Policy Program Coordinator

Electricity Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy association in Ottawa is looking for a Policy & Program Coordinator to provide administrative support and engage in policy development related to electricity distribution. The ideal candidate will support emergency response coordination efforts and have strong organizational and communication skills. A university diploma is preferred, with opportunities to contribute to significant cross-organizational projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in emergency response coordination, mutual assistance, or utility operations is an asset.
• Must be fluent in English; French competency is an asset.
• Open to travel within Ontario a few times a year.

Responsibilities

• Ensure smooth operation of the Ontario Mutual Assistance Group (OnMAG).
• Support the Board of Directors’ Resilience Committee on wildfire preparedness.
• Conduct research and develop policy positions on telecom and grid modernization.

Skills

Strong organizational and program management skills

Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Strong written and oral communication

Experience in emergency response coordination

Education

University / College / Technical School Diploma

Tools

Virtual meeting platforms

Emergency notification systems (e.g., Everbridge)

Job description

Overview

Policy & Program Coordinator

Reports to Director, Distribution

Closing Date: Monday, October 6, 2025

Electricity Canada

Electricity Canada is the voice for safe, secure, and sustainable electricity. Our vision is to be the best trade association. Electricity Canada members generate, transmit, and distribute electrical energy to industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional customers across Canada. Members include integrated electric utilities, independent power producers, transmission and distribution companies, power marketers, manufacturers, and suppliers of materials, technology, and services. These companies are working together through Electricity Canada to create one of the cleanest electricity systems in the world.

The Position

The Policy & Program Coordinator is a pivotal role within Electricity Canada that combines program administration with policy development. Roughly 40% of the role involves providing strong administrative support to ensure the smooth operation of the Ontario Mutual Assistance Group (OnMAG), Canadian Mutual Assistance Agreement (CanMAG), and the Distribution Council Subcommittees. The remaining 60% of the role is policy-focused, working on issues related to the Distribution Council, including metering, telecommunications, and grid modernization. This estimated allocation can be adjusted based on business requirements.

This position also offers the opportunity to contribute to cross-organizational projects, including supporting the Board of Directors’ Resilience Committee on initiatives such as wildfire preparedness and response.

Programs and Networks

Ontario Mutual Assistance Group (OnMAG) / Canadian Mutual Assistance Agreement (CanMAG)

OnMAG is a network of Ontario’s electric utilities that collaborate to provide mutual aid during major power outages due to severe weather events. Under the management of Electricity Canada, the group facilitates the rapid deployment of crews, equipment, and resources between utilities to restore power efficiently.

Canadian Mutual Assistance Group (CanMAG)

CanMAG is a national network of Canada’s electric utilities that have signed on to a mutual assistance agreement. Under the custodianship of Electricity Canada, the group connects utilities across provinces and regions to enable the coordinated sharing of crews, equipment, and expertise during major outages. By fostering collaboration nationwide, CanMAG strengthens resilience and supports the safe, efficient restoration of power for Canadians.

Distribution Council Subcommittees

Under the leadership of the Distribution Council, Distribution Subcommittees play a pivotal role in addressing issues of tactical significance to distribution companies in Canada, such as grid reliability and resiliency, operations and planning, regulatory innovation, revenue risks from load defection, and the need to increase customer and stakeholder engagement.

The Distribution Council has four committees:

1. Operating Technology and Telecom Committee (OTTC)
2. Metering Technology and Policy Committee (MTPC)
3. Grid Modernization Committee (GMC)
4. Economic Regulation Committee (ERC)

Key Responsibilities

OnMAG Program (Administration & Operations)

• Ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the Ontario Mutual Assistance Group (OnMAG), including maintaining schedules, monitoring the hotline, and supporting emergency coordination protocols.
• Organize quarterly meetings, prepare agendas and materials, and coordinate speakers.
• Support onboarding and engagement of new OnMAG members.
• Lead and manage practice drills to enhance readiness and ensure coordination processes run smoothly.
• Maintain accurate records, contact lists, and program documentation.
• Build relationships with stakeholders across utilities, government, and emergency management organizations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of OnMAG tools, processes, and engagement strategies.

Canadian Mutual Assistance Group (CanMAG) (Administration & Support)

• Coordinate meetings (virtual and in-person), prepare agendas, take minutes, and track follow-up actions.
• Maintain membership lists, signed agreements, and a central database of shared documents and resources.
• Support communication and collaboration among utilities nationwide to strengthen engagement and readiness.

Distribution Council Subcommittees (Administration & Support)

• Provide administrative support to the Distribution Council subcommittees
• Organize meetings (virtual and in-person), coordinate logistics, and track committee deliverables.
• Record meeting notes, manage action items, and follow up on outstanding tasks.
• Collaborate with the Electricity Canada Events Team to support workshops and training sessions.

Policy & Research (Primary Focus)

• Conduct research and develop policy positions on key issues affecting our Distribution members, including telecom, metering, and grid modernization.
• Draft submissions to government consultations (e.g., ISED, Public Safety Canada, Measurement Canada) to advance member priorities.
• Monitor industry developments and regulatory changes, providing timely updates and recommendations.
• Support the development of thought leadership content, reports, and briefing materials for committees and councils.
• Contribute to cross-sector resilience projects, such as supporting the Board of Directors’ Resilience Committee on wildfire preparedness and operational resilience.

Qualifications

• University / College / Technical School Diploma and/or equivalent experience.
• Experience in emergency response coordination, mutual assistance, or utility operations is an asset.
• Strong organizational and program management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills to manage relationships across committees.
• Strong ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with demonstrated experience in leading projects and engaging stakeholders. Candidates should be prepared to share examples of past projects where they successfully coordinated efforts, managed responsibilities, and fostered collaboration across teams or organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, virtual meeting platforms, and emergency notification systems (e.g., Everbridge).
• Strong written and oral communicator.
• Organized with the ability to work independently while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness.
• No restrictions on lobbying under the Lobbying Act.
• Fluent in English. French language competency is considered an asset.
• Open to travel within Ontario a few times a year.
• Must be able to work out of the Electricity Canada office for at least two days a week.

Interested applicants should send their resumes and cover letters of no more than one (1) page to [e-mail]. Electricity Canada reserves the right to interview candidates before the closing date. We thank all candidates who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Do you only meet some of the requirements but still think you are a good fit? At Electricity Canada, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Electricity Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to maintaining inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted about this or any other job opportunity or testing, please promptly advise a representative of the required accommodation measures to enable you to be assessed fairly and equitably. All information received relating to accommodation measures will remain confidential. Please note that we will not automatically consult accommodation requests from prior selection processes.