Job Specification

Purpose :

To provide leadership for the development and maintenance of the Ministry's strategic business relationship with Ontario's forest sector, support coordination of Business Development Branch programs.

Key Responsibilities :

Policy/Business Development, Coordination and Support:
Identifies, addresses and resolves a broad range of policy/business issues. Conducts research; obtains input from community/industry stakeholders; develops options; and recommends policy. Coordinates planning and reporting of policy and business plan priorities, ensuring linkages between policy, fiscal and
legislative/regulatory activities. Develops and maintains a system for benchmarking and analyzing the relative competitiveness and performance of the Ontario forest sector and those policies and regulations of the Ministry which impact the sector. Leads and coordinates economic development projects, and evaluates sector strategies and new proposals related to the program. Participates in the review and analysis of forest industry business plan submissions for new/expanded facilities that require Ministry approval; provides related advice to applicants. Prepares feasibility studies, policy papers, economic and statistical reports, RFP's, MB20s, correspondence, briefing notes and background material for review/approval by the Minister, Deputy Minister and/or senior management.

2. Program Effectiveness:
Develops and maintains a system for benchmarking and analyzing the relative competitiveness and performance of the Ontario forest sector. Assists in the alignment of Ministry resources and organization for timely, effective response to the forest industry transition and related Northern community needs. Ensures that restructuring supports Government priorities. Conducts research on current sector developments and issues; conducts or oversees trade and timber pricing studies; and meets with forest industry leaders. Identifies and studies/researches stakeholders' issues and concerns; tracks, analyzes and reports on stakeholder positions on Ministry initiatives and activities.

3. Consultation, Advice and Liaison:
Provides advice to Ministry officials and Division/BDB management and staff on issues pertaining to the forest sector, and potential strategies/approaches for resolution. Liaises with forest industry personnel, industry associations, and forest business/economics/sector trade specialists in other provinces and the Federal Government regarding program-related matters. Works with Federal Government representatives to aid in coordinating governments' responses in addressing economic pressures experienced by the industry.

Knowledge / Skill :

Knowledge of and skills in:
Business management practices and principles, particularly in accounting, economics and financial analysis, to address and resolve business issues; to coordinate business planning; to lead economic development projects; and to collaborate with others in addressing industry economic pressures. Research and analytical methods and techniques to conduct market analysis research; to perform various analyses; and to coordinate the retrieval of data/information to address and resolve issues and problems. Strategic planning and performance measurement methodologies, approaches and processes to coordinate planning and reporting of policy/business plan priorities; and to develop performance measurement system/tools for the program. Natural resource management to apply market analysis research to the needs of the Ministry. The forest products industry in North America, its product lines, production processes, markets and its economic status; and forest sector trends, developments and issues to evaluate sector strategies and new program proposals; to lead economic development projects; to conduct industry related studies; and to provide advice to Ministry officials and Division/BDB management. Relevant Provincial legislation, regulations and policies applicable to the forest industry to ensure compliance in policy development and business planning; and to review and analyze forest industry business plan submissions for new/expanded facilities. Ministry/BDB organization, policy and program objectives; roles, responsibilities, practices and decision-making structures of the ministry/forest industry; Ontario Government's policy and program planning, development, evaluation, reporting and decision-making processes to develop options and recommendations for review and approval. Project planning/management methodologies, processes, guidelines and standards to lead and/or participate in FSCS projects. Oral and written communication techniques to prepare planning documents, feasibility studies, policy papers, reports, submissions, briefing materials, RFP's, presentations, background material and correspondence. Computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, data management and presentation applications to prepare documentation; to perform analyses and reporting; and to develop presentations.

Interpersonal / Influencing Skill :

Consultation, advisory and collaboration skills to develop and maintain effective working relationships; to work with management on business planning, policy development and issues management approaches and solutions; to discuss and manage potential/existing issues, disputes and conflicts senior Ministry clients; and to liaise and obtain and/or provide information with officials, management, program staff, staff in other ministries/agencies and external stakeholders. Persuasion and presentation skills to make presentations, and present recommendations to senior management and officials, for approval. Negotiation skills to build consensus on initiatives, approaches, strategies, etc., among various stakeholders.

Analyzing / Problem Solving Skill :

Analytical and problem-solving skills to:
Identify and resolve a broad range of policy/business issues. Conduct research; obtain input from community/industry stakeholders; develop options; and develop and recommend policy. Select key indicators/benchmarks for development to aid in strategic planning and performance measurement.
Conduct research and analysis related to the sector; identify relevant issues; assess impacts; and collaborate with management and/or staff in developing options and solutions. Determine the substance and content of key Ministry submissions to regulatory agencies to ensure compliance. Determine requirements for aligning Ministry organization and resources with forest industry transition and Northern
community needs.

Decision Making / Responsibility :

Responsible for:
Recommending and implementing business/policy/program components of the Forest Sector Competitiveness Secretariat Strategy for the Ministry. Leading and coordinating economic development projects, and evaluating sector strategies and new proposals related to the program. Conducting market analysis research, sector related studies, assessing impacts, and developing and making
recommendations based on findings/results. Liaising with and coordinating the participation of major stakeholders including Division staff, forest industry representatives and other governments.
Developing and maintaining a benchmarking/performance measurement system for the Ontario forest sector. Advising Ministry officials and Division/BDB management on sector related issues and potential strategies/approaches for resolution. Ensuring the quality, reliability, and relevance of program-related research and analysis. Has latitude to coordinate planning and reporting of policy and business plan priorities. Decisions are guided by Ministry/BDB policies, standards, directives and guidelines for the program; applicable policy directions/agenda and legislation; Government/Ministry policy development and decision-making processes; corporate project planning/management methodologies, processes, guidelines and standards.

Contacts / Stakeholder :

FSCS management to present recommendations; to discuss and resolve program-related issues; to seek direction; to provide advice and information. FSCS staff, Branch directors and other senior managers in all divisions to advise on FSCS direction, policy development, interpretation and program administration; to provide briefings/updates; to discuss program-related issues; and to provide or obtain information.
Forest industry and community representatives in Ontario to obtain or provide advice on policy and program development proposals. Senior staff in ministries that have an interest in the forest sector to discuss issues; and to provide information. Representatives of the Federal Government to discuss and address economic pressures facing the industry. Counterparts in other provincial governments and internationally to exchange information; to discuss issues of mutual interest/concern; and for conducting research.

Guidance / Supervision :

Provides advice to Ministry officials and Division/BDB management and staff on issues pertaining to the forest sector, and potential strategies/approaches for resolution. Coordinates project teams for assigned projects.

Demands / Pressures :

Work Demands :

Frequent unexpected work demands, changes to deadlines on short notice, and tight time pressures. Frequent conflicting work demands from multiple sources.

Mental / Sensory :

Frequent periods of concentration to perform research and analysis; to conduct trade/timber pricing studies; to develop feasibility studies, draft policies and other program documents; and to review forest industry business plan submissions. Frequent periods of uninterrupted reading to read/review business planning documents, research material, submissions, legislation, issues material, and policy documents. Moderate provision of instructions to staff involved in projects and studies.

Conditions / Environment :

Work is performed in a typical office environment.