Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide expert analysis and advice to the Minister, Deputy Minister and other senior management on complex policy issues facing the agriculture, food and rural sectors. To plan, coordinate and lead small groups of policy, program, legal and economic analysis professionals on specific policy projects as required to provide expert policy advice, and thorough analysis, regarding the ministry's strategic policy interests. To represent Ministry views when working with senior management in other ministries, central agencies, other governments and stakeholders.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. As a recognized policy expert, conceptualizes, plans, and coordinates the development of complex policy, economic, legal, research and analysis to draft positions, options and strategies in support of major policy issues that will guide present and future policy directions. Formulates and communicates policy direction, positions and recommendations to Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management, often of a confidential and sensitive nature. Develops recommended ministry positions on major issues as requested by senior management and the Director.

2. Responsible for ensuring accuracy of analysis and advice to avoid the misdirection of government policy and programs. Briefs the Minister / Deputy Minister and prepares and presents the ministry position at senior inter-ministerial briefings, intergovernmental meetings and public seminars and conferences.

3. Develops and maintains contacts with other divisions in the Ministry, senior officials / professionals in the provincial and federal governments and the private sector stakeholders. Plans, coordinates and leads consultations on policy issues. Coordinates responses to policy and program related inquiries and problems from other ministries, governments, client groups and businesses with input from other branches, ministries or governments and policy, program, economic and legal staff as appropriate.

4. Responds to senior management needs and requests for analysis and recommendations, including preparation of public reports, background papers, briefs, cabinet submissions, speeches and correspondence for the Premier, Minister and Deputy Minister. Drafts coordinated reports which reflect sensitivity to needs of the reader. Writes complex material for larger / senior audiences.

5. Plans, coordinates and supervises branch, ministry or inter-ministerial project teams (consisting of policy, program, legal, scientific and economic analysis professionals) in: developing strategies / policy approaches for a broad range of major policy issues and/or leading horizon scanning and foresight exercises to develop scenarios and options for policy development in areas of strategic importance to the ministry and government. Develops and implements work plans to ensure priority issues are addressed and reports to Branch Manager / Director with regard to implementing the team's component of the Branch business plan.

6. Provides training and development materials on government's best policy development and approvals processes for ministry staff. Advise on best practices for policy development and approvals

7. Provide economic analysis of farm/agriculture economic modelling by developing and implementing a framework within the Program's database to develop specific economic models that can be used to transfer this information for policy development and technology transfer.

8. Promotes an environment where effective information sharing and teamwork occurs across the Branch, Division, and Ministry and also promotes a work environment where team members are given recognition for developing and using their expertise.

9. Represents Branch / Ministry on inter-ministerial and intergovernmental committees and makes presentations to Minister, Deputy, Cabinet Committees, other ministries, other governments, and stakeholder groups as required; also develops and maintains relationships within the OPS, with other governments, and with the private sector as required.

Knowledge :

