Policy Advisor

Are you an experienced professional with expertise in land use planning and environmental stewardship with policy development experience and strong research, analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills? If so, consider this opportunity in the Land Use Policy & Stewardship unit, where you will play a key role in leading, coordinating, and influencing the development of land use planning and environmental policies and programs in areas such as: agricultural land protection, agricultural and rural planning, soil management, species at risk, biodiversity, environmental assessment/agricultural impact assessments, long-term viability and sustainability of the agri-food sector. **Who We Are** The Land Use Policy & Stewardship unit is responsible for coordinating, researching, analyzing, and developing policy recommendations on environmental and land use policy issues that affect the agri-food and rural sectors. The unit provides input to environmental and land use proposals by other ministries and the federal/provincial government. **Why work for the Ontario Public Service?** The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment. We offer: - A defined benefit pension plan - Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits which includes adoptive parents - Comprehensive Health Plan - Life and Disability insurance - Flexible work arrangements - Collegial and professional work culture - Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas - We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role. The OPS has been recognized as a top employer. We are proud to have been acknowledged as one of: - Canada's Top 100 Employers - Canada's Best Diversity Employers - Greater Toronto's Top Employers - Canada's Greenest Employers - Canada's Top Employers for Young People **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. 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?**: You will: - provide land use planning and environmental stewardship policy, technical and strategic advice - lead and/or participate on project teams to develop and implement policy initiatives - develop and implement policy initiatives, and assess the impact of new and proposed policies, programs - undertake technical research and evaluation studies to develop policy proposals, discussion papers and draft/revise policies - develop and/or coordinate the development of Ministry, Divisional, and Branch strategic and operational plans to support the Minister, Deputy Minister, and senior management - provide policy advice, expertise, and recommendations to senior management on policy initiatives, trends, options, and strategies - develop and maintain relationships with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. **How do I qualify?**: **Policy Development Knowledge and Skills**: - You can coordinate initiatives through the policy development and approvals process in order to provide policy advice and guidance in developing Ministry policies - You have an understanding of political, social, and economic issues impacting Ministry sectors and provincial/Ministry strategic objectives as it relates to the development of policy **Communication and Interpersonal Skills**: - You can foster partnerships with internal staff, other ministries, and stakeholders in multiple jurisdictions - You have the ability to communicate complex information to non-technical staff - You can provide advice, discuss and resolve policy development issues with all levels of staff - You can develop and deliver presentations and speeches to policy staff, senior management, and stakeholders - You have written communication skills to prepare a variety of materials (e.g. analytical reports, briefing materials, position papers, option papers, detailed policy for regulatory drafting, correspondence, presentations, and orientation packages) **Research and Analysis Skills**: - You can conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis - You have the ability to analyze, interpret, and develop conclusions and develop policy options - You can identify and analyze appropriate data sources (e.g. scientific, statistical, or socio-economic data) - You can conduct environmental scans, evaluate trends, and assess