Are you a self-motivated, dynamic and proactive leader seeking to make a difference in Ontario's long-term infrastructure planning?
Are you interesting in pursuing a unique opportunity in with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) to help collect and use data, and conduct research and analysis for the purpose of informing our long-term infrastructure needs? If so, consider this exciting opportunity in the Ministry of Infrastructure in our Infrastructure Data and Analytics Unit!
About Us:The Infrastructure Data Analytics Unit (IDAU) develops and maintains infrastructure datasets and provides strong evidence based analytics to support decision makers with respect to public infrastructure policy and investment.
IDAU works closely with the other unit (Infrastructure Modelling Unit) in the Infrastructure Research Branch to collect and standardize data from capital ministries and other sources. These data are then used with the Branch's models and other tools to help project our future infrastructure needs. IDAU also supports the rest of the Infrastructure Strategy, Policy and Research Division, and the Ministry of Infrastructure more broadly, to provide data and research support for input into briefing and other materials on various topics related to infrastructure.
The unit and the branch work closely with capital ministries to leverage and build upon their own data and expertise that is used to project long-term infrastructure needs.
OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:
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.
What can I expect to do in this role?
In this role you will be leading the collection, maintenance, standardization and use of data and information to help inform Ontario's long-term infrastructure needs. This includes, but is not limited to, managing and updating at least two key infrastructure datasets.
One dataset contains information about the province's infrastructure investments that are in progress. The other contains information about current infrastructure assets that are already in place and delivering services today. Maintaining these datasets requires developing in-depth knowledge data collection methodologies and practices through collaboration with staff from other ministries and desk research.
In this role you will also be developing and delivering a variety of research products designed to inform infrastructure investment decision-making. If you are looking for a passive managerial position that consists mainly of reviewing materials that staff members have prepared, you are looking in the wrong place. In addition to providing that reviewer role, in this role you can expect to be very hands-on with respect to all aspects of research – including the development of research methodologies, data analysis, knowledge management and writing research reports.
IDAU and the Research Branch more broadly are home to a variety of data and modelling tools that range from the initial stages of discovery to fully-operational. You will be expected to apply your creativity and research expertise to develop those models in the earlier stages of development while also continuously improving operational models and analysis. Sometimes this will mean disrupting the conventional wisdom and not taking the path of least resistance.
You will also be required to learn and become an expert in the infrastructure data more generally – including having an expert understanding of how other ministries, jurisdictions and industries develop and use data to project their long-term infrastructure needs.
How do I qualify?
Your strategic leadership and management skills are demonstrated through:
• Having creative problem-solving skills with demonstrated decision-making skills
• Leading by example through the delivery of research and data analysis
• Having excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills along with a strong sense of political acuity to deal with a variety of sensitive issues and influencing others to depart from their conventional ways of thinking and working
• Promoting equitable practices that value diversity and inclusion into your work environment to foster an environment of continuous improvement, creativity and excellence
Your technical expertise is demonstrated through:
• Utilizing your previous hands-on experience with developing and implementing a range of research methodologies to answer research questions
• Finding and implementing creative ways to answer research questions where optimal or ideal data and information are not available
• Balancing long-term research objectives with the need to provide and interpret more immediate research and analysis so that it is digestible for a less-technical audience
• A strong understanding of the processes and systems involved in the use, storage, manipulation, analysis and visualization of large data sets in support of ministry decision making and reporting
• Practical experience writing project plans/proposals and detailed research reports
• Knowledge of some combination of economic analysis, financial analysis, spatial and mapping analysis, and analysis to inform infrastructure needs
Your project management skills are demonstrated through:
• Practical experience managing and delivering projects of varying levels of effort, timelines and number of team members. Management consulting experience is a plus.
• Coaching/training staff on techniques and strategies to identify and use a variety of data/information sources and apply their research skills through clearly defined roles and tasks.
• Organizing and standardizing data and information to ensure that analysis and results can be repeated/updated consistently.
Your relationship management and communication skills are demonstrated through:
• Utilizing superior written, oral and interpersonal skills and can influence and negotiate with partners and stakeholders to find collaborative solutions to complex issues
• Effectively managing expectations and anticipate and resolve major obstacles and conflicts
• Having strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to establish and maintain relationships of trust with senior management, clients and partners
