Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Provides advanced policy analysis, research and development, fiscal analysis, and project management in support of housing policy initiatives and legislation.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Under the direction of the Manager, and within the broad mandate of providing a policy and regulatory framework which contributes to a healthy, efficient and affordable housing market in Ontario, the position has the following responsibilities:

1. Leading and coordinating complex policy development and program analyses that work to further provincial government housing objectives, in areas such as: social housing legislation and regulations, landlord and tenant legislation and regulations, federal/provincial/territorial housing initiatives, affordable/subsidized housing initiatives and related programs as well as initiatives to support the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy such as program consolidation and fostering the development of sector partnerships. Working in a project team context to develop new policy initiatives and refinements using evidenced-based approaches and across a spectrum of affordable housing policy areas, from preliminary review and evaluation, through development of creative and innovative policy options and recommendations, financial and impact analyses, and implementation planning.

2. Designing, or providing project leadership for, highly technical research and evaluation studies in support of strategic policy development, including: maintaining a leading edge awareness of new policy and fiscal trends, developments, issues and best practices in the housing field in Ontario and other jurisdictions; analyzing and interpreting intelligence gathered to identify emerging issues, challenges, and opportunities; preparing research reports, analyses, and presentations.

3. Working collaboratively to serve a key policy liaison role in the broader housing community between the ministry and external stakeholders, including providing ongoing consultation, and evaluation and response to policy issues. Representing the Ministry on intra and inter- Ministerial working committees, and articulating Ministry policy positions to other Ministries, government agencies, external stakeholders and other orders of government, and to members of the public and the media. Acting as an information conduit and working to build stakeholder relationships for information gathering, coordination, and problem resolution purposes.

4. Providing specific expertise in an area of Branch policy and program development; playing a lead consultative and project management role on assigned inter-Branch teams and Ministry committees; and a mentoring role to Branch policy advisors.

5. Assuming responsibility for corollary policy responsibilities, such as briefing documents, Ministerial correspondence, contributions to Branch, Ministry and Cabinet reports and planning/tracking documents, Cabinet and Treasury Board submissions and other documents to support the legislative process, drafting direction for amendments to legislation/regulations, presentations.

6. Develops extensive financial, fiscal, economic analysis ensuring that all impacts and relevant factors are considered, for example the impacts on the ministry of various outcomes relating to federal/provincial/municipal transfers and grants.

Knowledge :

The position requires a high level of expertise in policy development and program evaluation principles and methods, a thorough knowledge of Branch, Ministry, and provincial government policies, procedures, legislation and programs related to affordable housing in Ontario, and an in-depth knowledge of the principles of Ministry/Government policy development and decision-making, to enable the position to provide effective team leadership, and expert advice and recommendations to management in respect of complex research and analysis. This knowledge, combined with a sound understanding of policy approval processes, issues management, and business planning methods, and a corollary knowledge of leading edge policy research activities within the broad spectrum of agencies, governments, community groups and other stakeholders, is essential to evaluate and assess existing and proposed housing programs and housing policies; to develop complex research reports, policy recommendations, TB 20s, briefing notes, and house notes; to negotiate/liaise with other jurisdictions; and to participate in inter-jurisdictional consultations. The position also requires a sound understanding of Provincial and Federal policies related to housing to develop comprehensive financial proposals and options that improve the supply of affordable housing; a good knowledge of municipal and service manager governance in order to evaluate delivery mechanisms for programs and propose improved policies; an understanding of landlord and tenant relations in order to propose and evaluate policies for residential tenancy legislation; a comprehensive knowledge of market housing trends and developments in Ontario and across Canada at the Federal, Provincial, and municipal levels of government; and the ability to apply the foregoing knowledge to address policy/program development needs and develop criteria for effective evaluation and assessment of current policies and programs.
In depth knowledge of government, fiscal and accounting policies and the theory, principles, and methodologies of economics and statistics is also fundamental, combined with significant practical experience in the application of statistical and economic analysis and procedures applied to the research and development of housing policies and policy implementation. The position also requires expertise in the assessment and analysis of fiscal policy and government strategy at the federal, Ontario and municipal levels. Exceptional leadership, team building, and project management skills are essential to lead and capacity build a team of policy and research specialists, to oversee multiple projects, and to develop policy/program initiatives/alternatives. Well developed conceptual, analytical, problem-resolution, organizational, negotiation, communication and presentation skills are a requisite to lead the team in development of policy and program alternatives based on sound, broad-based research, to establish effective working relations with a broad range of stakeholders, and to represent the Branch at Federal/Provincial and provincial/municipal meetings, and in Ministry briefings. Inherent in the role is a requirement for exceptional written communication and advanced computer skills used to prepare professional level reports, analyses, recommendations, and presentations.

