Are you looking for an opportunity to build your policy and project management skills while working with stakeholders and government partners to develop creative solutions to complex policy problems?
If so, consider this opportunity in the Policy Division of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs to play a role in the development of policies and programs that influence economic development and help the agricultural sector manage its business risks.
The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.
We offer:
•Competitive compensation and benefits
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
In this role, you will:
• lead and/or participate on branch, division, ministry and inter-ministerial/inter-jurisdictional project teams to develop and implement policy initiatives
• lead research activities by analyzing and reviewing appropriate data sources to develop policy proposals, discussion papers, legislation and draft/revise policies
• develop and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders
• provide information and advice to staff, senior management and industry stakeholders
• prepare and present a range of materials (e.g. briefing material, position papers) to senior decision makers
What you bring to the team
Policy Development Skills:
• You have experience contributing to and coordinating projects and initiatives through the policy development and approvals process.
• You have experience developing policy options based on research and analysis.
• You have experience developing and proposing effective policy, project or performance evaluation and measurement strategies and tactics
Research and Analytical Skills:
• You have experience applying various research methodologies and techniques to identify emerging issues, trends and opportunities.
• You have the analytical skills to assess and interpret quantitative and qualitative data, evaluate risks and develop evidence-based policy options and recommendations.
• You have analytical skills to evaluate the potential impacts of proposed options on a diverse range of stakeholders and ensure proposed policies, options and recommendations are feasible and align with government priorities.
Communication Skills:
• You can foster collaborative working relationships with internal staff, other ministries, stakeholders and other levels of government.
• You have oral communication skills to proficiently deliver presentations to a variety of audiences, including senior leaders.
• You have written communication skills to prepare a variety documents and correspondence (e.g. research reports, briefing notes, options papers, presentations).
• You demonstrate political acuity and the ability to identify common points of interest to divergent stakeholders
Technical Knowledge:
• You have an understanding of the agriculture/agri-food industry.
• You have knowledge of one or more of the following areas: farm finance, farm taxation, farm business management, business risk management programming, agency oversight/relations, Federal/Provincial/Territorial relations, political, legislative, social, environmental or economic issues affecting the agriculture/agri-food industry, and/or business development.
• You understand the theories, principles and practices of one or more of the following areas: public policy, economics, agricultural sciences, finance and/or statistics.
• You have an understanding of policy and program decision-making processes to influence policy and program development and implementation across the ministry.