Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Within the Public Education Unit of Emergency Management Ontario's Program Development Section, this position researches, develops, and implements emergency management public education and outreach products/initiatives/programs consistent with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act in order to reduce Ontarians' vulnerability to disasters and emergencies.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Develop a variety of short and long-term educational/outreach strategies to reduce Ontarians' vulnerability to disasters and emergencies;
2. Lead the development of print and electronic public education/outreach publications, projects, campaigns, special events, tours, etc., including: application of applicable OPS project management processes, assessment of needs, development of stakeholder feedback systems, consultation with clients, development of applicable partnerships, research of best practices/messaging, development of content, conducting detailed and highly accurate proof-reading, oversight of graphic design process, development of communications plans using ministry templates, obtaining appropriate communications/internal approvals for publication, coordination of translation with French Language Services, and publication (e.g., branding, graphic selection, digital and offset pre-press, printing, bindery, etc.);
3. Lead product development working groups comprised of stakeholders and subject matter experts through each stage of the development process to ensure product/program is consistent with stakeholder needs/expectations and is technically/academically accurate/consistent with recommended practices and standards;
4. Evaluate and validate documents/programs to determine how well internal and external client program needs are being met and to ensure consistency with emergency management program standards; Integrate results into the continuous quality improvement of each
product/program;
5. Support publications management activities (e.g., revision cycles, maintaining program relevancy, maintaining contemporary style/layout of products, etc);
6. Conduct research/analysis and prepare reports, recommendations, articles on a variety of topics related to emergency management programs (e.g., new trends, theories, best practices, comparative jurisdictions, case studies for use in training and education) for a variety of internal and external audiences;
7. Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners (e.g., community and ministry emergency management coordinators, volunteer organizations, the educational community, etc.) for the purpose of developing and delivering branch products/programs; Identify and develop partnership opportunities (public and private sectors) to enhance public education products/programs/initiatives; negotiate terms of partnership agreements utilizing independent decision making within predetermined parameters; write partnership proposals, developing strategies to ensure partnership success; manage long-term partnerships;
8. Represent EMO/coordinate EMO participation at major conferences/meetings/ events, including making presentations to a variety of groups and officials; Chair subcommittees and working groups addressing public education/outreach issues (e.g., coordination of government public education messaging);
9. In cooperation with the ministry Communications Branch develop effective strategic and tactical media communications and event plans for a variety of purposes (e.g., annual strategic communications plan, product launches, special events); develop effective media relationships to forward program goals/strategies;
10. As assigned, serve as a spokesperson and/or emergency information officer in an Emergency Operations Centre, Emergency Information Centre, or on field deployment - including conducting newspaper, radio and television interviews regarding emergency management public education/outreach programs and actual emergencies;
11. Provide advice and assistance to ministries and communities (municipalities and First Nations) as applicable on the development, implementation, and maintenance of their mandated public education programs, consistent with the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act;
12. Using supplied instructor materials and appropriate audio-visual aides, deliver classroom-based training products and programs to diverse audiences in accordance with best practices of teaching and/or adult education/instruction;
13. Provide input in the creation of unit budget;
14. Research and/or prepare logs, reports, correspondence, briefing and issue notes, and presentations as required to support unit/section/branch/ministry business; and,
15. Serve as a staff officer in the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre or on field deployment as needed during emergencies in order to coordinate provincial emergency response efforts and/or to support/advise/assist government ministries, municipalities, First Nations, and/or other organizations. Therefore, position may also require working extended and irregular hours and/or shifts with minimal or no notice, particularly during emergencies and exercises; there will be requirements to travel (sometimes on short/no notice due to emergency situations and coverage), mainly within Ontario, but also within North America.

Staffing and Licensing :

Position requires provincial security clearance and background check and may require federal security clearance. Incumbent may be required to wear a uniform to perform some duties and may be required to wear and use protective equipment in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Position requires valid driver's license in order to access emergency, exercise and training sites not accessible by public transportation.

Knowledge :

-Knowledge of emergency preparedness/risk communication theories, strategies, trends, issues, programs, and related legislation/ regulations; knowledge and understanding of branch and unit operations and goals, directions and priorities; knowledge of current emergency management theories, practices research, issues and trends, and relevant legislation and regulations, Government programs and processes; understanding of roles and responsibilities of external organizations such as NGOs, private industry, the fire service, police services, Emergency Medical Services, public works, public health, etc; structures and roles of various levels of government including municipal (upper tier, lower tier, separated, etc.), provincial and federal; as well as understanding of internal government processes (e.g. legal processes/potential ramifications of actions);
Knowledge of the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of emergency management public education/risk communication/outreach programs, including knowledge of project management principles, to plan, manage/coordinate and conduct large scale research projects and development of products/programs/ publications in cooperation with a diverse stakeholder and client audience;
-Knowledge of media strategies, practices and tools to promote programs/initiatives, to provide instruction on this topic, and to interact with the media during emergencies and special events;
-Knowledge of OPS strategic and tactical communications processes, approvals, and organization;
-Knowledge of presentation/briefing and adult education/curriculum development theories and methods to provide qualified and credible briefings/presentations/instruction to clients/senior officials/ stakeholders/students and to develop/deliver public education/ outreach programs to diverse audiences, including children, seniors, and those with visible and/or non-visible disabilities;
-Knowledge of related programs in other ministries, governments and non-government organizations to ensure effective integration with EMO and Ontario Government initiatives.

Skills :

-Job requires verbal and written communication skills to develop products, programs, proposals, event plans, project management documentation, articles, and communications plans; as well as to make effective formal and informal presentations to a wide variety of stakeholders/clients (e.g., lunch and learn sessions, teaching courses, presentations to committees and senior officials, engaging stakeholders at conferences, speaking to media, etc.);
-Job requires interpersonal/stakeholder management skills and sensitivity to interact/relate effectively/build ongoing relationships with EMO's diverse stakeholders and clients (e.g., children, educators, emergency management coordinators, emergency services, private sector, non-government organizations, etc.); work as a team member in a fast-paced environment; and to lead product/program development teams, conduct consultations, chair meetings, coordinate and/or participate on working groups and committees, and build support for joint programs and processes;
-Job requires ability to plan and implement special/media events such as media launches, expos, conferences, workshops, etc. -Job requires ability to serve as a spokesperson, including the development/delivery of clear and concise key messages, the use of bridging techniques, and the ability to demonstrate a professional demeanour;
-Job requires program development/project management skills to be able to develop high-profile/quality programs/products/events on tight deadlines and in cooperation with a variety of diverse partners/ stakeholders;-Job requires analytical, research and evaluation skills to assess program needs, synthesize related literature/data/studies, and develop programs appropriate for our diverse client group;
-Ability to use computer softwares (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, research databases) and AV technology, to produce products/programs , presentations, correspondence and reports.

Freedom of Action :

-Job requires that services be provided in accordance with OPS, ministry and branch policies. Job requires that the work is performed with minimal supervision in problem solving, addressing needs and priorities offsite during an emergency.
-Job requires that team members work collaboratively and assume the responsibilities inherent in membership in a high performing team. Service delivery at time entails working away from the worksite and to make decisions and act in the best interests of Emergency Management Ontario.