Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To support the research and analysis of strategy, policy and program data to enable the preparation of the Annual Report for the minister on the occupational health and safety system performance and the provision of strategy, policy, program and legislative advice and alternatives relating to workers occupational health and safety for senior ministry officials, including the Chief Prevention Officer, Minister and Deputy Minister.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The Strategy Development and Implementation section of the Branch is responsible for leading the creation, development, implementation and integration of a provincial occupational health and safety strategy and for managing and overseeing the preparation of an annual occupational health and safety system performance report for the Chief Prevention Officer and the Minister of Labour. In support of the Prevention Office mandate, this position will:



1. Research and Analysis


• Conduct or participate in strategy research and analysis projects/initiatives related to the development and implementation of occupational health and safety related strategy, policy, programs and legislation and the preparation of the annual health and safety system performance report for the minister.


• Provide, coordinate and integrate input from multiple sources/entities to produce a division/ministry position or response to occupational health and safety issues discussed at special forums and/or inter-ministry working groups.


• Provide data and analysis to support the preparation of business cases for branch and Prevention Office strategy, policy and program recommendations/advice; draft/prepare/provide data for reports on a variety of topics including occupational health and safety strategy and policies in other jurisdictions and emerging trends and issues.


• Participate in/support the development and management of models, tools and prototypes used by the branch for strategy related research and analysis


2. Strategy, Policy, Program and Legislative Advice/Alternatives


• Contribute to the provision of expert consultative services to senior Prevention Office and ministry officials including the Chief Prevention Officer, Minister and Deputy Minister on provincial occupational health and safety strategy, policies, programs and legislation;


• Provide input into the development of legislation, Cabinet Submissions and supporting materials.


3. Relationship Management


• Consult with members of the branch and Prevention Office to gather information and support mutually beneficial and productive partnerships and business working relationships; contribute to collaborative relationships with other branch, divisional and government staff; participate in ministry, inter-ministerial and/or inter-provincial committees to support a collaborative approach to effective occupational health and safety strategy and policy development; support networks and alliances to enhance cooperative and timely access to appropriate expertise both internally and externally.


4. Other


• Prepare correspondence, memoranda and other written material for signature of senior staff and branch management;


• Remain current with latest research, analytical and reporting standards and practices, evaluation review techniques, and computer and quality assurance tools/techniques.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of the Prevention Office and ministry's mandate, mission and agenda, and related legislation (e.g. Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations), strategies, policies, programs and initiatives, and the objectives of provincial health and safety associations to support the preparation of the Annual Report and of business cases for branch and Prevention Office strategy, policy and program recommendations/advice; knowledge of OPS policy, legislation, regulation and program development, operational planning and decision-making processes to support strategic policy development and to assist in processing policies through government decision-making structures/processes; research and analytical skills to conduct or participate in high profile strategy research and analysis projects/initiatives; ability to understand implications, envision consequences and manage details; organizational and project management skills to manage a varied work load in a high pressure environment and to participate in concurrent projects, meet deadlines and deliver results; oral and written communications and relationship management skills to consult with peers and experts, provide advice to and prepare material for review by senior section and branch staff, build strong working relationships and networks and contribute to meetings, conferences and inter-branch/ministry committees; proficiency with available PC-based/networked software (e.g. for research, analysis, reporting, issues/correspondence management, coordinating and project planning/management).

Judgement :

The position works under the direction of the Manager, Strategy Development and Implementation and senior staff and within broad and evolving framework of government and ministry policies, directives, procedures, processes and priorities. The position works with a high level of independence and initiative in effectively conducting detailed research and analysis for senior staff, branch management and colleagues and developing options and alternatives for consideration of senior staff and management on provincial occupational health and safety strategy, policies, programs, processes and legislation. Judgement is required to research and analyze related work in other provinces and jurisdictions, assess trends and implications and anticipate outcomes and potential issues. Sensitivity to the political implications of various courses of action is essential in the preparation of correspondence, remarks and reports for the use of the senior branch and ministry staff. Good judgement, tact, discretion and sensitivity are vital when researching and sharing information on ministry strategies with members of committees and stakeholders.

Accountability - Programs :

The position is accountable for the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of analytical and evaluative data and reports that will impact the content of the Annual Report for the minister form the basis of ministry strategy, policy and program objectives and wiII support the provision of sound advice to senior staff and branch/ministry executives. The position is accountable for conducting research and analysis of occupational health and safety system issues, participating in working groups related to strategic initiatives, using a variety of information gathering techniques, and in producing information to enable strategy development.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Provide detailed data and analysis to facilitate the development of strategy and provision of advice to senior staff and management that enables the branch and the Prevention Office to deliver on their mandate.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Inaccurate or incomplete data and analysis, or errors in judgement, could impair strategy development and program delivery, or result in insufficient information to support strategy development and critical government decision making in the area of provincial occupational health and safety.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with branch and division colleagues to support/participate in working groups and projects, discuss issues and share information. Frequent contacts with coIIeagues in other branches of the ministry to share information or to participate on committees.

Contact - External :

Occasional contact with officials and professional associates in other ministries, workplace insurance and related agencies and government agencies, officials of the federal and other provincial government, academic institutions, representatives of business, labour, and health and safety organizations to exchange information on strategic policy issues and to participate on committees or meetings and conferences.