Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To assist in conducting program and policy analysis and transfer in support of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Aboriginal Relations Branch (ARB); to assist in developing a variety of mechanisms for tracking ministry policy and program development, and for policy/program transfer for implementation; to participate in cross-program and inter-ministerial project teams and communities of practice, and assist in strategic planning, communications, and consultation activities.

Duties / Responsibilities :

Within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Aboriginal Relations Branch, the incumbent:

1. Assists to research and analyze policy and program data, records and other sources of information, and consults with MNR branches, other Ontario ministries, Aboriginal organizations and other governments to contribute to MNR policy and program development; assists in the development of analysis, synthesizes information, assists to develop options and recommendations for ministry initiatives; liaises with other branches and ministries on policy projects and networks; and monitors policy and program development ministry-wide.

2. Assists to research and analyze mechanisms for the transfer of new policy and programs to the field for implementation; assists to develop options and makes recommendations for such mechanisms, including training programs, presentation material, website development, collaborative reporting; co-ordinates the transfer of policy and programs and facilitates field participation in the policy cycle.

3. Assists in providing advisory support to MNR staff on Aboriginal matters related to the Branch's activities; assists to develop a variety of reports summarizing background, challenges, interests, policy implications and status of assigned initiatives; assists to assess and evaluate the implications and effect of proposed changes in policies/programs on existing relationships with Aboriginal communities and on Branch initiatives.

4. Assists to engage and work with divergent interests of other Ontario ministries and with other governments, and supports the Branch's relationships with Aboriginal organizations to achieve consensus on mutual interests, policy development, reporting requirements, accountability frameworks, and effective programs.

5. Assists in the preparation of discussion papers, presentation materials, briefing notes, correspondence, draft Cabinet Submissions; assists to prepare and conduct Ministry, inter-ministry and Aboriginal meetings to assess program impacts; maintains comprehensive research files, databases, and websites.

6. Assists to develop and implement effective information management systems including manual and electronic tracking/filing systems, monitoring performance, and identifying gaps, delays and opportunities, to work collaboratively with other branches, other ministries and partners.

7. Maintains awareness of major social, economic, cultural and demographic trends, issues and innovations in Aboriginal relations.


Managers have the right to assign additional duties.

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor. The incumbent shall report any hazards of which they are aware of to their immediate supervisor.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of the Government's and Ministry's policy organization and directions to develop and review relevant legislation/policies and to contribute to representation of the Aboriginal Relations Branch and ministry on internal and inter-ministerial project teams.

Knowledge of program design and development process, program design tools and consultation processes to assist in the development and evaluation of program strategies and resources, and to participate in the development of program guidelines.

Knowledge of policy research methodology, environmental scanning, modelling, trends forecasting, and policy development and implementation methods.

Knowledge of government policy development, and decision-making and accountability frameworks in order to assist in the development of policies and Cabinet Submissions, and to participate in strategic planning and legislative development processes.

Knowledge of project management skills to plan, organize and execute policy transfer initiatives. Knowledge of Ministry databases and websites to manipulate data management systems to gather, summarize, interpret and transfer information.

Knowledge of computer operations and standard software to maintain and analyze information and produce high quality reports and presentations. Presentation skills to prepare and present briefings on research findings, policy options/recommendations and project status reports. Oral and written communications skills to provide clear, comprehensive information/advice and to prepare reports, program summaries, briefing notes, Cabinet Submissions and correspondence.

Skills :

Job requires written communications skills to prepare technical reports, and presentations, briefing and communications materials.

Job requires analytical skills to review and synthesize technical, policy and legal information.

Job requires organizational skills to assist with planning and delivery of meetings and workshops and manage multiple projects at the same time.

Job requires oral communication skills to participate in internal ministry meetings and make presentations as required.

Job requires information management skills and computer skills to conduct research, manage information, and prepare reports.

Freedom of Action :

Work is assigned and carried out under direction of a Senior Policy Officer.

Work is guided by Ministry and government policies, legislation, objectives and priorities.