Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide project and policy advice and recommendations for the research, analysis and development of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines related to the protection, conservation and management of non-renewable resources (namely petroleum and aggregates) and Crown land management for the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). To provide project leadership, evidence-based policy research and analysis to help develop partnerships with key stakeholders. To maintain those links and lead consultative processes with stakeholders for input to policy and program development process.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The Lands and Non-Renewable Resources Policy Advisor conducts projects for the research, development and review of ministry regulations, policies and guidelines related to the management of non-renewable and Crown land resources and provides policy options pertaining to the section's program areas.

Major responsibilities are as follows:
Policy Advice Provides policy advice based on sound research and analysis and takes into account the government's strategic objectives/direction.

Develops and applies a body of knowledge and experience to provide advice on and inform the development of policies, programs, standards, regulations and/or legislation for the delivery of the section's program areas (namely aggregates, petroleum and Crown Land management).

Monitors and evaluates early outcomes in order to pro-actively provide policy advice. Provides policy advice and support to management/staff in ministry branches/divisions and district field offices and to other ministries related to the development, interpretation and application of policies, regulations and processes related to non-renewable resources (namely petroleum and aggregates) and Crown land management to ensure consistent application.

Project Management Contributes to, or leads, assigned projects and/or work teams comprised of MNR and/or other ministry staff.

Develops project plans and protocols, determines project methods, monitors project progress, prepares project reports and resolves any issues related to the project.

Leads and/or participates on branch/division/ministry /government special projects, and provincial and/or cross-ministry policy committees, and leads/conducts other projects, as required.

Policy Development Develops ministry policy options and recommendations, and ensures that policy recommendations are consistent with government/ministry strategic policy direction on non-renewable resources (namely petroleum and aggregates) and Crown land management.

Undertakes all facets of policy development including: reviewing established policy to ensure relevance and effectiveness, planning, leading or facilitating issue identification, and analysis and synthesis of research and complex information.

Policy Research and Analysis Leads and/or conducts policy research and analysis and national and international jurisdictional scans to identify and remain current on legislation/policies and best practices in other governments related to aggregates. petroleum and Crown Land management.

Stakeholder Partnerships Develops and builds partnerships with program areas in the ministry, other ministries and with key stakeholders (e.g. Ontario Petroleum Institute; Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association; Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters; etc.) to ensure mutually beneficial and productive working relationships and to ensure effective linkages between policy/program development initiatives.

Communications:

Prepares and presents findings, analysis and research papers, policy presentation materials and correspondence.

Provides updates and reports to the Team Lead, the manager and the director on project status and advises on policy development issues and opportunities.

Prepares Cabinet submissions, briefing notes, letters, speeches, presentations and position papers for the review and approval of senior management.

Other:

Although the 'speciality' is non-renewable resources and Crown land management, the incumbent may lead or participate in projects within the branch or division, as assigned.

Health and Safety Responsibilities:

Shall work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations and any workplace practices as directed by the employer. The incumbent shall report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge :

Knowledge and understanding of the policy and legislative process.

Comprehensive knowledge of government and ministry strategic directions and priorities, division mandate, existing legislation, regulations, policies and program knowledge to lead and/or conduct projects related to non-renewable resource sectors (namely petroleum and aggregates) and Crown land management in order to formulate and support policy development. Knowledge of policy and program development and government/ministry decision making and approvals processes to lead and/or participate in the development of policies and programs related to non-renewable resources and Crown land.

Thorough understanding of other resource management programs and issues as they relate to management of non-renewable resources and Crown land.

Awareness and sensitivity to the structures and challenges of the non-renewable resource sectors and Crown land management; and their relevant stakeholders.

Good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Strong project management and organizational skills to coordinate and/or independently conduct policy development projects related to the management of non-renewable resources and Crown land.

Program design and evaluation techniques to provide project leadership and expertise in the development, evaluation and communication of strategic policies, programs, regulations and/or legislation.

