Senior Policy Advisor

PAA Advisory | Conseils; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advisory firm is seeking a Senior Advisor for its Financial Services and Technology team in Ottawa. This role involves supporting government relations and public policy initiatives for clients in the technology and financial sectors. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public policy and a strong ability to communicate complex issues effectively. Responsibilities include drafting advocacy documents, monitoring legislative proceedings, and providing insights on public policy matters.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in public policy or consulting.
• Familiarity with government decision-making.
• Ability to communicate technical information in plain language.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and advice to Advisors and Client Directors.
• Draft materials for advocacy and public policy studies.
• Engage in lobbying and maintain stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Public policy experience

Verbal and written communication

Stakeholder relationship management

Knowledge of government processes

Education

Undergraduate degree in political science, public policy, finance, or business

Graduate studies (preferred, not required)

Job description

Senior Advisor - Financial Services and Technology

PAA Advisory | Conseils’ Financial Services and Technology team is hiring at the Senior Advisor level to support its government relations and public policy work. The Financial Services and Technology team works with clients across the financial services and technology ecosystems including card networks, payment processors, fintechs, financial institutions, leading industry associations, telecommunications, and technology sectors to support their government relations and policy objectives in Canada.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with public policy experience to work closely with many of the leading financial services and technology companies in Canada on payments system modernization, open banking, consumer protection, privacy, competition, artificial intelligence (AI), digital innovation, among other areas.

Qualifications

Candidates wishing to be considered should have the following:

• at least 5 years of relevant experience on Parliament Hill, or at an industry association, think-tank, or consulting setting relevant to technology sector policy; or an equivalent combination of experience and relevant advanced studies at the graduate level;
• a high degree of familiarity with the public policy and government decision-making processes, institutions, and governance frameworks, as well as the stakeholder ecosystem;
• demonstrated knowledge and experience providing written and/or verbal briefings to organizational leaders;
• completed an undergraduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, public policy, finance, business etc.; graduate studies not required but would be an asset;
• experience/capacity in communicating technical information and industry jargon in plain language for a broader political audience.

As a member of our team, you will be based in Ottawa and responsible for providing day-to-day support and advice to other Advisors, Client Directors and Managing Directors supporting the firm’s clients in several ways, including:

• drafting presentation materials, advocacy documents and communications materials for internal and external audiences;
• drafting reports, public policy studies and political analysis (in conjunction with your colleagues) that can serve as a foundation for advising clients;
• providing ongoing, real-time advice and insight to leaders of client organizations and having day-to-day responsibility for managing the government and regulatory affairs needs of clients;
• engaging in advocacy activities – including but not limited to lobbying – focused on Designated Public Office Holders, other public officials, and relevant stakeholders;
• building and maintaining relationships with relevant stakeholders, think tanks and trade associations in relevant sectors;
• monitoring, gathering information and analyzing public policy relevant to a client’s issues;
• monitoring and reporting on the activities and proceedings of the House of Commons and Senate, including Question Period and Committees;
• monitoring and reporting on the activities and proceedings of certain Provincial Legislatures as required;
• undertaking research and providing analysis on stakeholder groups, media coverage, government decision-makers, regulatory and legislative processes.

This is a full-time position based in Ottawa. The selected candidate must have the ability to register to lobby at the federal level with the Commissioner of Lobbying.

Thank you for your interest in PAA Advisory | Conseils. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.