Do you have a passion for evidence-based social policy development? Are you seeking a role where you can assess cross-disciplinary academic and community research about current and future social, economic, or demographic trends to generate evidence-informed and contextually relevant policy advice? The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Service's Policy Research and Insights Branch (PRIB) as we work to advance the Ministry's research agenda and mandate for change.
About UsThe Strategic Policy Division supports the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) to define and achieve its mandate for change, impacting Ontarians in need through the programs and services that support them.
The Policy Research and Insights Branch supports the Strategic Policy Division by assessing and synthesizing academic and community research and uses strategic foresight tools to generate insights necessary to provide evidence-informed policy advice. The Branch fosters a long-term and future orientation to policy work by collaborating across Ministry teams in the development of a strategic research agenda, mobilizing knowledge of policy best practices and fostering innovation and calculated risk-taking in social policy development. The evidence and insights from the Branch support the full range of policy development, alignment and delivery planning work of the Strategic Policy Division.
Information SessionWe are offering an opportunity for those interested to attend a virtual session to learn more about the branch and the positions to be filled.
Date: Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm Register for the info session here. * This session is optional and has no impact on hiring decisions.
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
As a
Senior Policy Advisor, working within a project team, you will:
• Conduct mixed-methods research and analysis, including environment and jurisdictional scans, to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop research papers, briefs, and other materials to support effective mobilization of research insights.
• Provide policy advice, develop and lead briefings to senior management on policy options and recommendations.
As a
Senior Policy Development Advisor, you will:
• Undertake and lead program planning and development, evaluate existing services, programs and delivery models, identify issues, analyze and synthesize research materials.
• Maintain critical stakeholder relationships with ministry and corporate policy and fiscal areas.
• Prepare Cabinet submissions and briefing materials for the minister and senior management.
• Represent the Ministry interests, and work collaboratively to develop a coordinated position on policy issues.
• Lead and participate in project teams and working groups with key internal and external stakeholders.
What you bring to the team
Research and Analytical Skills
• You can review quantitative and qualitative evidence from various sources and disciplines, and synthesize your findings into insights for policy innovation
• You have knowledge of concepts from a diversity of disciplines and can translate these concepts for social policy development and transformation
Policy Experience
• You can identify current and emerging issues and stay up-to-date on new developments and trends in social policy
• You understand social policy and the wide range of political, social, fiscal and intergovernmental factors that affect community and social services, including barriers experienced by the diverse communities we serve
Communication Skills
• You have strong written and oral communication skills to lead the development of effective materials to support decision-making (e.g. briefing notes and slide decks, research reports and papers)
• You can lead and guide the development of innovative visual products that clearly and concisely convey complex information
Project Management Skills
• You can lead or manage multiple and complex projects across multi-disciplinary project teams of staff and/or consultants
• You can coordinate and undertake initiatives and projects from conception to completion
• You are able to work under tight time pressures and adapt quickly to shifting priorities
Relationship Management Skills
• You have experience working on cross-functional and/or cross-government initiatives
• You have strong problem-solving skills and can assess competing interests of stakeholders
• You demonstrate sound judgment and political acuity