Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To coordinate activities related to federal approval processes, and advise on provincial processes required. To provide planning analyses and expert advice in the development of public policies and strategies related to nuclear energy. To provide policy recommendations to the Ministry based on research and analyses of complex technical, licensing and economic aspects of nuclear energy. To oversee, guide and manage projects and studies. To play a significant role in consulting with numerous critical internal and external stakeholders and partners. To represent the Ministry on internal/external committees, task forces and discussion groups. To address and brief senior executives on contentious issues.

Duties / Responsibilities :

The Branch supports and advises the Minister, Deputy Minister, Cabinet Office, and makes recommendations on appropriate decisions related to the modernization of the nuclear fleet in Ontario. This covers both the refurbishment of existing units and the procurement of new nuclear units.

As a nuclear energy policy expert, the position coordinates the Ministry participation in, and monitoring of federal approval processes, and advises on provincial processes required. The position contributes to the identification of related strategic, regulatory and technical issues, the provision of expert analyses and the coordination of public policy planning and program development. In that context, the position:

1. Assesses and oversees the impact of initiatives, analyses, and the development of public policy options and strategies with respect to nuclear energy in Ontario, taking into consideration environmental impacts. Provides expert advice/guidance related to economic, environmental and social considerations of nuclear energy planning issues.

2. Acts as a leader in the provision of guidance in the development of new policies/strategies. Presents conclusions and recommendations, suggests alternate strategies associated with possible policy or regulatory alternatives.

3. Develops, in conjunction with the Director, project objectives, goals, human resource & financial requirements, and strategic work plans with respect to the development/implementation of nuclear energy in Ontario. Advises the Director on reporting approaches. Develops short-term and strategic plans directly linked to the government and Ministry public commitments.

4. Defines terms of reference and methodologies for, and leads research/studies and recommendations related to nuclear energy (i.e. assessment, research and analyses of technical and economic aspects of nuclear energy). Oversees the performance of experts and manages research contracts. Conducts progress reviews, assesses output, and ensures deadlines/commitments are met. Reviews and coordinates special/final reports, regulatory options, impact studies, and presents policy implications of recommendations to senior executives.

5. Plays a significant role in consulting with numerous critical stakeholders and partners to support nuclear energy programs. Discusses Ministry and stakeholders' positions with government and Ministry senior executives, including the Minister's Office.

6. Represents the Ministry on inter-ministerial, inter-governmental and stakeholder committees, task forces and discussion groups to ensure that the government and Ministry policy, strategies and commitments are considered and understood. Identifies, addresses and makes presentations on contentious regulatory issues and events which could have significant policy implications for Ontario's nuclear energy, and develops recommendations/options for senior management strategy.

7. Prepares and presents specialized briefings and presentations on policy options and recommendations to Ministry senior executives, including the Minister's Office, partner ministries and stakeholders. Prepares cabinet submissions dealing with matters related to nuclear energy.

8. Prepares other materials such as reports, correspondence, recommendations, tables, technical briefing notes, and slide presentations, using a variety of office computer equipment and software, such as Word, Lotus, Excel, etc.

9. The Director has the right to assign additional duties.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of theories, principles, practices, techniques and methodologies of public policy, economics, finance, regulation, normally acquired at the post-graduate level or extensive job experience, and knowledge of/extensive experience in environmental issues, regulatory issues, economics, nuclear energy, and the energy industry normally gained through training in economics, administration, environmental studies or a related discipline/through equivalent experience, to: oversee/lead studies, research, analyses, the development of policy options/strategies with respect to nuclear Energy; present conclusions/recommendations to senior management and suggest alternate strategies, etc. Knowledge of, or excellent understanding of the energy-related legislation and regulatory principles/processes that the Ministry of Energy is responsible for, and a good understanding of the relevant federal, provincial and U.S. legislation and regulatory practice. Knowledge of the field of energy in order to oversee the survey, research, and development of related solutions/options for public policy and approval processes. Specific knowledge of current government organization, procedures, decision-making processes. Strong understanding of the government policies and priorities, particularly those related to the areas of nuclear energy, provincial governance, environment, economic development and fiscal policy. Technical knowledge of the demand management and resource planning issues, to interpret future trends and review the economic, environmental and social considerations. Proven ability to develop policy options.

Excellent planning, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, to: coordinate/manage the Ministry participation in and monitoring of federal approval processes and to advise on provincial processes required; develop new techniques; present conclusions and recommendations in support of new policies; suggest alternate strategies associated with possible policy or regulatory alternatives; identify and address contentious issues/questions requiring pre-emptive action.

