Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To conduct projects for the research, analysis and development of policies procedures and regulations in support of Ontario's Endangered Species Act (ESA) 2007, and to provide related advice and support to management and staff.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Policy Development
Conducts and/or participates on project teams focussed on developing provincial policies, procedures and regulations to support the ESA.
Leads and/or participates in projects related to policy formulation involving research of legislation and policy frameworks in other ministries/jurisdictions; policy analysis; and development of options and recommendations.
Identifies and defines objectives and deliverables; and develops project plans and supporting processes. Monitors and reports on progress, ensure completion, and reports on outcomes.
Conducts environmental scans (national and international) to identify issues and conditions that potentially necessitate revisions to programs and policy and remain current on legislation/policies and best practices.
Reviews and comments on submissions, policy proposals and products developed by other Ministry programs or government agencies, identifying and assessing their implications for the implementation of Species at Risk (SAR) legislation.
Identifies policy gaps requiring policy guidance or clarification to support the implementation of the ESA by clarify and define the problem, assess its scale and impacts, and facilitate a policy response by engaging those facing the challenge or able to contribute to its resolution.
2. Advice and Support
Develops and recommends Ministry position and requirements with respect to contractual arrangements with external stakeholder partners.
Participates on inter-disciplinary working groups, teams and committees with cross-program mandates, providing input and acting as liaison between groups/committees and SAR project staff. Participates in inter-ministry meetings, to provide input and represent the interests of the Ministry.
Provides leadership to Ministry and inter-ministerial teams in the development of program implementation tools.
Provides advice and support to staff and external clients regarding development of SAR program, policies, procedures and regulations.
3. Issues Management and Consultation/Outreach
Leads or participates in activities to address short- and long-term issues that have potential adverse impact on species at risk program's objectives; analyzes implications of measures on legislation, regulations, policy, procedures and/or directives.
Participates on inter-governmental/inter-ministerial/stakeholder committees to identify root problems and solutions; and participate in developing recommendations and submissions. Prepares related briefing notes, contentious issues notes, communications plans and Minister's letters.
Coordinates/conducts consultation processes with program areas, other ministries, and levels of government, key stakeholders (scientific experts, private land owners, community organizations, advocacy groups and planning partners) to obtain input to SAR protection policy and engage discussions regarding implementation.
Conducts and/or participates in the delivery of training and transfer of policies/procedures and provides technical input/advice in the design/development of communication and educational products to support branch public education and outreach initiatives.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILL: :

Knowledge of and skills in:
Relevant legislation; corporate and Ministry operational policies, programs, procedures and practices related to natural resources and Species at Risk in Ontario; other related resource management programs; and issues as they relate to SAR to lead the development and implementation of related programs, policy, regulations and procedures.
Policy development and analysis tools and techniques to review and analyze policy products.
Research and analytical methods and techniques to perform policy and program analysis, identify options, and develop and recommend Ministry policy; and to formulate options for resolving program-related issues.
Issues management techniques and processes to identify and develop solutions to problems and issues.
Government legislative and policy development processes to coordinate approvals of submissions/ recommendations.
Training and presentation methods and techniques to participate in the delivery of training and design of policy information, communication and educational products.
Project management methodologies, processes, guidelines and standards to lead and coordinate all phases of assigned projects; and to participate in projects.
Planning and organizational techniques to plan, coordinate and schedule activities.
Computer applications such as word processing and spreadsheet software to prepare documents and manipulate data.
Oral and written communication techniques to prepare correspondence, reports, presentations, contentious issues notes, communications plans, Minister's letters, briefing materials and other program-related documentation; and to develop planning documents, submissions and policy documents.

INTERPERSONAL / INFLUENCING SKILL: :

Consultation, advisory and collaboration skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with Ministry staff, government representatives and other stakeholders; to consult with stakeholders; to provide advice and support to Ministry staff; to collaborate with program staff and other Ministry staff and stakeholders on projects, initiatives and activities; to discuss and resolve issues; and to obtain, provide and exchange information.
Presentation and persuasion skills to communicate and promote the objectives, principles and strategies of the SAR Program to program practitioners, government agencies, program stakeholders, clients and the general public; to participate on working groups, committees and project teams; and to make presentations.
Facilitation skills to participate in facilitating partnerships, memorandums of understanding, and communications and program delivery initiatives; and to lead and/or participate on project teams comprised of internal/external stakeholders, some of whom have competing interests/positions.

ANALYZING / PROBLEM SOLVING SKILL: :

Analytical and problem-solving skills to:
Identify the need for and develop operational and technical policy and procedural direction; develop and analyze options, balancing implementation issues; consult with stakeholders; and recommend optimum direction for Ministry approval.
Undertake research and conduct policy analysis; develop options; solicit input from stakeholders/clients/partners; and make recommendations.
Conduct environmental scans to identify issues and conditions that potentially necessitate revisions to programs and policy.
Respond to queries pertaining to existing/new policy from stakeholders, the media and the general public.
Participate in identifying program related issues; analyze the implications of resultant measures; and recommend changes or courses of action for resolution.

DECISION MAKING / RESPONSIBILITY: :

Responsible for:
Leading and/or participating on project teams focussed on development of SAR policies, procedures and regulations; and in the identification and resolution of related issues that potentially impact on SAR.
Performing research and policy analysis; and conducting environmental scans to identify issues and conditions that potentially necessitate revisions to programs and policy.
Reviewing and commenting on submissions, policy proposals and products developed by other Ministry programs or government agencies, assessing their implications for the implementation of SAR legislation.
Developing, recommending and implementing operational and technical policies, procedures and programs, in accordance with Ontario Government standards, and within pre-approved funding and timelines.
Providing advice to Ministry staff and external clients.
Has latitude to determine research scope and methods, identify project deliverables and develop work plans; and to determine content of briefing materials and issues management notes.
Decisions are guided by OPS/Ministry/Unit directives, policies, guidelines and procedures governing Species at Risk and related programs; applicable legislation and regulations; project management best practices, guidelines and standards; and corporate and Ministry procedures pertaining to the preparation of documents and submissions.

CONTACTS / STAKEHOLDERS: :

Management and staff in Unit and in other Ministry programs, Communications Services Branch staff, field staff in regional and district offices, and Legal Services personnel to discuss and resolve policy matters and related problems and issues; to coordinate activities; to seek direction; to provide updates/briefings; and to provide, obtain or exchange information.
Staff in other Ontario Government ministries/agencies for research; to collaborate on projects and related activities; and to exchange information.
Representatives of other levels of government to exchange information; and for project participation.
Personnel in environmental NGOs (e.g. Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Ontario Land Trust Alliance, Ontario Heritage Trust) to exchange information; and for project participation.
Other external stakeholders, including the public, to solicit input and participate in consultations.

GUIDANCE / SUPERVISION: :

Provides technical/operational advice and guidance to Ministry staff regarding development of SAR, policies, procedures and regulations.

WORK DEMANDS: :

- Frequent unexpected work demands, changes to deadlines on short notice, and tight time pressures.
Occasional conflicting work demands from multiple sources.
Frequent periods of concentration to perform research; conduct policy analysis and environmental scans, review submissions, policy proposals and products to assess their impact on implementation of SAR legislation.
Frequent periods of uninterrupted reading to read/review legislation, regulations, agreements and policy documents and to listen and observe participants in consultations/meetings.

CONDITIONS / ENVIRONMENT: :

Work is performed in a typical office environment.