Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide project leadership, coordination and expertise in the development and implementation of a strong accountability framework (e.g. operational policies, guideline documents, tools, processes, procedures, protocols) based on sound research, in support of the eHealth agenda in Ontario. To liaise with internal/ external stakeholders on accountability, financial and performance issues. To prepare and/or project manage the preparation of documents that support the branches strategic policy and eHealth program priorities.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Working in a branch that manages accountabilities, legislative obligations and a dedicated liaison function to facilitate interactions between internal ministry, eHealth agencies and external partners and interest groups to enable providers to fulfill their eHealth related mandates in support of the governments eHealth agenda and priorities, this Position:

1. Provides project leadership, coordination and/or participation in the planning, design, development and evaluation of program or service specific issues, including operational policies, protocols, guideline documents, templates, processes, procedures and best practices in support of accountability agreements/ Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) by which eHealth Ontario and other eHealth agencies are obligated to deliver contracted services. Ensures operational policies, guideline documents, protocols and best practices comprehensively consider the implications of existing accountability agreements and the impact of changes to the agreements on the eHealth program, the government/ ministry's eHealth agenda, strategic directions and legislative obligations (e.g. privacy of medical records).

2. Coordinates and participates in the review of the eHealth program evaluation, including the development of a program evaluation plan, conduct of reviews, analyses of data, including value for money, the identification of performance (deliverables, outcomes, financial) issues, successes, patterns, trends and develops recommendations for alternatives/program improvements. Collaborates and works with colleagues throughout the branches in the division/ministry to facilitate the design and development of implementation strategies and activities for program improvements, operational policies, guideline documents, protocols, processes and procedures.

3. Leads and coordinates project work/ teams, including planning of resources, providing technical advice/ support/ direction, assigning project tasks, monitoring project progress and reviewing quality of work to ensure high standards. Promotes productive team work environment and consensus building to achieve complete, sound and reliable outcomes.

4. Delivers the dedicated liaison function of the branch by developing and managing critical stakeholder consultations, partnerships and relationships with colleagues throughout the ministry and other ministries, eHealth Ontario, other eHealth agencies and other levels of government (Canada Health Infoway) on key issues, initiatives and activities impacting eHealth program and accountability agreements (deliverables, outcomes, financial pressures/variances). Participates and/or leads inter/ intra ministerial committees to develop a coordinated approach to policy/ program analysis and development.

5. Provides technical direction, guidance and coordination for critical business analysis and financial reviews in support of negotiations (e.g. existing agreements, available templates, existing government accountability requirements, fiscal guidelines, internal ministry processes) and in monitoring agreement deliverables and performance (e.g. financial implications of agreements and plans, tracking spending against approved funding/ performance targets, spending analysis, adherence to financial guidelines, tracking/ assessing deliverables/ outcomes). Reviews, summarizes and apprises Manager/ Director of identified gaps, financial variances/ pressures, emerging problems/ issues, conflicts and potential political or program impacts.

6. Provides program expertise and advice to health system stakeholders on proposed policies, program changes, on individual components of the eHealth Program and interpretation/ application of division/ government financial policies, processes and resolution of related issues.

7. Leads, coordinates and/or conducts assessments of the requirements expressed by eHealth Ontario and other eHealth program providers to support individual project proposals. Activities include identifying requests, proposed content, strategies and agreement requirements submitted by partner, evaluating provided analysis against approved strategic mandate and business plan, identifying and recommending adjustments to business plans and/or ministry's Result-base or Infrastructure Plans, if needed, and incorporating provided content into relevant documentation.

8. Prepares and/or co-ordinates input from others for the preparation and approval by management of Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet submissions in consultation/collaboration with eHealth Ontario, Health Services Cluster and/or business lead ensuring alignment with accountability agreements/ MOUs. Prepares briefing notes, letters, speeches, position papers and presentations for senior management and in response to correspondence for the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, ADMs and senior officials signature.

9. Provides advice and prepares and/or co-ordinates input from others on communication materials (e.g. current issue briefing notes, news releases), responses to FOI requests and various eHealth presentations for senior management

10. Participates in the development of strategic directions for the unit/branch by working closely with the Director and Manager to ensure integration and coordination of project initiatives.

11. Acts for manager as required.

Knowledge :