Expert knowledge of policy analysis, policy and political decision making processes, and economic and statistical theory, principle and practices,, social science research methods and program delivery to ensure the appropriate direction of government policy and programs and to provide policy/program recommendations. Ability to understand and interpret complex economic research and analysis, legislation and regulations, and industry, national and international market forces and trends to ensure accuracy of analysis and advice. In particular, political acuity, expert knowledge and understanding of Ontario government policy and program development, decision making and legislative processes in order to effectively manage complex policy initiatives through the approvals processes. Expert knowledge in a range of disciplines associated with assigned policy portfolio: agri-food industry, food safety/animal health; farm finance/compensation and/or financial accounting; agricultural business planning and financial management; environmental; land use planning; business risk management and/or agriculture and business economic development; bioeconomy; legislation and regulations; strategic policy and foresight planning and coordination, domestic/international trade; as they relate to the agriculture and food sectors and rural communities and economies in order to coordinate the development of complex policy, economic, legal, research and analysis to draft positions, options and strategies in support of major policy issues that will guide present and future policy directions. Incumbent also needs to be able to understand the applicability of the policy options and proposals based on their knowledge of issues impacting these sectors. Demonstrated understanding of federal and provincial government structure, role and policy formulation processes, Cabinet document procedures and ministry policies and procedures to ensure appropriate processes and procedures are followed. Demonstrated knowledge of related domestic and international policies, legislation and institutions to be able to identify, analyse and develop strategic policy options for issues facing Ontario's agricultural, food and rural sector. Advanced analytical and research skills in order to interpret strategic conclusions based on quantitative research analysis and develop informed policy options in relation to policy/research objectives. Project management and leadership skills to design, develop and implement project plans for carrying out multi-faceted projects and complex assignments to tight deadlines and providing direction, guidance and coordinate the work of others. Written communication skills to prepare briefing materials, reports, presentation and correspondence in accordance with established ministry guidelines. This involves the ability to translate technical material into a format that is understood by non-technical staff and clients. Public speaking and presentation skills to explain and present complex ideas and processes, and to brief manager/director, senior management, Ministry officials (including the Minister) and stakeholders on complicated policy, program, sector and industry issues. Ability to interpret information, respond to multi-dimensional requests and manage vast amounts of data and turn it into useful information that will enhance program development and delivery effectiveness. Knowledge of a variety of software applications including but not limited to: word-processing, spreadsheet, statistical/database management, project management and presentation software to maintain and analyze information and produce high quality/customized reports and presentations. Demonstrated knowledge of information technology including client server environment as it relates to economic analysis.

Judgement :

Work is performed under the general direction of the Manager with considerable latitude for independent decision-making and personal accountability in coordinating research and policy recommendations. Considerable autonomy and judgement is exercised in assessing complex and politically sensitive issues and making expert recommendations concerning viable policy delivery options; developing briefings, cabinet submissions and position papers for use by the Minister and senior officials. Judgement is exercised in providing project leadership, establishing priorities and coordinating the work assignments of team members. Project work is discussed with the manager/director only to address any significant problems or review findings and, if necessary, assess the need to change the approach and directions of the work. The manager/director is consulted on key issues such as project team performance, resource requirements, any identified risks and risk mitigation strategies, changes to project milestone timelines and management of stakeholder relationships.

Accountability - Programs :

Is accountable for objective, accurate, timely and appropriate information and expert advice on present and future policy and program issues; understanding of program delivery in order to implement policies; developing high-quality analysis/options/proposals related to policy issues, dispute management and responding to directions from senior management and the Minister; ensuring consultants are managed on a “value for money” basis. Accountable for meeting tight deadlines, accuracy of information including correspondence prepared for senior management, the Minister and the Premier. Must be sensitive to the needs / expectations of senior management and the Minister and Minister's staff.

Accountability – Personnel :

Leads multi-disciplinary project teams in developing relevant, comprehensive responses to complex policy issues, disputes, dispute avoidance, and other issues related to the ministry's / government's agri-food and rural priorities. Leads / guides / coaches others toward improved research, analytical, communication, and presentation techniques. Edits and provides comments on the work of less senior staff and may provide direction to consultants concerning specific projects

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

Forecasting program costs and/or program recommendations may impact on Ministry budget.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Recognized throughout the Ministry and in other ministries as an expert on policy issues, policy development processes and legislative procedures. Errors in interpretation, analysis, and advice concerning policy, legislative and regulatory issues could result in significant negative political impacts for the Minister, financial impacts for the ministry and economic impacts for the sector. Indiscretion / poor judgement could result in the release of confidential information that could cause embarrassment to Minister, Ministry and the Government.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with manager, director, senior management, and Deputy Minister to provide briefings, information and recommendations in relations to policy development based on economic analysis and research findings. Frequently with senior officials in the ministry, other ministries and central agencies to deal with policy issues, legislative / regulatory process matters and program initiatives. Regular contact with other professional staff within the ministry to lead/participate on a variety of projects and committees.

Contact - External :

Regular contact with federal government officials, other provincial governments, the private sector, the broader Ontario public sector, and foreign governments to deal with policy issues and program initiatives. Represents Branch/Ministry on inter-ministerial committees and the Province of Ontario at intergovernmental meetings of officials.