Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

A recognized expert in employment pension policy and the Ontario Pension Benefits Act, carries out high-calibre research and policy analysis using complex technical methodology or quantitative/qualitative modelling. Policy and research areas include employment pension benefits, pension funding, pension investment rules, the Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund, locked-in retirement savings, pension portability, tax issues, inter-jurisdictional pension agreements and harmonization, labour market and compensation impacts, and other retirement income issues. Prepares briefing material and provides advice to the Minister, the Deputy Minister and other senior Ministry officials. Provides research, analysis and develops policy options related to pension reform and pension policy. Initiates and analyzes proposals for pension reform, coordinates discussions with internal and external stakeholders regarding these, and other, recommendations, ascertains Ministerial direction, and prepares drafting instructions for legislative and regulatory change. Assesses proposals of the Ontario pension regulator (the Financial Services Commission of Ontario), the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA), other Ministries, other jurisdictions and other pension stakeholders. Develops proposals for pension reform, prepares policy papers and completes research studies. Co-ordinates work with other professional staff as assigned by the Manager.

Duties / Responsibilities :

With scope for independent decision-making, and under the direction of the Manager, the incumbent:

1. As a recognized policy expert:
– develops and analyzes pension policy initiatives;
– undertakes the development and analysis of policy options and initiatives regarding employment pension legislation, pension regulatory proposals, private retirement savings and related tax assistance;
– develops policy options and strategies for reforming retirement savings arrangements, including defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution pension plans and locked-in accounts;
– forecasts pension trends based on economic, institutional, social and demographic factors;
– identifies and understands key facts of an issue relevant to decision-making, such as the linkage between pension policy issues and the broader government policy agenda;
– maintains leading edge awareness of new trends and developments in areas of expertise/responsibility and ensures Manager and Branch Director are kept informed of developments and their implications for Government policy;
– in consultation with Manager, develops written work plans and advises on appropriate analytical approaches consistent with needs; prepares and presents briefing notes, papers, etc. to the Deputy Minister and other senior staff;
– analyzes reports/policy submissions/proposed legislation and intergovernmental pension agreements and evaluates them in terms of policy and financial implications for Ontario.
– with Manager's input, ensures all relevant aspects are incorporated into the policy development process, including need for follow-up action, legal implications, communications strategy, input from other Branch staff, other areas of the Ministry, and other ministries;
– contributes to the work of other branches/divisions/ministries by offering expert commentary, advice and analysis;
– prepares confidential reports for senior Ministry staff recommending policy options and outlining any economic impact, financial consequence, stakeholder reaction or fiscal consequence of identified alternatives; with Manager's input, ensures finished product meets quality control standards and deadlines and conveys message in a clear, understandable fashion;
– manages several different issues simultaneously.

2. Analyzes regulatory and legislative proposals, Cabinet Submissions from other ministries, pension regulators and outside groups and drafts appropriate comments; prepares Cabinet Submissions and Budget papers as required. Analyzes reports/policy submissions/proposed pension agreements and evaluates the implications for Ontario. Consults with other staff in Finance, FSCO and in other ministries and governments on joint issues and projects.

3. Collaborates with other professionals developing and analyzing policy options and initiatives to:
– evaluate the economic and distributive impact of existing or proposed pension legislation to evaluate the degree to which they achieve their stated goals;
– ensure the Director, Manager and Branch staff are aware of economic, policy and legislative pension developments in Ontario and other jurisdictions;
– ensure methodological approach is appropriate; assess reliability of data and source materials; analyze reports and submissions in light of policy direction; assist in the preparation of reports for senior Ministry staff recommending policy options and outlining economic consequences of identified alternatives;
– develop and select quantitative and qualitative methodologies to be used in formulating and testing policy/regulatory changes and administrative arrangements;
– maintain leading-edge awareness of new trends, developments, technologies in areas of specialization, and ensure that senior staff are kept informed of developments and their implications for Government policy.

4. Develops workplans and selects appropriate policy, quantitative and financial analysis techniques; carries out and writes up explanations containing recommended changes to draft legislation, regulations, multi-jurisdictional agreements and policy position of the government, as required.

