Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide effective advice and analysis to the Minster of Finance, the Deputy Minister and Senior Staff of the Ministry of Finance, on a wide range of provincial-local finance issues. To act as the lead analyst in the assigned policy field. To provide strategic advice to senior management on related policy issues. To provide comprehensive analysis in support of policy development and implementation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the general direction of the Manager the incumbent:

1. Expert Advice and Analysis
• Provides strategic policy advice on a wide range of provincial/municipal finance issues
• Develops and maintains extensive knowledge base on behalf of Division on several assigned policy fields.
• Suggests and identifies the need for new research, based on understanding of policy environment.
• Provides creative analysis and advice to the Minister of Finance and the Deputy Minister, in the overall context of the government's fiscal strategy and policy priorities, on policy issues relating in several assigned policy fields.
• Develop policy options for consideration.
• Provides quality advice and consultative services to senior management by commenting on draft Cabinet and Management Board Submissions
• Prepare and present major portions of material in larger scale briefings for the Minister, and the senior management on any issues related to the assigned policy fields.

2 Leadership With guidance and input from the Manager
• Develop protocols to identify emerging municipal finance issues
• Identify and prioritize emerging issues through formal consultations and informal exchange of information and ideas
• Ensure section maintains up-to-date knowledge with respect to local finance issues and advises manager of status/needs

3. Liaison
• Acts as the key contact between the Division. the Ministry of Finance and other affected ministries in the incumbent's assigned policy fields
• Maintains a broad expertise and an effective liaison with stakeholders to identify emerging local finance issues
• Liaise with partner ministries and central agencies on the delivery and implementation of a range of policy and financial initiatives
• Assists less senior colleagues in broadening contacts.
• Represents the Branch on intra/inter-Ministerial committees, as required

4. Project Management
With guidance and some direction from the Manager, develops and carries out project workplans that set out procedures for analysis, consultation, opportunities for status reports/product review, and a timetable for completion:
• prepares presentations, briefing notes, contentious issue notes, Minister's letters on policy issues;
• documents the findings of research noted above;
• researches and writes sections of Budget papers, policy papers. etc.:

Knowledge :

Extensive knowledge of the provincial-local finance relationship. In-depth understanding of government decision making and the role of central agencies and line ministries. Extensive knowledge of government policies and programs and the policy development process. Knowledge of economics, financial management and public finance. Strong project management skills. Advanced research and analytical skill. Good knowledge of software applications and computer modelling; strong problem solving, negotiation and communication skills; understanding public participation and communications issues and strategies.

Judgement :

As lead for assigned responsibility, considerable independence in judgment is required in the policy analysis and development of recommendations for specific initiatives. Work is often performed in a team environment, either under the general direction of the Manager or as part of interministerial team. Incumbent must ensure that the information provided to Division management, the Deputy Minister and Minister are consistent with government policy. Judgement is also exercised through the incumbent's frequent contact outside the ministry. The incumbent must be fully aware of the sensitive and confidential nature of much of the material with which she/he works.

Accountability - Programs :

Working to deadlines and deliverables, the incumbent is directly accountable and responsible for the accuracy and quality of recommendations, analysis, and correspondence.

Accountability – Personnel :

Participates as a member of a team to the realization of joint goals and objectives. Participates on or leads project teams composed of individuals from other branches, divisions, central agencies and line ministry staff, and often of an equivalent or more senior classification level.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Inadequate or erroneous information or advice to Division management, the Deputy Minister, the Minister or other ministries could result in embarrassment, missed opportunities, long-term inefficiencies, unnecessary financial loss or adverse impacts.

Contact - Internal :

Frequent contact and advice to Division management, the Deputy Minister and staff through out the Ministry; frequent contact with senior officials of other ministries, and other central agencies to exchange information and provide interpretation, explanation and advice regarding issues related to assigned policy field.

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with municipal staff.