Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To plan, manage and control all aspects of the unit's activities, and supervise the unit's team in achieving its objectives. To lead and manage the development of the IT strategic plans and Enterprise Architecture services for the Health Services I&IT Cluster (HSC), Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC). To lead research, conduct specialized consultations with key stakeholders and manage projects to develop IT business transformation strategies, IT business plans and enterprise architecture initiatives. To manage a complete range of I&IT strategic planning processes, policies, standards, guidelines and services associated with the HSC enterprise architecture, information management, technology and security/privacy that support the needs of HSC's business clients. To provide strategic advice to senior management.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The IT Strategy and Architecture Branch (ITSA) in the Health Services I&IT Cluster (HSC) provides IT strategy, enterprise architecture, business/information architecture, and security/privacy services that align with corporate OPS goals and serve the cluster's client ministry strategic direction and plans. The branch leads the development of I&IT strategic plans, manages the cluster's compliance with approved strategies and standards, supports the cluster's project teams that design architected solutions and successfully navigate enterprise architecture approval processes. The branch represents the cluster on strategy, policy, architecture and standards committees and working groups. In this context, and directly reporting to the Senior Manager, Architecture, ITSA, the position:

1.Provides direction and human resources leadership to unit's staff: makes decisions and recommendations on recruitment/hiring, promotion, demotion, dismissal, disciplinary actions, merit increases, grievances, health & safety issues, leaves, etc. Ensures the development and implementation of staff orientation, training and development plans, performance objectives, and conducts performance appraisals.

2.Plans, manages and secures the unit's financial activities; prepares the unit's operational plans; develops, administers and monitors project / unit's budgets; manages the preparation, evaluation and award of Requests For Proposals (RFP) (e.g., for the retention of expertise); provides input into the acquisition of IT systems/tools/products and the evaluation of vendors' proposals; manages the monitoring and evaluation of vendors' service levels and performance.

3.Leads annual reviews of business needs, indicators, evaluation criteria and priorities for the cluster's long-term drivers for IT change; supports the core business of the cluster's, ministry's and Broader Public Sector (BPS) organizations (such as eHealth Ontario); ensures strong alignment, linkages and integration within the overall cluster's I&IT plans, business direction, structure, operations, processes and enterprise architecture.

4.Uses an effective leadership and team approach to develop and manage the cluster's I&IT strategic business plans, including the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of complex enterprise architecture, policies, standards and guidelines. Leads the provision of expertise, advice and problem resolution on all aspects of enterprise architecture planning (including strategic, operational, tactical, and projects), the implementation of technological solutions and their integration with business operations and processes.

5.Provides support to cluster's clients in obtaining and coordinating I&IT expertise from external sources and/or from the cluster's functional areas (e.g., in such areas as IT business, information management and security/privacy). Reviews current technical resources, identifies and analyzes skill gaps, to measure and understand the cluster's competitive strengths, current competencies and training needs. Recommends the acquisition of requisite skill sets to expand the cluster's skills inventory.

6.Directs unit staff in: the strategic management of enterprise-wide assets, including, but not limited to software, hardware and infrastructure; the review and evaluation of new/existing enterprise-wide asset management approaches, related policies and processes; the planning of a long-range strategic plan and recommendations on its implementation; and in the preparation of reports on results. Ensures that technology and information assets and services are effectively deployed, as needed, for cluster's clients.

7.Oversees the cluster's implementation roadmap that addresses gaps from the existing Enterprise Architecture and cluster IT services. Ensures that the plan aligns with the cluster's and ministry's corporate strategies and RbP. Provides crucial processes and cluster's performance metrics to monitor the implementation. Ensures the provision of expertise and direction to the cluster's implementation leaders. Evaluates implications on requirements that do not align with the cluster's IT strategy/I&IT strategic plan, and makes recommendations that consider impact and risk.

8.Leads research/studies and environmental scans, to identify and analyze: IT service gaps; legacy technology related problems/issues; strategic IT options and their feasibility, financial and cost/benefit implications. Corroborates and presents staff recommendations on financial, operational and technical feasibility of cluster I&IT plans and investments to senior executives, for approval. Ensures the effectiveness and security of technology solutions.

9.Directs all phases of complex projects, including identification and evaluation of options, cost estimation, the determination of priorities, schedules, resource requirements, risks, constraints and contingencies (e.g., including, but not limited to all aspects of enterprise architecture planning, roadmap implementation, the management of skill and asset inventories, the development of technical training and other corporate projects, as they arise), including consistency with the government's IT directions, policies and requirements.

10.Leads the planning, development and provision of training for staff and user organizations to ensure the effective utilization of resources and effective application of policies, standards and procedures.