Position requires knowledge and understanding of government approval processes, research tools (e.g. evidence development processes and strategies), policy development and program evaluation techniques to provide project leadership and expertise in the development, implementation and evaluation of eHealth accountability framework/ agreements (e.g. operational policies, protocols, guideline documents, templates, processes, procedures) to support the eHealth agenda in Ontario. Knowledge of the provincial external health sector environment (e.g. role of LHIN, businesses of crown agencies, health care delivery system and operations, health systems management, health industry in general); government/ministry mandate, objectives and strategic directions; and new initiatives with respect to eHealth, divisional program and operational policies, health related legislation and regulations (e.g. Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), CFMA) to ensure that the development of operational policies, program changes, protocols, templates, processes and guidelines are within the broad context of the governments/ ministry's eHealth agenda. Knowledge of administration with an emphasis on financial administration/analysis, management principles, risk assessments and service delivery is required to review submission requirements, project proposal financial analysis, cost estimates, performance/financial results reports, identify and assess financial problems/ pressures and develop recommendations on how to address them. Position requires an understanding of critical issues and concerns faced by a variety of stakeholders to ensure project initiatives respond to specific issues within the public health system. Political acuity to understand climate and culture by recognizing and using the corporate culture and the language that will produce the best response. Excellent knowledge of project methodology and project management skills to provide project planning and leadership on concurrent projects, to manage deadlines and competing priorities and provide technical guidance for problem resolution. Position requires stakeholder management, partnership/ relationship building and interpersonal skills to initiate and build strong working relationships with colleagues throughout the division/ ministry, the OPS and external stakeholders, to establish linkages with external stakeholders to conduct stakeholder consultations, seek opportunities for program/ project improvements and to participate on committees, task/ work groups to achieve mutual goals. Excellent strategic analysis, problem solving, innumeracy and issue management skills are required to conduct complex business and financial analysis, understand their implications, assess risks and determine alternatives/ options to address contentious and/or complex controllership, accountability and contract performance issues. Excellent written/ oral communication and conceptual skills are required to make complex ideas or situations clear and understandable; to recommend and discuss alternatives/proposed recommendations in the development of detailed policy frameworks; provide technical advice/guidance to project teams; prepare and present complex research analysis, reports, Cabinet submissions, briefing notes and materials. Ability to lead cross functional teams/work groups. Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team; and to work under pressure within deadlines/priorities. Good computer skills to access the Internet as a research tool and to prepare correspondence, letters, reports, presentations using relevant software programs (e.g. word processing, PowerPoint, spreadsheets, etc.).

Judgement :

Position works under the general direction of the Manager, Accountability Management and within the broad framework of eHealth government/ ministry agenda, commitments and priorities, ministry legislation, policies, guidelines, procedures and protocols. Position is expected to work with a high level of initiative and independence in leading projects in support of the development and implementation of the eHealth accountability framework/MOUs with consideration to the need to ensure operational policies, protocols, guideline documents and best practices are aligned with strategic directions and eHealth agenda, consider the implications and impacts across other areas of the division/ministry performing similar functions (e.g. Accountability Management Branches) and balance the need for performance reports from health providers with the ministry's stewardship accountability. Considerable independent judgement is required in the collection, analysis and use of confidential information; in the identification of options for policy framework development, program design and implementation planning; and in monitoring and analyzing a wide range of diverse and emerging business, financial and performance issues and developing feasible and where possible, innovative solutions. Judgement is exercised in developing and managing stakeholder consultations and partnerships which are critical to project initiatives and require exercise of tact, diplomacy and sensitivity to ensure sound cooperative efforts. A high level of judgement is exercised in conducting analysis of the eHealth program to assess whether agreements/MOUs continue with delivering positive outcomes that are consistent with the programs intent, and whether the level of investment provides good value for the level of deliverables. Judgement is required in coordinating the preparation of relevant materials (e.g. Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet submissions, FOI responses, briefing materials, tools, templates).

Accountability - Programs :

Accountable for providing project leadership and expertise in the development of operational policies, guideline documents, protocols and best practices in support of a strong accountability framework between the ministry, eHealth Ontario and other eHealth agencies; for coordinating and/or participating in critical business analysis and financial reviews in support of negotiations and for monitoring/addressing financial and performance issues related to deliverables by health providers. Accountable for delivering a liaison function and managing effective interactions between internal/ external stakeholders in support of eHealth agenda and priorities.

Accountability – Personnel :

Leads assigned project and/or work teams. Oversees planning of resources, assignment of project tasks, monitoring of project progress and review of work to ensure standards are met.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Conducts spending and financial analysis related to deliverables by health providers, identifies financial problems and pressures and develops options/ alternatives to address them.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Errors in judgement, ineffective policy recommendations and issues analysis, failure to consider impacts and implications, and ineffective program evaluation would have an adverse effect on achieving the government/ ministry's eHealth agenda, objectives, public commitments which could result in shortages of funds for programs, criticism by stakeholders and lost opportunities for cooperative work, loss of credibility in the government/ ministry agenda, and ultimately, the disruption or delay in implementing services to clients through lack of co-ordination with plans initiated in other branches.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact with branch/division/ministry colleagues to provide program expertise, issues analysis and to establish and maintain ongoing collaborative working to facilitate the design and development of implementation strategies and activities for operational policies, guideline documents, protocols and best practices. Participates on inter-ministerial management committees and work groups in representing the ministry's interest and making presentations, as required.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with eHealth Ontario, other eHealth agencies, stakeholders (e.g. LHINs, PHU, First Nations,, Canada Health Infoway) to engage in consultations, partnerships and joint policy development planning and review of programs and discuss key issues, initiatives and activities impacting the development/ implementation of the accountability framework (e.g. operational policies, guidelines, templates, tools, etc.).