Senior Policy Advisor

Are you a strategically minded professional who possesses in-depth knowledge of, and experience in, working with Indigenous partners?

The Ministry of Colleges and Universities’ Postsecondary Education Division, Indigenous Education Branch, is 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.

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 < https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontario-public-service-anti-racism-policy > and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint < https://www.ontario.ca/page/ops-inclusion-diversity-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 < http://www.ohrc.on.ca/en/ontario-human-rights-code >. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

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
• develop and manage financial agreements that provide funding to Indigenous organizations, such as transfer payment agreements
• 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 programs

Location: Toronto

How do I qualify?

Policy and Program Development Knowledge

You can 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 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 and conduct qualitative and quantitative research studies and evaluate best practices, options, cost and impacts relating to Indigenous learners and communities.

Consulting, Teamwork and Consensus-Building Skills

You can develop key linkages with internal and external partners, including Indigenous partners.
• You can 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 and negotiation skills as well as demonstrated diplomacy to communicate ministry policy and position on sensitive and political issues relating to Indigenous learners and communities, including in the development of financial agreements with Indigenous partner organizations.
• You have experience using computer software such as common word-processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software to conduct research, and prepare documents and training presentations.

Salary Range: $76,382 – $112,555 Per Year

Additional information:

1 Permanent, 315 Front St W, Toronto, Toronto Region

Note:

The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures, including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.

Please apply online, only, at www.ontario.ca/careers, quoting Job ID 201075, by Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Please follow the instructions to submit your application. Faxes are not being accepted at this time.

If you require accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please contact us at www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/ContactUs.aspx to provide your contact information. Recruitment Services staff will contact you within 48 hours. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Ontario Public Service is an inclusive employer. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

www.ontario.ca/careers