11.Manages and nurtures horizontal enterprise-wide relationships with all partners and stakeholders, solicits information, opinions and attitudes, supports and defends the interest of the ITSA and the cluster, and encourages cooperation, commitment and buy-in for the implementation of the IT strategic projects. Guides the preparation of Cabinet submissions, briefings, discussion papers, recommendations and other materials for senior executives. Chairs/participates on corporate and cluster committees, meetings and working groups (e.g., provides specialized expertise for the use of architecture models, technology, services and the development of associated policies and standards].

12.Acts for the Senior Manager, Architecture, ITSA, as required. The position requires travel across Ontario.

Knowledge :

OPS policies, practices and procedures, collective agreements, relevant legislation, and guidelines associated with human resources management, and OPS management theories/practices, including skill gap analysis and training needs, to: effectively manage and develop unit's staff and handle labour relations matters; manage the cluster's skills inventory; lead the the development and provision of technical training for staff and user organizations.

Administrative, procurement/tendering and financial policies, procedures, practices, and management principles (including budget management), to: plan, manage and secure the unit's financial, technical, material and human resources; prepare unit's operational plans; develop, administer and monitor project/section budgets; direct procurement and tendering activities, including the elaboration of RFPs and the management of contractual agreements.

Design, development and implementation of high level enterprise architecture, to: manage the design, development, implementation and maintenance of complex enterprise architectures; support strategic, operational, and tactical projects; support the implementation of effective technological solutions.

Information management development, security/privacy, and ongoing information processing concepts and practices as they relate to the cluster's and ministry's core businesses, to ensure that the IT strategies address the cluster's and ministry's I&IT plans and business needs.

The cluster's and ministry's structures, mandates and business directions, to: direct the development of enterprise business and information models; direct the design, development, implementation and maintenance of complex enterprise architecture and IT standards processes; ensure strong alignment, linkages and integration within the overall IT strategy/I&IT plans, business directions, operations and processes.

Business planning principles and techniques, to lead annual reviews of business needs, indicators, evaluation criteria and priorities with respect to enterprise architecture for the cluster's long-term drivers for change.

Decision-making, policy development processes and key infrastructure standards, to lead the development and implementation of the IT strategies to achieve overall ministry priorities, key performance indicators and objectives.

Asset, program and service management related to: information technology and infrastructure (e.g., desktop, laptops, servers, printers, licenses, applications, data, etc.); current and emerging technology services and solutions, to guide the identification and analysis of gaps, legacy related problems/issues, standards, systems and controls, in support of the strategic planning process and operational plans.

Project management and leadership skills, to direct all project activities, from start through completion (e.g., including the planning of all phases of complex projects and studies, including environmental scanning, cost benefit analysis, the estimation of project/study costs, their priorities, schedules, resource requirements, risks, constraints and contingencies).

Understanding of/familiarity with information technology and infrastructure, to: plan and recommend on the procurement/leasing of technologies/tools that can help meet future corporate needs and future service improvements; design IT systems, processes and strategies, to support efficiency and effectiveness (e.g., centralized monitoring and tracking systems, asset inventory, etc.).

Communications, consulting, relationship management and interpersonal skills, to: consult with internal and external process owners, IT industry experts and IT service providers, to understand the evolution of IT service management and to inform the technology roadmap; liaise with, and make presentations to senior executives within the cluster, ministry, central agencies, OPS partner-ministries and BPS; provide specialized expertise and advice on the IT strategy and related projects; establish and maintain a network of relationships with the ministry and cluster I&IT organizations, including CIOs, ADMs, DMs, and IT specialists/staff; chair/participate and represent the branch, cluster and ministry on internal and external corporate committees, meetings and work groups; direct the preparation of briefings, issue notes, discussion papers and other complex and sensitive written materials.

Analytical, synthesis, negotiation, issue management skills, to: negotiate conflicting positions and priorities; develop business cases and feasibility studies and recommend the most appropriate course of action; manage sensitive and complex issues, determine and analyze their causes and impact, and negotiate and recommend resolution; encourage cooperation, commitment, and buy-in for the implementation of the IT strategy and projects; manage vendor relations.

Judgement :

The position reports to the Senior Manager, Architecture ITSA, and works within: the mandate of the I&IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and related directives, policies and standards; ministries and OPS financial, budgeting, procurement/tendering, and other administrative policies, procedures, directives and accepted business practices; OPS policies, practices and procedures, collective agreements, relevant legislation, and guidelines associated with human resources management. The position has considerable latitude for independent decision making.

Exercised in:

Providing direction and human resources leadership to unit's staff.

Planning, managing and securing the unit's financial activities, as well as procurement and tendering processes, including the determination and selection of most appropriate resources for projects/studies/ongoing work, and the RFP process.

Managing the design, development, implementation and maintenance of complex processes for strategic planning and enterprise architecture.

Leading annual reviews of business needs and indicators for the cluster's long-term drivers for change.

