POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

• Job ID: 56519
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division: Purchasing and Materials Management Division 
• Work Location: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, M5H 2N1
• Job Type & Duration: 1 Temporary, (15 months Vacancy) 
• Salary: $103,431 - 141,247
• Shift Information: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 17-June-2025 to 24-June-2025
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The Purchasing and Materials Management Division is seeking a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person with experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations to advance the co-development of a First Nations, Inuit and Métis Procurement Policy. Reporting to the Manager, Policy and Program Planning and working closely with the Director, Program Support, Policy & Strategy, the Policy Development Officer will be responsible for all aspects of the assigned project, including business and community engagement, communication, contract management, supplier management, policy writing and change management activities.

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads strategic policy development, policy analysis, research, evaluation and program development processes with a focus on the co-development of a First Nations, Inuit and Métis Procurement Policy, by identifying, formulating and recommending new policy and policy amendments, and preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans.
• Communicates and liaises with Indigenous suppliers, including through a centralized email address associated with Indigenous procurement and attendance at supplier events.
• Provides expertise and strategic advice to staff, management, senior management and other City Divisions regarding Indigenous procurement.
• Leads and directly conducts ongoing research (qualitative and quantitative data) and analysis of trends and activities in assigned areas, particularly related to Indigenous procurement, economic development and related policies, programs, political issues and legislation, in order to provide information and identify emerging issues and opportunities to senior management.
• 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.
• Develops, coordinates and implements all aspects of the business and community engagement processes to support changes to policies and by-laws and responds to issues as they arise.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• 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 and Director, and initiates and coordinates necessary action for follow-up.
• 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, budget related implications, assets and resources by determining research priorities.
• Leads task forces and special committees.
• Develops divisional communication materials and content for internal and external partners.
• 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 partners.
•  Provides leadership to project teams comprised of internal and external partners to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals and service contracts related to projects.
• Represents City interests in inter-jurisdictional, inter-governmental, international and community meetings/settings.
• Participates in inter-Divisional policy/program development initiatives.
• Conducts on-site visits.

Key Qualifications

1. Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit or Métis person, and experience working with Indigenous people, communities, and/or organizations.
2. Post-secondary education in public administration, public policy, business administration, social science, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
3. Experience with policy analysis, planning and development, or program design, implementation and evaluation.
4. Experience in project management, with the demonstrated ability to effectively meet deadlines.
5. Experience cultivating and managing relationships/partnerships with a broad range of community organizations and partners, in particular Indigenous businesses and organizations.
6. Ability to apply a variety of research methodologies and techniques and to produce comprehensive, complex and formal reports.
7. Understanding of public procurement-related legislation and policy, including social procurement, would be an asset.
8. Excellent strategic and conceptual skills to develop creative solutions in combination with strong research, analytical and conflict resolution skills.
9. Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, coupled with political acuity.
10. Ability to work both independently as well as lead effective teams and effectively train, motivate and supervise staff.
11. Familiarity with Occupational Health and Safety legislation.

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.