Program and Policy Analyst

**ONTARIO**

**ASSOCIATION**

**OF FIRE CHIEFS**
- _Leading innovation and excellence in public and life safety _

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) represents the chief fire officers of the 441 fire departments in the Province of Ontario. Our mission is to lead innovation and excellence in public and life safety. To achieve this, we provide a recognized, authoritative voice for all matters relating to the management and delivery of fire and emergency services in Ontario. The OAFC endeavors to make
Ontario a safer place to live, work and play. Through our membership services we strive to lead the fire service to recognized levels of knowledge, skills and abilities, to successfully influence political decisions and policies that impact the fire service and public safety, and to be a valued source of information, research and advice on current and emerging issues.

Our association is currently seeking a strategic policy and research professional, working in our Ajax office as a

**Program and Policy Analyst**

Working out of our Ajax office and reporting to the Executive Director, the Program and Policy Analyst provides policy, research and member support for the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC).

This position focuses on developing and managing policy and program recommendations for strengthening relationships with members, stakeholders, affiliated associations and government agencies, increasing their understanding of, and support of the OAFC, our mission, vision, mandate and issues.

The Program and Policy Analyst has several interlocking areas of responsibility, including:

- Analyzing various policy initiatives regarding public safety, firefighter safety, and emergency management.
- Strategic policy development, implementation, oversight, and ongoing support (external and internal)
- Produce high quality, well written reports and recommendations that supports the OAFC

Strategic Plan, GR strategy, and Stakeholder Management plan.
- OAFC committee oversight and coordination.
- Research and policy support, as it relates to the interests of the OAFC, our members, the fire service and supports the association’s government relations strategy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of legislation, research and literature in and relevant to the fire service in Ontario and Canada. Monitor legislation and policy activities, updates and advises leadership and management team about relevant policy proposals and actions, and works with committees to analyze potential impact on the association membership and stakeholders
- Preparing written reports, analyses and briefings for OAFC management team. Developing fact sheets, briefs, submissions and other policy documentation on behalf of the association.
- Leads, coordinates and undertakes policy research, analysis and development to support the association’s government relations strategies.
- Provide OAFC committee oversight and coordination. Produce accurate meeting minutes and ensuring meeting outcomes are appropriately actioned, tasked and followed up.

**ONTARIO**

**ASSOCIATION**

**OF FIRE CHIEFS**
- _Leading innovation and excellence in public and life safety _
- Developing positive relationships with stakeholders including members, provincial/municipal staff, community and affiliated organizations, academia and other key stakeholders.
- Regularly connect with OAFC members such that the association fully understands and appreciates current and emerging issues.
- Provide support and assistance to OAFC members.
- Assist in the development, promotion, dissemination, coordination and monitoring of OAFC programs and services.
- Execute other projects and assignments in support of association events and projects.
- Work with association staff on content for OAFC events. Incumbent will be required to attend all

OAFC events, and support staff, management and the Board of Directors onsite.
- Keeps abreast of current/emerging issues and developments in the fire service.
- Participate in staff meetings, wellness and safety training and other professional development.
- Other duties as required.

**QUALIFICATIONS, JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**:
This position’s focus is on research, policy/program development and committee coordination. A post
- secondary degree or diploma in public policy and/or communications or public relations is required. 5-7 years of public relations, public affairs or public policy experience with knowledge of government and the legislative process. Minimum of five years’ experience in corporate/association/government communications. Media relations experience is a requirement.

Impeccable writing, content development, editing and proofreading skills, versatile to craft a wide variety of writing and briefing assignments.

Demonstrated experience as an effective communicator with stakeholders with a keen understanding of how multi-stakeholder environments function.

Ability to create detailed brie