Senior Technology and Policy Advisor

Bring your expertise, passion and enthusiasm for technology and the public good to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), and contribute to important public policy discussions about data privacy, security and access rights for Ontarians.
Your expert ability to research, analyze and communicate the impact of technological developments on the public will support IPC projects focused on diverse areas including: the responsible deployment of government technologies, such as Ontario's proposed AI framework; new and evolving uses of technology in law enforcement; building children's digital literacy; employee privacy rights in a hybrid work world; and more.
The IPC is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, with oversight responsibility for Ontario's access and privacy laws, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

We are looking to fill one position on a one-year term with the possibility of an extension. The IPC welcomes applicants who may be interested in joining the IPC for a secondment from another public institution.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Independently and as part of a team, you will:

• conduct research and analysis on leading edge information technologies in support of the work of the IPC;
  
• identify and analyze trends in artificial intelligence technologies and governance, and contribute to developing the IPC's artificial intelligence policy capacity;
  
• develop or assess artificial intelligence technology governance instruments that are reflective of safe, privacy-protective, accountable, and transparent development, acquisition, deployment, use, and decommissioning of such technologies; identify and analyze potential impacts of emerging information technologies on information management practices;
  
• develop and deliver policy guidance and educational materials for IPC staff, external stakeholders and Ontarians on information security governance, privacy enhancing technologies, artificial intelligence technologies, and data access issues;
  
• review and evaluate the technological aspects of proposed public sector information systems, programs, and initiatives;
  
• provide advice, support and technical analysis in access and privacy complaint investigations and appeals;
  
• participate in strategic planning initiatives;
  
• prepare briefings for the Commissioners and senior staff on the potential impacts of current and emerging technologies on data access and privacy issues.

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

You will qualify for this position by demonstrating:
Technical and Policy Knowledge

• extensive knowledge of current and emerging information technologies, especially artificial intelligence technologies, and their potential impacts on data access and privacy;
  
• strong knowledge of provincial, national, and international technical and policy discussions concerning artificial intelligence;
  
• solid understanding of information security systems, risks and governance frameworks, privacy enhancing technologies, and data analytics;
  
• extensive knowledge of access, privacy and open and transparent government issues;
  
• solid knowledge of Ontario provincial and municipal government organizations, laws and policies.
  
• understanding of access and privacy issues relating to information management systems used in government and other organizations;
  
• understanding of strategic objective-setting and delivery, and decision-making processes;
  
• demonstrated ability to deliver policy and program submissions to support the IPC directions and mandate;
  
• knowledge of issues management techniques and principles to integrate into the planning and delivery of initiatives.

Interpersonal and Relationship Management Skills

• consultation, partnership and relationship management skills to establish critical business relationships and promote and influence strategic directions.
  
• demonstrated political acuity when providing relevant information to organizational leadership.

Analytical, Research and Project Management Experience

• Ability to plan and conduct extensive research and prepare written evaluations and recommendations.
  
• You can identify and resolve issues and problems affecting the organization in achieving its objectives.
  
• You can identify risks and barriers to policy and program decisions.

Communications and Presentation Skills

• You have well-developed oral communication skills to respond to issues and provide recommendations.
  
• You have strong written communication skills to prepare reports and promote policy/program initiatives to internal and external stakeholders.
  
• You have experience using standard computer software applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software) to research and prepare materials.

Asset Qualifications

• You have the ability to communicate (orally and in writing) in French.

What's in it for you?

• A modern organization with a flexible hybrid work model with in-office attendance at a minimum of 6 days per month.
  
  
• Commitment to continuous learning and developmental opportunities for all its employees.
  
  
• Work with an innovative and high performing organization committed to creating a positive organizational culture and highly dedicated to its mission of advancing the privacy and access rights of Ontarians.
  
  
• A defined benefit pension plan (optional)

Send application to:

job@ipc.on.ca citing “Senior Technology and Policy Advisor” in the subject line.

• Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism:

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and promoting 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.

We also believe in the importance of providing services to Ontarians in both official languages, and encourage interested bilingual candidates to apply particularly for public facing positions.

Notes:

• OPS and IPC Reciprocal Staffing Agreement:
  • The IPC has a Reciprocal Staffing Agreement with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) that enables IPC employees to apply to positions with the OPS.
  
  
  
• Qualified List Information:
  
  
  • A list of qualified candidates will be established for the Senior Technology & Policy Advisor and Senior Policy Advisor positions in the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and will be in effect for twelve (12) months from the date the list is created. Qualified candidates on the list may be considered when filling future permanent and/or temporary vacancies in this position.

Collection of Information

Your personal information is being collected and will be used to determine your qualifications for employment with the Ontario Public Service, and for recruitment modernization initiatives. OPS Careers is an authorized common service in accordance with s. 6 of the Ministry of Government Services Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.25 and this collection of personal information is necessary to the proper administration of OPS Careers.

Please do not provide more personal information than what is asked of you. For example, do not include your social insurance number, photograph, or banking information, etc. with your application. We strongly encourage you not to provide us with information beyond that which is requested in the job posting.

If you have any questions about the collection, use, disclosure, or retention of your personal information, please contact us.

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 Tuesday, September 26, 2023 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.