Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

The policy analyst undertakes assignments related to trade policy development; management of consultations, including other ministries, industry associations and specific firms; management of trade issues that may arise for the Ontario government and key stakeholder groups. The position works with other members of the Branch and with clients from within an outside the Ministry on projects as assigned by the Manager.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Conducts policy research and analysis, provides advice on assigned projects by:
Developing a research methodology; indentifying and obtaining data and other relevant infformation from primary and secondary sources; undertaking thorough analysis of the issues to identify key policy issues and policy options; preparing/ presenting findings.
Prepares various cabinet submissions, policy papers and statement, briefing materials and correspondence for the Minister and senior ministry officials
Prepares various cabinet submissions, policy papers and statement, briefing materials and correspondence for the Minister and senior ministry officials
Briefs supervisor, branch director and senior ministry officials on assigned work
Develops and maintains a network of contacts witin the ministry, te government and with external organizations to obtain and exchange information

2. Assumes responsibility for policy issues in assigned areas by:
Developing detailed understanding of the issue, including the implications for the Ontario Government as well as business, labour and other interests and the relationships with other policy issues
Continually monitoring domestic and international developments affecting the issue(s) Providing analysis and briefings on the issue(s)

3. Organizes consultation process with government and non-governmental oranizations with particular interests in trade issues of conern to Ontario by:
Identifying goals for the consultantions and preparing options for strategies and tactics to implement the consultations
Identifying groups with an interest in a particular issue and the appropriate contact point Designing and implementing consultations
Preparing evaluations of the process

Staffing and Licencing :

N/A

Knowledge :

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of government process in Ontario and Canada, international relations and trade policy, economic and industrial policy
Knowledge of the Ontario economy and current trade, economic and other major policy issues facing Ontario business and other interest groups
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of international and interprovincial trade agreements, trade negotiations and trade dispute resolution processes
Demonstrated understanding and ability to apply policy research methodologfies, including an understanding of research techniques, quantitative methods and information sources
Demonstrated knowledge of understadning of consultative process and ability to design and organize appropriate process
Demonstrated knowledge of computers and ability to use computerzed data/infomration sources and research methodologies

Skills :

Demonstrated abilities in: working independently and as part of a team, under pressure and with strict deadlines; communication (oral and wirtten) and interpersonal relations negotiations, organization, conceptualization and problem solving, judgement and policy sensitivity

Freedom of Action :

N/A