Judgement :

The position works under the direction of a Housing Policy Branch Manager, and within the broad framework of provincial and Ministry corporate directions pertaining to affordable housing. The position has significant latitude and the expectation to develop and recommend strategic and innovative directions on housing initiatives, and to identify and address issues. Considerable judgement is required in establishing professional project planning and deliverables; in providing leadership and effective project management to a team of policy and research specialists involved in researching, developing, and recommending policy and program solutions/initiatives; in overseeing the research, evaluation, and analysis of trends and developments in various jurisdictions to identify potential solutions for affordable housing in Ontario; and in gauging the potential negative or positive impacts of research findings and other information on the Ministry's housing programs/policies. The position requires political acuity and discretion in providing expert level advice to management on policy/program concerns; in identifying, assessing and translating complex fiscal, socio-economic, and political matters in terms of impacts and opportunities; in responding to contentious issues and providing briefing notes to the Director, ADM, and Deputy Minister; in representing the Ministry while participating and engaging in consultations/negotiations with other jurisdictions and stakeholders; and in establishing partnerships and effective relationships with the broad network of stakeholders and advocacy groups involved in housing policy development and program delivery.

Accountability - Programs :

Leadership of teams involved in program/policy research, program/policy analysis and development, economic and fiscal analysis, and policy liaison with stakeholders. Accountable for responsive and sound housing policy formulation and research, effective team leadership and project management, and for expert advice and recommendations to management on program/policy analysis and development.

Accountability – Personnel :

Provides team leadership/project management/capacity building to specialist policy staff (analysts). Mentors new staff.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

N/A

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Failure to identify or address policy issues, flawed policy recommendations, and improper advice to senior management could negatively impact Ministry decision-making; undermine corporate goals and business planning, possibly result in costly duplication of effort, and corollary waste of taxpayers' resources. Ineffective team leadership could undermine Branch operations and achievement of goals. Poor judgment in consulting with stakeholders could negatively affect Ministry and provincial government operations and seriously undermine Branch credibility.

Contact - Internal :

Frequently with the Branch Director, Housing Managers, and senior staff of MMAH, and other Ministry Branches to discuss policy and program issues, to identify/resolve any potential policy overlaps, conflicts, and to provide advice, gain support for policy/program solutions and recommendations. Regular contact with staff of Assistant Deputy and Deputy Minister's offices to identify and discuss issues management problems/concerns, TB 20s, and similar matters.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with policy analysts in the Central Agencies, other ministries, and other jurisdictions, notably the Federal Government and municipalities, to ensure an effective information flow in support of policy proposals, and to participate in inter-jurisdictional committees and work groups or task forces. Regular contact with housing industry stakeholders and municipal representatives to clarify policy implementation problems and concerns, coordinate policy feedback, and clarify policy guidelines. Regular contact with Federal/Provincial/municipal representatives, various stakeholders, agencies, and others to negotiate specialized agreements. Serve as Ontario's major representative on special committees, e.g. National Housing Research Committee. Regular contact with members of the public to provide responses to inquiries regarding Ministry policies and initiatives.