpret data/information and implications that may affect the Ministry's policies and programs; analyze information/data, prepare reports on findings and develop policy options and/or conclusions for policy/program enhancement and/or development; conduct concurrent research projects.

Oral, written communications, consultation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, to: provide information and advice on the conduct of research, findings, and conclusions, including senior executives, up to and including the Minister, DM, ADM offices as well as TB/MBC, and Cabinet Office; discuss related policy and program issues and options; interpret relevant legislation, regulations and research findings; represent the Ministry on corporate committees, meetings and briefing work teams; prepare and present written materials such as papers, reports on research findings, notes, presentation materials, ministerial correspondence, tables, spreadsheets, business cases, tables, etc.

Issues management and problem-solving skills, to: identify issues that may be inconsistent with relevant legislation, regulations and policies and that could have significant implications on the development of new/review of policies (e.g., with an emphasis on changes to legislation, regulations, policy or program responses); monitor concerns and issues, brief Senior Management and provide advice, options, and recommendations to be considered in the decision-making process.

Knowledge of IT and computerized information systems/software/networks (e.g., Word, Word Processing, presentation graphics, Sharepoint, Excel, databases, Internet and/or Intranet and e-mail).to: conduct research, analyze and manipulate data and information; prepare various written materials; access information from Internet/Intranet; communicate with Ministry staff and all internal and external stakeholders through e-mail.

Judgement :

The position works under the general direction of the Manager, Municipal Infrastructure Policy, and within the broad framework of the OPS and Ministry's legislation/regulations, policy frameworks, guidelines, and procedures related to program and policy development and evaluation processes related to the municipal and environment sectors.

The position has latitude for independent decision-making and functions with considerable independence and self-direction.

The position requires judgment in liaising and providing strategic advice to critical internal and external stakeholders (e.g., the Ministry Senior Management including the offices of the Minister, DM and ADM and other senior executives' offices, TB, MBC, Cabinet Office and Cabinet Committees).

Judgement is exercised in conducting in-depth research, determining, developing and recommending methods of approach as well as techniques for conducting research and analysis related to jurisdictional and sectors' practices, trends, environmental scanning, and information requirements.

The position recommends the scope of research and analysis, including technical parameters and methods of analysis and research.

Judgement is required when analyzing, interpreting and reaching conclusions of research to address potential issues and support Senior Management's decisions (e.g., relating to changes to legislation, regulations, policy or program responses).

Judgement is exercised in maintaining accuracy, timeliness and completeness of data/information. The position identifies issues that are not consistent with relevant legislation and regulations, provides advice, makes presentations to the Manager, other Unit's senior staff, as well as the Ministry Senior Management team, takes appropriate actions to resolve issues and/or recommends practical solutions.

The position exercises judgment in preparing materials to be presented to Senior Management on highly contentious issues and in providing technical information/data, so ensuring that key points are expressed in terms readily understood by decision-makers.

The incumbent must be fully aware of the sensitive and confidential nature of the material with which it works and is responsible for following procedures to ensure that the material is protected and remains confidential.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is directly accountable for the quality, accuracy, completeness and timeliness of advice, data, information and analysis of assigned projects and tasks concerning infrastructure policy and assets, which data and information is used in the formulation/review of policies, legislation and regulations. Areas of coverage include infrastructure programs delivered by line ministries, transfer partners, and cost-share partners such as the Federal government, municipalities and private sector proponents. The position is accountable for participation in the infrastructure planning process.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

The position develops complex financial and economic analysis to support decision-making by Senior Management and government officials.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Decisions directly impact on the ability of the Ministry and government to achieve goals, their ability to demonstrate sound business practices, and be fully accountable with respect to the municipal and environment sectors. The impact of decisions is internal and external and has a significant impact on the Ministry, government, and public policy in Ontario.

Failure to anticipate and prepare for sensitive strategic issues and failure to reach sound conclusions based on research findings and to provide comprehensive and timely advice to the Unit, Branch and Ministry senior levels could leave Senior Management unprepared to deal with such issues, causing loss of credibility and creating embarrassment for the Unit, Branch, and the Ministry. Such errors would result in policy recommendations that would not be defensible, if challenged.

Failure to properly consult and research on policy development and initiatives issues could result in negative stakeholder and public perception and lack of cooperation and the inability to meet the Ministry's and government's goals.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact within the Ministry, up to and including the offices of the Minister, DM, ADM, other Ministry senior executives, central agencies, relevant line ministries and Treasury Board/MBC, to: conduct research, clarify information requirements, discuss, interpret, and advise on technical information/data and/or research conclusions; share, obtain, and provide information on capital data and policy development; participate on inter/intra-ministry committees, meetings and work teams in the provision of research and/or technical analysis of information/data.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with sectors, other levels of government (e.g., municipal, provincial and federal), and other jurisdictions, to: conduct research, clarify information requirements, provide technical information/data and interpretation of research findings; discuss concerns and provide issues management; provide and exchange information on matters of mutual interest.