ASSISTANT DEPUTY MINISTER, OFFICE OF FRANCOPHONE AFFAIRS

Are you a passionate leader who is committed to the development of French-language services, policies and programs that meet the needs of Ontario's Francophones? Are you looking for a unique opportunity to showcase your talents by leading the celebrations commemorating 400 years of Francophone presence in Ontario? If so consider this exciting opportunity.

The Office of Francophone Affairs is seeking a seasoned and visionary leader.

Created under the French Language Services Act, the Office of Francophone Affairs is the Ontario Government's main source of expertise on Francophone affairs and French-language services. It provides information on the province's French-speaking population to other levels of government and the public, and co-ordinates the government-wide delivery of French-language services in the 25 areas designated under the French Language Services Act.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As a trusted strategic advisor, the ADM, Office of Francophone Affairs provides the Minister and Deputy Minister with expert advice on all aspects of Francophone Affairs, including the development of government wide policy, legislation and delivery of quality French Language services and the Ontario government's relations with the French-speaking community, stakeholders and other levels of government.

As the ADM, OFA, you will:

• Direct the activities of the Office of Francophone Affairs.
• Assist and advise the Deputy Minister and Minister in the discharge of the mandate conferred upon them by the French Language Services Act.
• Serve as the Chief Administrative Officer for the Office of Francophone Affairs.
• Chair the Interministerial Committee of French Language Services Cluster Heads.
• Lead the government wide development of policy, programs and services for the delivery of quality French language services both to internal and external clients.
• Develop standards on quality French language services and monitor accountability across the government.
• Act as a link between the Francophone community, government ministries and agencies, the French Language Services Commissioner, Ontario stakeholders and other levels of government through a variety of outreach/communication mechanisms, including participation in meetings and conferences, website, and direct contact.
• Gather and maintain accurate and up-to-date information on Ontario's Francophone community.


The ADM, OFA oversees:

• The Policy, Research and Ministry Services Branch, which advises the Government on policies and programs in the area of Francophone affairs; conducts research and statistical analyses on issues pertaining to the community and shares these findings with government ministries and agencies and helps ministries maintain and improve French-language services.

• The Strategic Communications Branch, which provides support to the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs in all communications activities with the Francophone community; undertakes communications projects in partnership with government ministries and agencies and community organizations; keeps the community informed of any government announcement that affects the delivery of French-language services; works with provincial, regional and local Francophone organizations; handles public complaints about the delivery of French-language services and maintains an up-to-date interactive web site.

How do I qualify?

Executive Leadership

• You are a senior executive who has demonstrated experience leading and motivating high-performing teams in a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• You are a skilled influencer and have experience building relationships (founded on trust) inside and outside of your organization.
• You have experience leading transformation, change and innovation.
• You understand the principles of leadership and have demonstrated that you can think and plan strategically.
• You have a proven track record of delivering sustainable results and championing an organizational culture of collaboration and accountability.

Issues Management, Judgement, Tact and Political Acuity

• You have flexibility and are open to new ideas that adapt to a changing environment.
• You understand political issues and nuances to understand and address problems, opportunities or political forces that affect the organization.
• You have sound judgment on sensitive issues and have the required political acumen to engage and manage high profile stakeholders in a politically complex environment, forging collaborative relationships.
• You have significant experience in issues management, including the ability to effectively advise senior management on emerging issues, crises, and emergency situations.
• You can leverage your skills and experience to build credibility and manage issues on key executive committees.

Stakeholder/Relationship Management

• You have proven ability to manage complex relationships, develop and promote partnerships and maintain key contacts across the Ontario Public Service, with provincial stakeholders and other levels of government.
• You work collaboratively with existing partners and develop relationships with new stakeholders such as task forces, committees and working groups inside and outside the Ontario Public Service.
• You have experience dealing with diverse and influential stakeholders.
• You are able to work across divisions and organizations with senior leaders to achieve results.
• You have excellent interpersonal skills and experience dealing positively with others, including in highly stressful situations.
• You are skilled at providing advice and briefings regarding issues.

Technical

• You have superior oral and written communication skills (French and English), including experience delivering presentations to large and influential groups
• You have knowledge of the Francophone community of Ontario and its needs and organizations.
• You have knowledge of the French Language Services Act and other relevant legislation (i.e. Ontario Justice Act, the Education Act, and the Local Health Integration Networks Act).
• You are a strategic thinker and have influenced policy processes to achieve strategic outcomes.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, March 21, 2014 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.