Do you have experience applying program and policy development principles along with strong research and analytical skills? Consider an opportunity as a Policy Advisor to provide support relating to policy and program development, evaluation and stakeholder communication activities.

The Ministry
The Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) provides policy and program direction and financial support to postsecondary education institutions, delivers the Ontario Student Assistance Program, and gives universities the authority to grant degrees. The ministry oversees a diverse postsecondary sector which includes publicly assisted universities, colleges of applied arts and technology, and Indigenous Institutes. The ministry regulates and performs an enforcement role over private career colleges. In addition, the ministry encourages research and the commercialization of discovery in Ontario through funding research at Ontario's universities, colleges and academic hospitals and by supporting research institutes. MCU also oversees a number of agencies, including the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Board and the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario.

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:

• Conduct environmental scans and demographic trends, analysis of operations and programs to evaluate the effectiveness of program delivery
• Prepare results, research findings and provide recommendations to senior management (e.g. policy and program options, implications, costs, best practices)
• Provide support to working groups involved in policy review and development
• Prepare correspondence, presentations and briefing materials (e.g. briefing notes, House notes, advice notes)
• Participate in ministry, cross-ministry and stakeholder consultation processes

How do I qualify?

Program and Policy Development

You have:

• Knowledge of program and policy development principles to analyze and prepare new/revised policy/program options/recommendations
• Knowledge of program and operations analysis/evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs
• Ability to apply knowledge of provincial and ministry strategic policy directions, mandate and key objectives relating to the sector/program area, relevant legislation, models of service/program delivery and funding program guidelines

Research and Analytical Skills

You can:

• Conduct environmental scans, trends analyses, and quantitative and qualitative research
• Apply research and analytical methodologies and, information gathering techniques/tools
• Analyze multiple sources of information/data and assess qualitative/socio-economic and quantitative factors (e.g. options, costs and performance criteria)
• Identify options and evaluate best practices for application of provincial programs
• Review, assess and summarize stakeholder comments/survey findings
• Identify issues, trends, developments and their impact on ministry programs/operations

Communication and Conflict Resolution Skills

You have:

• Oral and written communication skills to participate in consultations and prepare policy papers, reports, analyses, correspondence, inquiries, briefing notes and Cabinet submissions
• Presentation skills to provide research, analysis, findings, conclusions to senior staff on policy and program development projects
• Consultation skills to exchange information, gain support and act as liaison with other branches/ministries/stakeholders
• Conflict resolution skills to identify potential issues and contribute to developing solutions

Computer Skills

• You are proficient with computer applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, project scheduling and internet) to research and prepare materials

Additional Information:

Note:

• T-TU-192046/22