Research and Policy Analyst

**Touchstone Institute**, a non-profit corporation funded by the Ontario Government, is the largest assessment centre of its kind in Canada, providing professional competency assessment and learning programs to support the delivery of high-quality health care. Touchstone Institute has become an integral part of the commitment to internationally trained health professionals seeking entry into training and practice in Ontario and has expanded to provide assessment, certification, and quality assurance programs for practitioners across Canada.

Touchstone Institute is seeking a highly qualified, motivated individual to join the team as a Research and Policy Analyst to conduct research and analysis, in consultation with stakeholders, government officials and internal staff, with a view to developing options and recommendations on a wide range of policy projects to further the organizations commitment to addressing the health human resources gap in Ontario.

**Policy and Research Analyst Assignment**:

- Conducting an analysis of the existing policy initiatives of provincial and territorial government, directly related to the **health human resources priority** growing across the country, with a focus on physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals.
- Supporting the **Practice Ready Ontario** team in creating data collection frameworks and processes to support the process evaluation of the pilot program implementation.

Working with the Design and Implementation, and Research and Analysis teams, the Policy and Programs Analyst will have the opportunity to:

- Assist with the development and management of a policy framework for health human resource priorities across Canada.
- Conduct research on relevant policy issues, perform analysis, and synthesize information and data.
- Produce and/or contribute to policy papers/reports identifying trends and making recommendations for consideration.
- Prepare and coordinate other documents including briefing material, speaking notes and correspondence on current issues.
- Develop and implement work plans, identifying and defining key initiatives and outcomes.
- Perform other duties as required.

**Applicant Requirements**:
To be assessed on an individual basis through resume and interview, but the following attributes would be beneficial:

- Minimum of 1 years’ experience in policy analysis and market research.
- Broad knowledge of government policy process.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing and presenting information.
- High level of capability in the areas of analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with internal staff and affiliated organizations.
- Strong organizational, project, and program management skills; ability to work on a wide range of issues simultaneously.
- Ability to anticipate and plan for the requirements of a particular task, execute the task in a timely manner.
- Proficient with web and literature searches, synthesizing data and analysis.
- Can work independently and in a team environment.
- Innovative thinker.
- Analytical capabilities with ability to quickly implement actions to maximize results.
- Passion, personal alignment, and commitment to the mission of URSU.
- Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
- High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.

**All applicants should include a resume as well as a cover letter indicating why they are interested in the position.**

Touchstone Institute is a hybrid employer whereby staff work virtually three days per week and attends in-person each Tuesday and Wednesday at its downtown Toronto office located at Wellington Street West and Simcoe Street. The Analyst will be expected to work every Monday to Friday, for 7 paid hours per day (35-hour work week) plus one hour lunch per day.