Senior Policy Advisor

Are you a strategic-minded professional who possesses in-depth knowledge of and experience in working with Indigenous partners? We are looking for your policy and project leadership, advice and expertise to develop policies and programs that meet the provincial postsecondary education objectives and address the priorities and needs of Indigenous learners and communities.

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

• work collaboratively with Indigenous partners on joint initiatives and priorities
• develop and promote cooperative approaches, partnerships and solutions that respond to and reflect First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, traditions and cultures
• work collaboratively across the ministry and government to ensure considerations relating to Indigenous learners and communities are identified as part of policy and planning processes
• work collaboratively across the ministry to support constructive and impactful engagement with Indigenous partners
• conduct and coordinate qualitative and quantitative analysis
• provide strategic advice and input on policy development issues and evaluation
• provide advice on Cabinet items from other ministries that are linked to ministry policy and program

How do I qualify?

Policy and Program Development Knowledge:

• You have the ability to apply your knowledge of policy and program development principles and techniques to lead or participate in the development of strategies, policies and program frameworks and standards in support of Indigenous learners in postsecondary education and training settings.
• You have knowledge of program analysis and evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness of policies and programs and to provide recommendations that identify considerations relating to Indigenous learners and communities.
• You can interpret and apply government decision-making processes and relevant legislation.

Research, Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

• You demonstrate analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address impacts of proposed policy changes and modify/make changes to mitigate identified potential risks.
• You have research and project management skills to plan/conduct qualitative/quantitative research studies and evaluate best practices, options, cost and impacts relating to Indigenous learners and communities.

Consulting, Teamwork and Consensus-Building Skills

• You possess consultation, negotiation and consensus-building skills to: develop key linkages with internal and external partners, including Indigenous partners; and, represent and gain support for ministry policy and program initiatives relating to Indigenous learners and communities.
• You can work effectively as part of a team in a collaborative team environment.

Communication, Facilitation and Presentation Skills

• You have oral and written communication and presentation skills to respond to issues, provide recommendations, prepare reports, briefing materials and correspondence and conduct effective briefings.
• You have facilitation skills and demonstrated diplomacy to communicate ministry policy/position on sensitive and political issues relating to Indigenous learners and communities.
• You have experience using computer software such as common word-processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software to conduct research, prepare documents and training presentations.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Monday, March 22, 2021 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.