Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To conduct and/or co-ordinate projects that review, evaluate and audit the policies, data and environmentally significant decisions of ministries and agencies prescribed under the Environmental Bill of Rights 1993 (EBR).

To assist the Environmental Commissioner in reviewing the implementation of the EBR, and the compliance in ministries with the requirements of the EBR.

To assist the Environmental Commissioner in the preparation of Annual Reports and Special Reports.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Analyses, reviews and evaluates the environmental significance of decisions made in the prescribed ministries and agencies and provides advice to the Commissioner and ECO staff.

Undertakes research projects and prepares memoranda on policy, technical and scientific aspects of environmental issues.

Conducts research and assists the Environmental Commissioner and ECO staff in analyzing, monitoring and interpreting whether ministries have considered and applied their statements of Environmental Values (SEVs) and the public consultation provisions of the EBR when making environmentally significant decisions.

Reviews, evaluates and audits ministry decision making, activities, programs and responses to EBR applications, to assess ministerial compliance with the EBR. Drafts summaries of such reviews, evaluations and audits, as contributions to ECO Annual Reports, Special Reports and other published documents.

Drafts correspondence to ministries, other agencies and the public as part of the analysis, research and review activities in above items.

When requested, assists members of the public with completion of applications to the ECO.

Participates in strategic planning activities of the ECO.

Participates in meetings with ECO staff and representatives of ministries and other organizations and the public, and co-ordinates meetings or special events when requested.

Briefs the Commissioner and ECO staff on research findings and other subjects as required.

When requested, makes public presentations on behalf of the ECO.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of the EBR and its regulations, to support policy analysis.

Knowledge of the function of government ministries and agencies, and knowledge of other relevant provincial and federal environmental legislation and policies.

Strong skills in policy and program analysis; knowledge of research methodologies and techniques, and skills in their application.

Knowledge of environmental issues related to the responsibilities of ministries and agencies prescribed under the EBR.

Strong written and oral communication skills to prepare materials such as policy and research papers, and ability to organize information effectively, with good attention to accuracy and detail.

Organizational and time management skills to handle competing priorities, and to complete assignments within timelines, working either independently or within a team.

Sound judgement and analytical skills to assess research findings and to propose viable recommendations.

Interpersonal and team skills to participate on cross-functional activities and projects within the ECO.

Presentation skills to make public presentations.

Familiarity with computer systems, ability to use current word processing and other office software to do all own work without the assistance of support staff.

Judgement :

Position works under the supervision of the Senior Manager, Policy Analysis. Broad guidelines are available in the Environmental Bill of Rights, 1993.

Position exercises judgement in carrying out a variety of policy, research and analytical work and making policy recommendations for the ECO to consider.

Judgement is also exercised in analysing policy information, data and other sources of information to evaluate compliance by prescribed ministries with EBR requirements.

Position also exercises judgement in reviewing laws, regulations and policies developed by ministries, to assess their impact on the environment and to advise the Commissioner and ECO staff.

Accountability - Programs :

Position conducts policy, data and decision analysis and research projects to determine ministry compliance with the EBR and to support the implementation of sound policies and strategies by the Environmental Commissioner and ECO staff.

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

The provision of inaccurate information or flawed research recommendations would impact on the ability of the Environmental Commissioner to accurately report on ministry decision making related to the implementation of the Environmental Bill of Rights.

The provision of inaccurate information to the Commission or to members of the public would cause embarrassment to the Environmental Commissioner.

Contact - Internal :

Daily, routine contact with staff of the ECO to share information related to policy matters and to collaborate on research projects

Contact - External :

Frequent contact with representatives from ministries and agencies to obtain information related to research and policy matters.

Occasional contact with counterparts in other levels of government and with external stakeholders to obtain information; occasional contact with members of the public to provide information about the EBR, and to make presentations on behalf of the ECO.