Senior Policy Advisor

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The Cannabis Policy Unit (CPU), Ministry of Finance, is responsible for leading and coordinating the development of government policy and financial analysis related to the provincial wholesale and distribution system for recreational cannabis. CPU also provides advice on cannabis policy related to online retail and private cannabis retail stores in Ontario and manages the accountability and oversight relationship between the government and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).
We are always interested in making the Cannabis Policy Unit a more inclusive place of work, better reflecting the people of Ontario. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to consider applying for this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities:

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About the job

In this role, you will:

- Propose policy options for issues related to cannabis retail and distribution policy and implementation
- Lead policy research studies and analyses, and evaluate the results of public polling and stakeholder consultations
- Lead multi-disciplinary and cross-organizational teams and develop recommendations while addressing multiple perspectives
- Support the management of the financial, policy, program and accountability relationship between the ministry and agencies (e.g., Ontario Cannabis Retail Corporation)
- Provide strategic policy advice and expertise to senior management, stakeholders, agencies and Cabinet Committees regarding policy and regulatory issues impacting the cannabis sector
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships and partnerships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Provide financial analysis to assess economic/commercial impacts on the cannabis sector, and assess impacts and feasibility of policy and program options and operations in relation to the market

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What you bring to the team

Leadership, Project Management and Analytical Skills:

- You are able to lead projects and staff in the development of strategies and approaches
- You demonstrate strong risk/issues management skills
- You can assess the impact of proposed policies, model options and regulatory requirements
- You are able to analyze sensitive and contentious issues, and resolve conflicting demands

Technical Experience and Knowledge:

- You have an understanding of the current cannabis retail industry, federal and provincial cannabis legislation and regulations, policies and practices, and provincial agency roles and responsibilities within the system
- You are familiar with government decision-making, policy, legislation and regulation development/approval processes
- You are able to plan and lead province-wide policy development, have an understanding of the economics of regulated retail markets and can provide financial analysis and advice related to cannabis revenue

Communication and Relationship Management Skills:

- You can express your ideas and thoughts clearly and concisely
- You are comfortable presenting material and ideas to senior management
- You have strong interpersonal skills to develop and maintain stakeholder relationships and partnerships across the province
- You demonstrate strong negotiation, influencing and consensus-building skills

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Additional information:

Note:

• C-FN-162968/21
  
  The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions

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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.