Policy and Program Advisor

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We require an individual with expert knowledge of Indigenous issues in Ontario to conduct policy research and analysis projects/studies related to supporting access and success of Indigenous learners in postsecondary education in Ontario. This includes supporting the implementation of policy frameworks, the administration of program funding, the collection of data and measuring success. The individual will also help building capacity within colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes that will benefit Indigenous learners. If you have studied and/or worked with Indigenous partners and have a deep understanding of the historical relationship between the government and Indigenous communities then this opportunity might be the right match for you.

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About the job

- Prepare and document results/research findings and provides recommendations to senior management
- Draft policy/research papers, memoranda and briefing documents on a range of policy topics/issues
- Evaluate the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs
- Develop and maintain contacts with key internal and external stakeholders
- Gather and compile information and resources on issues relating to Indigenous education in Ontario

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What you bring to the team

Knowledge of Indigenous Communities and Issues in Ontario

• You have in-depth knowledge of Indigenous issues in Ontario and the government's historic relationship with Indigenous communities including ability to respect the sensitivities and understand the perspective of First Nation, Métis and Inuit leaders when engaging with the government.
• You have knowledge of the partnerships involved in data collection and research of Indigenous people as outlined in the Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP) document.
• You understand current/emerging trends/issues and pressure points related to Indigenous education.

Research, Analytical, and Policy and Program Development Knowledge

• You know how to apply program and policy development principles; government decision making processes and program analysis/evaluation techniques to analyze effectiveness and prepare policy/program options/recommendations.
• You can analyse multiple sources of information/data; consideration of qualitative/socio-economic and quantitative factors to assess and make recommendations on, e.g., options, costs, and performance criteria.
• You can apply research and analytical techniques to identify gaps in policy, conduct environmental scans, trends analyses, quantitative and qualitative research from multi-jurisdictional sources.
• You can identify options and evaluate best practices to apply to provincial programs
• You can monitor the performance and progress of transfer payment recipients in their delivery of Ministry-funded programs.

Communication, Consultation and Conflict-Resolution Skills

• You have demonstrated oral and written communications and presentation skills and knowledge of public consultation/communication principles and methods to engage in consultations with Indigenous stakeholders and build trust/effective relationships, exchange information and draft policy papers, reports, analyses, correspondence, briefing notes, Cabinet submissions, etc.
• You have conflict resolution and facilitation skills to work with policy teams to identify and resolve issues.

Organizational and Computer Skills

• You have organizational skills and can work in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities and short delivery times.
• You have experience using computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet, project scheduling, internet).
• You have knowledge of transfer payment systems and practices.

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Additional information:

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Language requirements and assessment:
All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.

Exigences en matière de langue et évaluation:
Toutes les offres d'emploi externes de la fonction publique de l'Ontario (FPO) sont affichées en français et en anglais. Consultez la section « Langue du ou des postes » en haut de chaque offre d'emploi pour connaître les exigences linguistiques. Pour tous les postes, les candidats sont évalués en anglais, la langue d'affaires de la FPO. Si le poste est bilingue (anglais/français), vous devrez également passer un test de compétences linguistiques en français.