POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

• Job ID: 54755
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: Toronto Emergency Management, TEM Strategic Policy & Planning
• Work Location: 703 Don Mills Road, North York
• Job Type & Duration: Full-Time, Permanent
• Salary: $103,431.00 - $141,247
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1 
• Posting Period: 24-Apr-2025 to 08-May-2025

Job Summary:

Join the Toronto Emergency Management Division in the heart of emergency preparedness! As a Policy Development Officer in the Strategic Initiatives unit, you'll be pivotal in shaping and coordinating policies for the City's emergency management program and emergency social services. Work closely with divisional and intergovernmental teams to plan and deliver emergency management objectives, ensuring compliance and effective delegation of responsibilities.

Ready to contribute to a well-organized response during major emergencies and events in Toronto? Join us in making a difference!

Major Responsibilities:

• Implements detailed plans and recommends policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements.
• Conducts research into assigned area ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Leads strategic policy development, policy analysis, research, evaluation and program development processes by identifying, formulating and recommending new policy and policy amendments, preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans to support management functions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and service delivery.
• Identifies policy, resource and systems issues and gaps.
• Develops and prepares standard operating procedures and/or policy and program guidelines for the implementation of new policies, practices, protocols, by-laws and by-law amendments, etc.
• Develops/generates options for new/amended policies and programs, assessing the implications and feasibility of these options, recommending innovative solutions and implementation approaches and provides interpretive advice/support to staff, management, etc.
• Reviews and analyzes Standing Committee/Community Council/City Council or divisional interests, priorities, agendas and reports, identifying items for the Manager/Director and initiates and coordinates necessary action for follow-up.
• Maintains an awareness of relevant policy, legislation and political issues and trends and provides information, policy development and reports based on such issues and trends.
• Provides strategic financial/political advice.
• Analyzes and researches issues and Council direction in support of the preparation and administration of the service area's capital and operating budgets and the development and support of long term business plans.
• Identifies, collects and maintains performance measures and key performance indicators for the division.
• Deals with confidential and sensitive information affecting divisional operations, staffing and budget related implications, assets and resources by determining research priorities.
• Develops, coordinates and implements all aspects of the public consultation process to support changes to policies and by-laws and responds to issues arising.
• Leads task forces and special committees.
• Develops divisional communication materials and content for internal and external stakeholders.
• Leads and directly conducts ongoing research (qualitative and quantitative data) and analysis of trends and activities related to assigned policy areas and evaluates the strengths and weaknesses and effectiveness of policies, by-laws and programs, in order to provide information and identify emerging issues and opportunities to management to support decision making.
• Develops targets and criteria to measure the effectiveness and success of programs.
• Provides leadership in the planning and progress of project based assignments to investigate policy and program options including developing project objectives, requests for proposals, terms of reference, evaluation methods, ensuring quality in project deliverables within timeframes and compliance related to relevant policies and consulting with relevant stakeholders.
• Provides leadership to project teams comprised of multiple stakeholder interests such as divisional staff, consultants, staff of other divisions and/or City agencies and/or external stakeholders to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals and service contracts related to projects.
• Prepares Council reports, research analysis, budget/resource requests, briefing notes, presentations, various correspondence, policy reports/recommendations and other materials as required by and for senior management consistent with unit, divisional and corporate priorities and strategic directions.
• Fosters and works collaboratively to develop and maintain close and effective, working relationships with management, City divisions, other levels of government, technical consultants, community agencies, funding partners, advocacy groups and members of the public or other groups as appropriate to ensure awareness of existing and evolving issues and concerns, facilitate coordination and organize relevant forums.
• Represents City interests in inter-jurisdictional, inter-governmental, international and community meetings/settings.
• Participates in inter-Divisional policy/program development initiatives.

Key Qualifications

1. Post Secondary education in public policy or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Considerable experience in policy analysis, planning and development in a government environment or comparable environment.
3. Considerable experience in community engagement and relationship-building with a broad range of stakeholders.
4. Experience in research and evaluation methodologies and techniques, and associated experience in writing comprehensive, complex and formal reports.
5. Experience in project management including project design, development and implementation.
6. Proficiency with a variety of computerized office systems including, MS Office (i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
7. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to summarize information into clear and concise messages and prepare and deliver presentations, coupled with political acuity.
8. Excellent critical thinking skills with the ability to take initiative and problem solve.
9. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
10. Ability to manage concurrent projects utilizing excellent organization and time management skills.
11. Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.