Northern Development Analyst

Environment, Conservation and Parks | Environnement, Protection de la nature et Parcs; Sault Ste. Marie; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth is seeking a Northern Development Analyst in the Coordination and Analysis Unit to lead complex research and analysis, manage strategic projects and funding initiatives, and provide evidence-based advice to senior leaders on opportunities and challenges in Northern Ontario.

This role focuses on exploring emerging issues, coordinating cross-government and stakeholder partnerships, developing reports and recommendations to shape programs,

Qualifications

• Experience leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, programs, projects, and initiatives that support economic and social development.
• Ability to provide strategic analysis and evidence-based advice to inform decision-making, identify emerging issues, and advance ministry priorities.

Responsibilities

• Explore emerging issues and opportunities affecting Northern Ontario and identify practical solutions.
• Lead projects and initiatives that help strengthen northern communities and support economic growth.
• Collaborate with partners across government and stakeholder groups to advance priorities and achieve results.
• Analyze information, evaluate options, and provide strategic advice to support decision-making.
• Develop reports, briefings, and recommendations that help shape programs, policies, and investments in the North.

Job description

Apply By:Tuesday, October 20, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Ministry of Northern Economic Development and Growth

Division:

Northern Development Division, Strategic Initiatives Branch

City:

Kenora, North Bay, Sault Ste Marie, South Porcupine, Sudbury, Thunder Bay

Turn ideas into action for Northern Ontario.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the economic and social development of Northern Ontario. As a Northern Development Analyst in the Coordination and Analysis Unit, you will lead complex research and analysis, manage strategic projects and funding initiatives, and provide evidence-based advice to senior leaders on emerging opportunities and challenges.

This position is for you if you're passionate about Northern Ontario and want to help shape initiatives that create lasting benefits for its communities, businesses, and residents.

Curious about the role? Explore this Opportunity Overview.

About the job

• Explore emerging issues and opportunities affecting Northern Ontario and identify practical solutions.
• Lead projects and initiatives that help strengthen northern communities and support economic growth.
• Collaborate with partners across government and stakeholder groups to advance priorities and achieve results.
• Analyze information, evaluate options, and provide strategic advice to support decision-making.
• Develop reports, briefings, and recommendations that help shape programs, policies, and investments in the North.

What you bring to the team

Strategic Policy and Program Leadership

• experience leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, programs, projects, and initiatives that support economic and social development.
• the ability to provide strategic analysis and evidence-based advice to inform decision-making, identify emerging issues, and advance ministry priorities.

Research, Analysis and Decision-Making

• experience conducting research, environmental scans, and analysis to assess complex issues, evaluate options, and develop practical recommendations.
• analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret information, identify risks and opportunities, and support informed decision-making.

Project and Funding Management

• experience leading and coordinating projects, programs, or initiatives, including planning activities, managing timelines, monitoring progress, and delivering results.
• knowledge of funding and accountability processes, with the ability to evaluate proposals, manage agreements, monitor deliverables, and ensure effective stewardship of public resources.

Relationship Management and Collaboration

• knowledge of Northern Ontario's economic landscape, emerging development issues, and the social and economic factors that influence communities, businesses, and growth opportunities in the North.
• experience building and maintaining collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government partners, Indigenous communities, industry representatives, and community organizations.

Communication and Influencing Skills

• verbal and written communication skills to prepare briefings, reports, presentations, and recommendations, and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• consultation, facilitation, and influencing skills to build consensus, navigate competing interests, and advance initiatives through collaborative partnerships.

How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility

We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialized individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.

Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario's Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code-protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us.

Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti-racist, accessible and diverse workplace:

• diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
• accessibility
• Anti-Racism Policy

• 2 English Permanent, 933 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, North Region or 5520 Hwy 101 E, South Porcupine, North Region or 70 Foster Dr, Sault Ste Marie, North Region or 447 McKeown Ave, North Bay, North Region or 435 James St S, Thunder Bay, North Region or 810 Robertson St, Kenora, North Region

Language requirements and assessment:All external Ontario Public Service (OPS) job ads are posted in English and French. Check the "position(s) language" section at the top of each job ad for the language requirements. For all roles, candidates are assessed in English, the business language of the OPS. If the position is bilingual (English/French), you'll also need to pass a French-language proficiency test.