Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Represents Ontario's trade, investment and general business interests in a specific geographic region by advancing Ontario government objectives to government and commercial stakeholders and by establishing a platform for projecting Ontario's image. Provides advice and guidance to the Head of Mission and senior government and ministry officials on complex and sensitive economic development and trade issues.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Situated in a Canadian Mission located in a specific geographical region, the incumbent:
Determines priorities, objectives and strategies for trade, investment and general business relations with the host region with Ministry branches in order to promote the export of Ontario's products and services, investment attraction and to foster commercial developments and technology transfers between the host region and Ontario businesses and agencies. Proposes Ontario's annual programming to the Ministry and, in coordination with the Canadian Mission, implements such programming as approved by the Ministry in accordance with established objectives and timetables by seeking business opportunities for Ontario to expand its trade, investment and general economic relations in the host region. Establishes and maintains harmonious relationships with authorities, decision makers, media and other stakeholders in the host region, prepares and delivers trade missions/shows and conducts follow-up consultations to support the efforts of Ontario companies, agencies, and municipalities which have interests in the host region or which wish to establish partnerships with counterparts in the host region. Promotes cooperation and exchanges between Ontario and the host region on matters of an extra-commercial nature and of provincial interest such as culture and education; encourages the participation of Ontario's and the host regions representatives in major events that are most likely to increase general cooperation and partnerships, and foster commercial developments and technology transfer activities between the host region and Ontario businesses and agencies. Represents Ontario at related consultations where appropriate for the promotion of Ontario's interests. Obtains, prepares and forwards to Ontario relevant information on the evolving political, economic, technological and socio-cultural landscape of the host region and provides comments on events which may be significant in their economic impact. Ensures the representation of Ontario in the host region operates soundly and manages the human, physical and financial resources made available to it effectively.

Knowledge :

Sound knowledge of the host regions local politics, government and economy, and of the decision-making processes in the host regions government and business. Extensive knowledge of Ontario's economic (trade, investment) objectives and broad interests in the host region. Knowledge of Ontario's objectives, policies, strategies, programs and activities. Knowledge of Ministry/Ontario policy development, decision-making and program delivery processes. Knowledge of Ministry/Ontario administrative and financial procedures, including role and function of central agencies such as Management Board, Cabinet Office, Premier's Office. High degree of political acuity to understand both domestic and the host regions socio-economic and political issues and to identify and interpret developments/ issues of significance to Ministry/Ontario. Analytical and problem-solving skills to synthesize complex and sensitive material, and handle a wide range of issues and situations. Ability to provide high-level consultation, advice and recommendation. Oral communication skills to give presentations, chair meetings, represent Ministry. Written communication skills to write high-level correspondence, briefing notes, reports, etc. Interpersonal skills to work with staff within Ministry, other Ministries, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, and other provincial governments. Negotiation skills to work with staff/contacts at all levels, and to influence and coordinate the efforts of others without a reporting relationship, in own Ministry, other Ministries and federal government. Leadership skills and cultural sensitivity to coordinate activities. Project management skills. Issues management skills. Ability to speak the language of the host region. Computer literacy to prepare spreadsheets, correspondence, conduct research and prepare reports.

Judgement :

Position performs independently in the host region under minimal supervision and tight deadlines, and exercises considerable judgement, discretion and initiative to manage issues/events; to provide high-level analysis, consultation, advice and recommendation on a wide range of complex and sensitive issues; to identify politically sensitive and emerging issues as they arise, and to keep Ministry and other stakeholders well-briefed about them; to resolve complex policy and programme matters; to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information exchanges, and consistency to policy; to keep informed on Cabinet decisions, Ministry directives, new programmes and activities, etc.; to represent the Ministry to other Ministries, federal government, etc.

Accountability - Programs :

Position is responsible for: ensuring that the International Marketing Centre, which is co-located in the Consulate, Consulate General, Embassy or High Commission of Canada in the host region, significantly promotes Ontario's trade and general business interests in the host region; providing high-quality information, market intelligence, and advice on those interests; officially representing Ontario.

Accountability – Personnel :

Position is responsible for: delivering on the objectives of the Ministry and other ministries, as directed by the Manager, International Representation; managing one locally engaged staff in the Canadian Mission in the host region; providing information and advice to the Ministry and other ministries.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Manages the financial, physical and human resources of office in the host region.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Errors in analyzing information and identifying issues, misjudgement in advice and recommendation, delays in responses and/or action can seriously impact on Ministry/Ontario's credibility, cause embarrassment and have serious socio/economic or political repercussions. Ineffective representation of Ministry can result in Ministry/Ontario adopting incorrect options and positions. Poor planning, administration and coordination can impede Ministry/Ontario's decision-making process.

Contact - Internal :

Contact with Offices of Minister, Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Ministers, senior managers and other key personnel of Ministry.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with the host regions dignitaries and visitors, counterparts and senior management of other Ministries, senior officials of Premiers Office, Cabinet Office, Management Board, stakeholders in the business community and general public, senior representatives of federal government and other provincial governments.