Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To liaise with communities, provide local input to government policies, and deliver economic development programs and services on behalf of government to improve and help sustain economic growth and productivity in Northern Ontario.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Establishing linkages and maintaining ongoing relationships with representatives of municipalities, First Nations, Local Services Boards, local businesses and representatives of community organizations to develop networks in order to provide strategic advice to senior management in government on local issues; and work with other economic development partners to stimulate economic growth and development.

2. Providing advisory and consultative services for public and private sector partners to develop economic projects by analyzing and interpreting data, undertaking feasibility analysis, negotiating cost-sharing agreements for project proposals including telecommunications, community and transportation infrastructure and strategic partnerships, working to foster public/private sector partnerships; and reviewing business development strategies.

3. Undertaking surveys and gathering local information for input to the development of strategies and new initiatives.

4. Promoting, marketing and delivering a wide variety of government programs, providing guidance to clients in applications to programs and business cases by reviewing applications, evaluating submissions and undertaking analyses, developing options, project monitoring, and making payment recommendations.

5. Reviewing and providing input on the impact of government policies and programs in Northern Ontario by providing feedback and intelligence obtained from northern leaders and assessing the implications for northern communities.

6. Providing advice and assistance in the development and implementation of economic development policies and programs by: identifying and obtaining local data and other relevant information; by serving as a community member on ministerial, inter-ministerial, inter-governmental and community task teams and committees, and by preparing comprehensive reports.

7. Developing and maintaining knowledge of economic base in local geographic area and providing intelligence information and advice on economic development issues to enhance economic activities and productivity in local communities.

8. Leading, facilitating, supporting and working with stakeholders on economic development initiatives by: conducting workshops, preparing educational materials, seminars on business planning, program guidelines, leadership organization development, volunteer management and sectoral strategies.

9. Working with other ministry staff in community investment attraction efforts, including assisting in familiarization tours, media tours, and information sharing.

10. Undertaking assignments and projects covering a variety of subject matters such as preparing responses to public inquiries from companies and associations, providing local (both community and sector level) intelligence, representing the ministry and branch at stakeholder and community meetings and conferences, preparing various information for the Minister and Senior Management including community profiles, issue summaries and briefing notes and interacting with other team members to enhance competitiveness in Northern Ontario.

11. Manager has the right to assign other duties.

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Class G driver's licence to travel to remote locations that are not accessible by public transportation.

Knowledge :

Knowledge of community economic development theories and principles and economic/business climate assessment as part of an integrated approach to economic development. Knowledge of government policies, programs, structure of local economy, key stakeholders/networks and community concerns and issues, as well as knowledge of the Northern Services Boards Act. Knowledge of procedures and funding approval processes and of financial and accounting principles and practices. Experience in economic and statistical research and analysis, basic finance theory and principles.

Skills :

Skill to identify local issues and concerns, as well as economic development opportunities. Skill to conduct evaluations for a wide variety of proposals including community economic development and infrastructure, energy, emerging technology and other sectors, while taking into account policy guidelines, financial, legal, economic, social, environmental, strategic and audit considerations, as well as potential economic benefits/impacts to the community. Applied research techniques and investigative techniques; skills with personal computer operation and software; excellent oral and written communication skills to provide/exchange information, make presentations, chair meetings and communicate with clients to resolve problems, as well as compose letters, submit technical reports and presentations; interpersonal skills to carryout work on area teams; strong planning and organizational skills to co-ordinate concurrent projects.

Freedom of Action :

Job requires working in a geographically dispersed environment organising and prioritising own workload to ensure assignments are completed within established timeframes; exercising judgement for determining scope of research and development of initiatives by determining the number of clients and communities to be consulted; making decisions regarding information provided to clients individually or in groups regarding Ministry consultations and recommendations, economic reports and analysis of findings. Determining client eligibility for programs by requesting incorporation status, by-law and other requirements of program criteria; delivering programs and services to ensure compliance with established guidelines including terms of the legal contract, reporting requirements, cashflow process, deliverables and exercising judgement to address any discrepancies; Representing the Ministry at internal forums established by various ministries and local external forums such as Local Services Boards meetings, local Veterinary Services Committee meetings, local Chambers of Commerce meetings, municipal association meetings; representing the Ministry and Government at Provincial, National and International Trade Marketing and Investment events and acting on behalf of the Ministry and Government by providing information and responding to questions in public forums by client groups and stakeholders.