Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide research and policy development services to the Aboriginal Policy and Coordination Unit, and to the Aboriginal Policy Manager, while maintaining leading edge awareness of new policy issues and justice trends, and to ensure Senior Management are kept informed of developments and their implications. To work as part of a team to ensure effective identification and development of solutions for policy issues.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Providing research and policy development services to the Aboriginal Policy and Coordination Unit and the Policy Branch by assessing, evaluating, and disseminating information through reports and presentations.
2. Conducting on-going environmental scanning to ensure that emerging issues and trends are identified, researched and analyzed, in a timely and efficient manner in order to keep Senior Management informed of developments and their implications.
3. Participating as a team member in policy projects, and in special projects as directed, by developing project plans from a brief outline or concept, preparing recommendations, and reports.
4. Preparing complex, non-routine correspondence, presentation materials, memorandum and other written communications.

Knowledge :

Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal justice issues and the unique status of First Nations and other Aboriginal peoples. Advanced research and report writing skills; advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to initiate, plan and conduct complex research and evaluate information gathered; conceptual skills to identify and develop recommendations/policy options. Demonstrated knowledge of government decision-making and Cabinet submissions. Excellent written communication skills to prepare complex, non-routine correspondence, presentation materials, memorandum and other written communications. Oral communication and presentation skills to develop presentations, and support research findings and policy options. Well-developed organization and time management skills to deal with a variety of priorities and to ensure completion of projects within appropriate timelines. Computer literacy is also required to support the above

Judgement :

Work is performed under the general direction of the Aboriginal Policy Manager, and within ministry and central agency policies, procedures and guidelines. Sound judgement is required to analyze current/emerging policy and planning issues which may be of a sensitive nature, plan the research approach, select appropriate resources or client groups to meet research objectives, analyze research findings, develop appropriate recommendations/policy options and assess the priorities for policy change. Judgement is also required to make presentations to the Aboriginal Policy Manager and Policy Director and to ensure the confidentiality of policy information.

Accountability - Programs :

The completeness and accuracy of the research and analysis of issues, the development and evaluation of policy options related to the ministry's mandate, the identification and monitoring of relevant strategic issues and the quality of advice provided to the Aboriginal Policy Manager and the Policy Director.

Accountability – Personnel :

N/A

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

N/A

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Incomplete or inaccurate research and inappropriate advice could adversely affect the quality of policy recommendations, sensitive relations with First Nations and other Aboriginal partners, the level of public safety and the administration of law enforcement in the province, with possible resulting adverse fiscal implications.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with Senior Policy Advisors, Aboriginal Policy Team Lead, Manager, and Director, as well as other provincial government resources to: present policy options resulting from research and analysis; exchange information; present research findings; present cabinet submissions; and to discuss current policy initiatives.

Contact - External :

Some contact with Federal Government and non-government representatives (eg. Aboriginal organizations, policing organizations, fire associations, correctional agencies, emergency planning agencies, coroners, community groups, social agencies, etc.) to represent the interests of the ministry, to negotiate changes to proposed and/or existing policies and programs and to exchange information of mutual interest.