Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide leadership, coordination and act as a liaison to National and International Organizations in the development, implementation and monitoring of emergency management programs and handling of emergency management issues including prevention, preparedness, mitigation, response and
recovery.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Duties/Responsibilities 1. Act as initial point of contact with other provinces and contiguous states/country in exchange of information, national and international participation and planning of emergency and committees; provide consultation with local, provincial, federal and international stakeholders on issues related to mutual and agreements on various and emergency related plans; negotiation of memorandum of Understandings (MOU)/mutual aid
\ agreements
2. Provide input into the development/revision of legislation, regulations, policies, plans, procedures, standards, guidelines and best practices including conducting background research based on information and practices from other provinces and countries;
3. Providing advice, options and recommendations regarding response to potential and declared emergencies including monitoring events/incidents; assessing level of emergency; notifying appropriate Federal, Provincial, municipal, agencies and organizations and facilities, providing advice to Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) representatives, speaking to the media as required and coordinating resources and Provincial response;
4. Participates on across boundary Teams (local, national and international) providing contact/liaison/support for a wide variety of emergency/potential emergency
situations;
5. Participates in complex, specialized group projects under the leadership of Program Manager. Undertakes special projects and/or research and analysis (e.g. research re other jurisdiction's processes, functions and procedures such as mitigation measures, incident management
systems) and prepares reports and recommendations. 6. Researching and/or preparing logs, reports, correspondence, briefing and issue notes, presentations; developing and/or presenting training and public education materials and programs.
7. Provide assistance in the Provincial Emergency Operations Centre (PEOC) during emergencies, drills and exercises; and other duties as assigned.
8. 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 notice due to emergency situations and coverage), mainly within Ontario, but also within North America for teaching and working groups.

Staffing and Licensing :

Position requires provincial security clearance and background check and may require federal security clearance. Incumbent will be required to wear a uniform to perform 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 :

Job requires knowledge of emergency management theories, research, issues and trends (e.g. Incident Management systems etc.) to assist, advise: Ministries/NGOs, senior management, other emergency organizations regarding specific responses to emergencies (e.g. set up emergency operations
centres and community control groups, advise regarding evacuation actions), to advise on the writing/development of emergency plans, to develop and present effective training and educational materials; Job requires knowledge of federal, provincial, municipal legislation (e.g. Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act and Regulations, Emergency Act, Emergency Preparedness Act, Search and Rescue Adequacy Act, Police Services Act, Building Codes, , Fire Protection and Prevention Act, Nuclear Safety and Control Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act, Health Promotion & Protection Act etc.) to provide assistance, interpretation, contact information, training, education, exercises to Ministries and NGOs; to identify jurisdiction, responsibility (e.g. Federal, Provincial, Municipal) and to advise the government regarding possible courses of action and potential risks; Job requires knowledge of programs (e.g. Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program, Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP), Partnership towards Safer Communities,
New Initiatives Fund (NIF), Ontario Critical Infrastructure Assurance Program to implement and administer programs, to advise stakeholders and review and evaluate proposals and organizations (e.g. Red Cross, Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) etc.) and to ensure compatibility/adequacy of emergency plans, training and exercises; Job requires knowledge of EMO goals, directions, priorities, and emergency management plans, procedures, policies, standards (e.g. Provincial. Emergency Response Plan, Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan, Provincial Terrorism Consequence
Management Plans, Framework Standards etc) to advise regarding response, resources available, responsibilities; to participate in group projects, undertake projects and/or research (e.g. policies, processes, procedures of other jurisdictions) to develop, revise Plans, procedures and to provide
training and public education; Job requires knowledge of National and International Organizations, their risks and hazards (e.g. natural, technological and human caused hazards including chemical, biological, nuclear, radiological hazards) to identify needs and implications, to provide appropriate and
timely advice and to assist in the development of emergency plans and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment; Job requires knowledge of adult education practices, presentation techniques and national standards to develop, test and deliver effective training and education programs; Job
requires knowledge of technology including computer software programs (e.g. word processing, Power Point, Access), Internet and audiovisual, telecommunications and radio equipment and Geographic Information System (GIS) for use in responses and exercises; to prepare, deliver
presentations; Job requires knowledge of other emergency management organizations (e.g. ambulance service, Ministry of Environment, Spills Action Centre) to develop Plans and procedures and to provide advice that is consistent with their operations and reporting structure; Job requires knowledge
of Ontario Public Service policies and procedures including Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Vehicle Use, No Smoking Policy, Travel and Expense reporting Policy etc.

Skills :

Job requires interpersonal skills to co-ordinate, work, liaise with/advise a variety of staff at various levels and volunteers in public and private emergency related organizations, industry and the public on a daily basis as well as in emergency/stressful situations and to participate effectively in-group projects;
Job requires cultural sensitivity skills to relate effectively with contacts from diverse cultural backgrounds, including First Nations, in obtaining information and advising re emergencies, in training and in providing advice regarding funding, programs etc; Job requires tact and diplomacy to advise
regarding emergency response options and facilitate issue resolution within communities (e.g. to declare or not declare emergency); Job requires
written communication skills to write plans, procedures, policies, correspondence, briefing notes, training programs, event plans, media documents and
public education documents; Job requires analytical skills in emergency situations to quickly assess potential, developing or actual emergencies and
provide appropriate advice, options, recommendations; to identify gaps in responses and provide appropriate options; to anticipate possible impacts and
future needs; to use knowledge, judgment and common sense to provide advice in emergency situations and to accurately communicate relevant
information to other responders and superiors; Job also requires analytical skills to assess and evaluate proposals; to analyze emergency exercises and
previous emergencies; to carry out hazard identification; to analyze and adapt National training standards; to assess interconnections and impacts
between organizations with different mandates and responsibilities and to assess research findings and applications; Job requires adult education,
planning and organizational skills to develop and deliver courses, to participate in/carry out special projects; and research skills to, prepare reports,
consider other models, options, assess risk, identify hazards; Job requires consultation and communication skills to lead/facilitate stakeholder meetings; participate in public meetings, and address stakeholder and ministries and external stakeholders issues/needs; Job requires organizational skills to effectively plan and schedule activities; and Job requires effective leadership skills to advise appropriate stakeholders (e.g., Ministries, National and International organizations, emergency organizations) in an emergency.

Freedom of Action :

Ministry/NGO Liaison Officer works independently with minimal supervision under the Deputy Chief of the section and within relevant legislation and within policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the emergency management profession. Ministry/NGO Liaison Officer is considered knowledgeable in his/her field and superiors provide objectives, timelines, general direction and guidance including policy interpretations. In emergency situations, incumbent may have to make on the spot decisions/take immediate action without prior consultation due to the nature of the emergency.
Work is assessed and reviewed for meeting goals, objectives and timelines by Deputy Chief. Position consults superior for priority identification, to provide status updates and to advise regarding conflicts and/or political/financial issues. Failure to provide advice or provision of inappropriate/incorrect
advice could negatively affect emergency decisions, which could impact public safety, security and the environment; could result in inappropriate, ineffective communications, which could have political consequences and could result in unnecessary financial expenditure. Development of inappropriate guides, models for Ministries and National and International Organizations. could lead to failure to identify potential hazards and failure to implement appropriate mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery measures; inappropriate responses or preparation which could have long and
short term impacts and would impact credibility of EMO, the ministry and government.