Policy Analyst

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the provincial online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the exclusive provincial wholesaler to authorized private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role
We are looking for a Policy Analyst to join the Policy & Government Relations team. The Policy Analyst will conduct research and jurisdictional and market analysis to support advice to the Ontario Government on the province’s evolving cannabis retail sector.
In this role, you will use your strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills to monitor emerging retail and production market trends in Ontario and across Canada. You will develop briefing materials, write policy papers and presentations, prepare regular market scans, draft communications, review emerging legislation/trends/issues, and work with Senior Policy Advisors to develop strategic advice for OCS management.
About Your Day

**Policy Development and Monitoring**:

- Support independent research and analysis on emerging trends and priority issues in the cannabis sector (e.g., briefing materials, issues notes, summaries, trackers on market trends, etc.)
- Conduct factual and date-driven research and policy analysis to support Senior Policy Advisors in providing recommendations to support operational teams, senior management and the Government of Ontario on legislative and policy matters
- Support the Policy team in driving the development of corporate policies and new business activities that help the OCS achieve its mandate

**Agency Relations and Partnerships**:

- Monitor federal and provincial legislation, regulations and policies that relate to OCS operations and cannabis retail / distribution
- Support the organization’s day-to-day relationship with other public-sector partners including the Ontario Ministry of Finance, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and Health Canada

About You
- Completion of a post secondary degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, political science, and/or a related field
- Master's or advanced degree public policy, public administration, business administration, political science, or a related field is an asset
- Experience in working within the public service, another public sector organization, or within a regulated sector
- Detail-oriented, self-starter with strong written and verbal communication skills who is comfortable navigating a complex legal framework to provide effective policy advise to management
- Understanding of legislative/regulatory processes, program and policy development principles, government procedures / agency oversight structures, and issues management
- Ability to undertake cross-sectoral research of policies and programs in other jurisdictions, and to conduct research involving monitoring of trends, direction and issues, and analysis of multiples sources of information/data, with consideration of both qualitative and quantitative factors
- Strong time management skills, highly organized and keen attention to detail
- Developed critical thinking, research, and analytical skills
- Strong knowledge of Excel and the ability to visualize data is an asset
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook

About the Job
- This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge Street. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
- City: Toronto, ON
- Employment Type: Permanent Full-Time
- Required Travel: None

Compensation