Research and analytical skills and experience as they relate to problem solving, option development and decision making in the policy development process. Comprehensive understanding of policy and research tools.

Strategic thinking to link current action/daily tasks to a long-term perspective in order to analyze impacts of actions or events on the management of non-renewable and Crown land resources, in order to recommend policy options/plans based on that analysis. Analyze programs and policies, from many diverse points of view and competing interests, to advance provincial/ministry strategic objectives for the sustainable management of non-renewable and Crown land resources.

Interpersonal skills to lead/participate in engagement processes related to non-renewable and Crown land resources policies across the ministry/government with external stakeholders and other jurisdictions, and to provide policy advice and recommendations to management.

Collaboration skills to maintain and enhance partnerships with team members, stakeholders, colleagues and partners (internal and external) to achieve group and organizational goals.

Relationship management and consultation skills to encourage consensus when working with both staff and stakeholders on the development of solutions to issues/problems.

Excellent written communication skills to prepare research reports, presentations, policy options and recommendations, briefing materials and correspondence.

Excellent oral communication skills to make presentations to, and participate in briefings with, management, stakeholders and/or colleagues.

Leadership skills to provide guidance to MNR or other ministry staff working on non-renewable and Crown land resources policy projects.

Judgement :

Under the direction of the Manager, Lands and Non-Renewable Resources Section, and within the strategic framework of the ministry/division/branch mandate. objectives and policies relevant to non-renewable and Crown land resources.

A high degree of initiative, independence and judgement is exercised to provide project/technical leadership for research, development and implementation of plans, policy options, procedures and guidelines.

The position independently develops project plans and controls/monitors the progress of policy development and reviews projects.

The position exercises judgement by leading/conducting consultation processes with branch/regional/division/ministry management/staff, other ministries and a broad range of external stakeholders including other jurisdictions to receive input on policy proposals and ensure an inclusive and participatory policy/program development process.

Tact is required to effectively deal with complex and politically sensitive non-renewable and Crown land resource issues. Judgment and discretion is required interpreting Ontario policies, objectives and providing briefings/advice and policy recommendations to branch management.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable to provide project leadership and/or independently conduct projects for the development of branch/division policies and guidelines related to management of non-renewable and Crown land resources across the province. The position develops policy options and recommendations. provides advice to branch/division/ministry management on policy issues and is fully accountable for the accuracy of the policy interpretation and advice. Accountable for quality and timelines of policy recommendations.

Accountability – Personnel :

Provides project leadership and guidance to staff in MNR, other ministries and external stakeholders on a project basis.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Assists in the preparation of Requests for Proposals to retain external consultants/experts involved in non-renewable and Crown land resources policy development projects, recommends project budgets, and authorizes/recommends project expenditures in accordance with authorization levels.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Failure to ensure accuracy of information and good judgment in options and advice to senior management and the minister in a timely and reliable manner could have a negative impact on the ministry, the government and ultimately the natural resources base. This could result in loss of credibility for the ministry and government; inappropriate government action; impaired working relationship with other ministries, external partners, stakeholders and the public; and loss of critical resource development or protection opportunities with significant negative ecological, economic or social impacts. Errors in coordinating the development of policies and monitoring the implementation of decisions could result in ineffective policies being developed, and embarrassment to the Branch Director, ADM, Deputy Minister, Minister and ministry if no information or incorrect information is provided.

Contact - Internal :

Direct, frequent contact with branch/division/ministry management/staff to consult on policy development process and to provide project leadership, participation and policy expertise. Regular contact with other ministries to exchange policy information and to lead policy development projects. Frequent contact with branch/division management to provide briefings, policy advice and recommendations.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with key stakeholders to lead consultation processes, provide information on policy and receive input to policy recommendations. Occasional contact with policy staff in other jurisdictions to build linkages and analyze trends and with external consultants to direct their efforts on assigned projects