Excellent analytical/evaluative skills, to: assess the impact of initiatives, guide/oversee the analyses and development of policy options in support of the government/Ministry public commitments; provide analytical support to Ministry senior executives through the provision of technical and specialized briefings, etc.

Research, project management and leadership skills, to lead research/studies and recommendations related to nuclear energy (i.e. project objectives and procedural methods, priorities, progress reviews, assessment output, deadlines and commitments, etc.); define terms of reference for experts' studies; review drafts/final reports; present commentary to senior executives on the policy implications of recommendations.

Excellent oral/written communications, interpersonal and negotiations skills, to: consult with numerous internal and external stakeholders; address broadly based issues; serve as technical advisor to project teams; participate on internal/external committees, task forces and discussion groups; consult with stakeholders, provide expert advice, interpret various legislation and regulations; prepare and present briefings; etc.

Knowledge of IT and computer systems/software/networks (e.g. Word, Lotus, Excel, Internet/Intranet), to: prepare reports, briefing notes, presentation materials, correspondence, spreadsheets, access information from Internet/Intranet, conduct searches, communicate with staff/stakeholders, etc.

Judgement :

Under the general direction of the Director, Nuclear Energy Supply, and within the constraints of the government policy and practices, as well as within accepted economic/public policy theories and principles, the position exercises judgement in determining methods of approach as well as techniques when undertaking new projects related to the development of innovative solutions in new areas of public policy such as regulation for nuclear energy and federal and provincial approval processes. Position exercises judgement when setting priorities for projects with limited resources to ensure that time and quality expectations of senior executives are met. Significant judgement is exercised in determining the scope and application of research techniques, selecting data sources, conducting thorough analyses and assessing the assumptions and analyses used by others to oversee/guide the development of, and/or develop policy proposals. Judgement is required in determining the appropriate course of action to be recommended to, or pursued by senior executives where guidelines are limited and/or no precedents exist. Position also exercises judgement in preparing/making presentations to senior executives on highly contentious issues (i.e. approval processes, policy implications of recommendations, analyses, and strategies related to nuclear energy; etc.) Position exercises significant judgement in the provision of support to stakeholders (i.e. preparation and development of outreach programs/activities, communication strategies and related information, Ministry positions, etc.).

Accountability - Programs :

Position is accountable for the provision of timely, reliable, accurate and comprehensive information, policy options, and recommendations upon which the Ministry relies to support its decision-making. The position is responsible for the recognition of the sensitivity of information/advice given to the Minister/DM/ADM and other senior executives. Recommendations relate to federal/provincial approval processes and provincial/corporate strategic planning activities, and have an impact on the implications of proposals for promoting nuclear energy in Ontario.

Accountability – Personnel :

Position provides advice/technical guidance to internal staff and external experts involved in projects.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Decisions directly impact on the ability of the Minister, Deputy Minister, Assistant Deputy Minister and the Ministry of Energy senior executives to achieve Ministry/government public commitments and be fully accountable with respect to nuclear energy. The impact of decisions is internal and external and has a significant impact on public policy and the people of Ontario.

Failure to anticipate and prepare for sensitive strategic issues, and inability to provide comprehensive and timely advice with respect to federal and provincial approval processes and policy options could leave the Minister and government unprepared to deal with them, causing loss of credibility and embarrassment. This could result in inappropriate decisions being made and actions being taken, which could have significant negative impact on Ontario's long-term environment, economy and energy security. The impact or errors related to strategic energy issues may not become apparent until several years after decisions have been made, resulting in significant cost to the private and public sectors of the provincial economy.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with the ADM, Ministry and OPS partner ministries' senior executives, and occasional contact with the Minister and the Deputy Minister, to: address broadly based issues; serve as technical advisor to project teams/committees; participate on inter/intra-ministerial committees, task forces and discussion groups; provide expert advice, interpret various legislation and regulations; identify and address contentious issues and questions and inform/brief senior executives; respond to Minister/senior executives requests with respect to policy development, strategies and initiatives related to nuclear energy and federal/provincial approval processes.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with senior officials in other jurisdictions, the federal government, the broader public sector, regulatory boards, utilities, consumer and environmental groups, the business industry, other governments at the national and international levels, dedicated resources with technical/other expertise, and market participants, to: develop outreach programs/activities, communicate strategies, provide/seek/share information with respect to nuclear energy; discuss Ministry and stakeholders' positions on policy/strategies and federal/provincial approval processes; participate on external committees, task forces and discussion groups; address contentious regulatory issues; provide expert advice; research/conduct studies; respond to inquiries and interpret relevant legislation/regulations and Ministry policies, practices, procedures and operations.