Directing all phases of complex projects/studies, estimating costs, determining priorities and schedules, determining resource requirements, risks, constraints and contingencies.

Identifying potential major and/or contentious priorities and technical issues; evaluating the environment to take advantage of opportunities; assessing and managing risks, and anticipating further issues; determining most appropriate courses of action to resolve issues.

Ensuring process quality and compliance with the cluster's, ministry's and OPS' I&IT strategic plans and business directions.

Developing cluster policies, operational workplans, priorities, business planning strategies and ensuring compliance with corporate and cluster's/ministry's' I&IT policies, standards and priorities.

Keeping abreast of: strategic planning, enterprise architecture and management techniques; current and emerging information management and information architecture developments; cluster and ministry business directions; related IT programs, standards and service developments.

Accountability - Programs :

Leads and manages the development of the cluster IT strategy consisting of IT business, information management, technology and security/privacy for the HSC and MOHLTC.

Manages a complete range of I&IT project management processes and specialized consultations supporting complex strategic planning and enterprise architecture projects.

Provides specialized advice on enterprise architecture, and related strategic and business planning/business transformation strategies, to the cluster's and ministry's senior executives and project leaders.

Plans, coordinates and manages all phases of complex projects/studies, from start through completion, and within risk, time, and resource constraints, where outcomes may affect the development of the cluster's IT strategy implementation of the roadmap and annual operational plans.

Develops and implements streamlined processes, including priority setting, methodology development, training, and risks/results assessments.

Accountability – Personnel :

Human Resources

Responsible for the direct management of 8 staff, including 3 Senior Consultant & Project Lead, IT Strategy and Policy Planning; 4 IT Strategy and Policy Planning Analyst; and 1 Enterprise Architect. The manager is responsible for the management of labour relations matters. Accountable for the provision of strategic leadership to cluster's and ministries' project leaders and external consultants assigned on a project basis.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Material and Financial

Prepares and manages the unit's budget (e.g., salaries and wages, and direct operating expenditures).

Estimates and forecasts financial (efficiency) impacts of strategic IT options and recommendations.

Determines allocation and use of resources and recommends assignment of resources for project work.

Leads the preparation of RFPs and the management of contractual agreement of service providers.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Poor planning, design and implementation of diverse and complex cluster IT strategies, IT policies and standards; poor analysis of business needs and business transformation; and failure to ensure the integrity of systems developed would result in costly and ineffective systems and processes with a direct negative impact on clients' business cost and program delivery.

Failure to provide appropriate architectural review of development activities carried out by project teams could result in poor quality systems, operational problems upon implementation and costly maintenance, and/or re-design.

Such errors could result in missed deadlines, budget overruns, clients' dissatisfaction and possible disruption of the cluster's and ministry's business services.

Contact - Internal :

Regular interaction with enterprise-wide senior executives and project leaders, to: ensure alignment of work activities, leverage collateral from clusters/corporate experts, and evolve the cluster's business and IT strategy; inform the roadmap; make presentations; provide specialized expertise and advice on the IT strategies and projects.

Regularly, to establish and maintain a network of relationships with the cluster I&IT organizations, including CIOs, ADMs, DMs, and IT specialists/staff.

Regularly, with ministry's, central agencies', OPS partner-ministries' and cluster I&IT organizations' senior executives and staff, to: promote/build consensus around the development of integrated processes; share information, provide authoritative guidance on enterprise architecture and IT standards; set priorities, discuss options and risks, develop recommendations, identify concerns, resolve problems and ensure that implementation is harmonised and coordinated.

Daily contact with the unit's staff/project staff, to provide direction, advice, guidance, consultation and problem resolution.

Regular contact with Human Resources, Finance and Procurement branches, to discuss issues and share, obtain, provide information relating to their respective area of expertise.

The position chairs/regularly represents the branch, ministry and cluster on corporate committees, meetings and working groups.

Contact - External :

Regularly with business, external process owners, IT industry experts, the I&IT community and IT service providers, to: understand the evolution of IT and to inform the cluster's strategies and roadmap; discuss standards; discuss process integration and alignment; seek and share information and discuss matters of mutual interest.

Frequent contact with key stakeholders and peers in the BPS and private sector organizations, professional peers and vendors in the IT community, and counterparts in other jurisdictions, to: keep abreast/awareness of current trends in IT and governance, including technology trends and new functional developments; share information on enterprise architecture initiatives and foster collaboration and involvement in integrated systems; identify needs and learn from experiences; nurture relationships.

On an as-needed basis, with suppliers/external experts, to: manage contractual agreements; address, manage and resolve performance/quality level service issues that are escalated by the cluster's professional staff and their negative impact on the cluster's IT strategy/I&IT strategic plans.

The position chairs/represents the branch, cluster and ministry on external corporate committees, meetings and working groups.