5. Prepares letters, memoranda, reports, analyses and presentations for the Minister, Deputy Minister and/or Director on technical and complex issues. Contributes to the work of other branches/divisions/ministries by offering expert commentary and advice as required. Writes and edits significant sections of drafting instructions, policy proposals, briefing notes and Budget or Economic Statement material.

6. Provides progress reports/information on projects and ongoing work, contributes to work planning and offers suggestions on staff training and development.

7. Ensures that central files are complete and up-to-date. From time to time, deals with questions from the public/press in areas of expertise/responsibility in a confident and competent manner.

8. As a branch representative, actively participates in meetings and work teams involving other ministries, other governments and private sector groups.

Knowledge :

Honours or graduate degree in actuarial science, law, economics, public/business administration, finance, political science or related discipline. Thorough knowledge of the range of policy areas assigned to the Section. Expert knowledge of the Ontario Pension Benefits Act, other jurisdictions' pension legislation and related tax and other legislation. Thorough knowledge of government structure and policy processes, and positions/interests of pension regulators and other governments. Strong quantitative skills. Knowledge of research techniques applicable to pension issues, actuarial estimates, retirement savings data, and well-developed analytical skills. Working knowledge and experience with appropriate microcomputer programs and applications. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Good administrative and organizational skills as well as the fundamental negotiation skills required to plan and carry out projects on an inter-branch, inter-division and inter-ministry basis. Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out complex assignments to tight deadlines. Well-developed interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others, including ability to develop and maintain contacts in public and private sectors. Ability to design and execute effective presentations of complex material, and brief the Minister of Finance, Deputy Minister, or other senior Ministry management on major issues. Demonstrated ability to consistently meet deadlines, manage multiple issues, and keep issues moving forward.

Judgement :

Projects are assigned and carried out under the general guidance of the Manager, who helps establish terms of reference, expected output and acceptable timeframes. The incumbent exercises independence and creativity in determining the best methods of research and analysis, and outlining viable policy alternatives. He/she exercises judgment in bringing forward policy ideas where they are timely and appropriate. Judgment is also exercised in developing analytical techniques and guiding or advising junior staff in their research. Exercises judgement and discretion at meetings with interest groups, when making presentations and during discussion of contentious issues.

Accountability - Programs :

Accountable for developing effective proposals/counter-proposals on assigned policy issues, maintaining awareness of issues and developments in areas of expertise and demonstrating sensitivity to the needs and expectations of senior staff. Works to tight deadlines. Ensures accuracy of technical analysis and consistency with Government policy in preparation of briefings/papers or Ministerial correspondence.

Accountability – Personnel :

May coordinate and lead project teams composed of individuals from other sections, branches, divisions and ministries developing responses to policy issues. May coach/guide other staff and supervise summer students.

Accountability - Finance and Materials :

N/A

Accountability - Impact of Errors :

Recognized throughout the Ministry as an expert on the Ontario Pension Benefits Act, the legislation of other jurisdictions and pension policy issues. Incumbent provides analysis and advice to senior management up to and including the Minister of Finance. Errors in judgement, recommendations, data, interpretation of data or incorrect analysis could lead to late or unavailable response on policy issues, or inaccurate fiscal forecasts and unrealistic Budget Plans, resulting in inappropriate policy announcements or intergovernmental agreements, or leading to possible adverse economic and financial for Ontario or pension plans, loss of Branch credibility, embarrassment to the Minister of Finance.

Contact - Internal :

Regular contact with staff in other branches, divisions, FSCO and other ministries to exchange information and consult on policy issues and options. Occasional presentations/briefings with senior management of the Ministry and the Minister. May represent Branch on intra/inter-ministerial committees/task forces.

Contact - External :

Occasional contact with public, consultants, representatives of interest groups, members of the academic community and officials in other governments to provide/obtain information, collect data and enhance expert knowledge in areas of responsibility. Federal Government/Other Governments: Contact with officials in other governments and pension regulators to gain/give information, collect data and consult on programs, policies and financial issues. May represent Ontario at public sector conferences and meetings.