Senior Policy Advisor

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

A government organization in Ontario is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to support public policy discussions on information privacy and access rights. The role involves conducting research, developing materials, and engaging with various sectors. Ideal candidates will have extensive knowledge of access and privacy laws and strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers a flexible hybrid work model and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Defined benefit pension plan

Comprehensive Health Plan

Continuous learning opportunities

Flexible hybrid work model

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of Ontario’s access and privacy legislation.
• Ability to conduct thorough research and analysis.
• Experience in developing communication materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis for policy recommendations.
• Engage with regulated entities.
• Develop and deliver educational materials.

Skills

Research and analysis

Knowledge of access and privacy issues

Interpersonal and relationship management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Public Policy, Law, or a related field

Tools

Standard office software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

Organization: Legislative Assembly

Division: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

City: Toronto

Job Term: 1 Permanent;1 Temporary (12 months, with possibility of extension)

Job Code: Individual Contributor 11 (I11)

Salary: $100,293 - $141,361 annually

Posting Status: Open

Job ID: 232862

Bring your expertise, passion and enthusiasm for access, privacy and the public good to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC), and contribute to important public policy discussions about Ontarians’ information privacy and access rights.

About

Your expert ability to research, analyze and communicate about Ontario’s access and privacy landscape and the importance of privacy and transparency in the public sector, will support IPC initiatives focused on:

• engaging and communicating with key regulated sectors, including provincial and municipal government, law enforcement, education, and child welfare
• providing expert advice on the responsible development and deployment of programs and practices across the public sector in Ontario
• reviewing and evaluating policy instruments, including legislative or regulatory amendments, and providing expert recommendations in support of Ontarians’ access and privacy rights
• undertaking legislated reviews of the policies and practices of Ontario institutions to assess their compliance with legislated requirements
• identifying, evaluating and reporting on developments in privacy and transparency across Ontario, Canada, and the globe
• supporting new policy work resulting from the implementation of Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act.
  
  

The IPC is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, with oversight responsibility for Ontario's access and privacy laws, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Personal Health Information Protection Act and the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017.

We are looking to fill one permanent full-time position, and one temporary position for 12 months, with the possibility of extension.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Independently And As Part Of a Team, You Will

• conduct research and analysis and recommend policy positions on emerging issues, legislative requirements, and priority focus areas, to support the work of the IPC;
• develop or update guidance and educational materials to assist regulated entities in meeting their privacy and access obligations;
• engage with regulated entities by reviewing, evaluating and commenting on their plans and proposals to protect privacy or promote transparency within their institutions;
• monitor for, review, evaluate, and provide recommendations for IPC comment on proposed legislative or regulatory amendments;
• brief Commissioners and senior management on policy-related matters;
• undertake legislated reviews of the policies and practices of Ontario institutions to assess their compliance with statutory requirements and standards;
• draft correspondence and other communication materials for Commissioners and senior management;
• develop and deliver presentations to large and small groups (e.g. conferences, sector tables)
• identify and analyze trends in access and privacy in Ontario and other jurisdictions;
• contribute to IPC strategic planning and strategic initiatives;
• contribute to maintaining and improving the Policy Department’s information management and internal communication flows;
• participate in IPC and external events.
  
  

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

You Will Qualify For This Position By Demonstrating

Policy and Technical Knowledge

• You possess extensive knowledge of access, privacy, open government and transparency issues in public sector organizations;
• You have solid knowledge of Ontario’s provincial and municipal organizations, policies and programs, including new requirements introduced under Schedule 2 of Bill 194, the Strengthening Cyber Security and Building Trust in the Public Sector Act;
• You have a strong understanding of access and privacy issues relating to the collection, use, retention and disclosure of personal information in the public sector;
• You have knowledge of the potential impacts of technology upon privacy and transparency rights;
• You have applied knowledge and understanding of strategy and decision-making processes to ensure policy and program submissions support IPC direction and mandate;
• You have knowledge of issues management techniques and principles to integrate into the policy process.
  
  

Interpersonal And Relationship Management Skills

• You have consultation, partnership and relationship management skills to establish critical business relationships and promote the IPC’s strategic direction;
• You work well in a collaborative, team-based environment;
• You exercise political acuity when providing relevant information to organizational leadership.
  
  

Analytical, Research And Project Management Experience

• You have the demonstrated ability to identify, assess and use relevant and appropriate information sources for conducting research.
• You have the demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research and analysis, and prepare relevant evaluations and recommendations;
• You can identify and resolve issues affecting the organization in achieving its objectives;
• You can identify risks and barriers to policy and program decisions;
• You can manage competing deadlines while operating under tight time constraints.
  
  

Communication And Presentation Skills

• You have well-developed oral communication skills to respond to issues, provide recommendations, and promote key messages to internal and external parties whose expertise on privacy and access issues may vary;
• You have strong written communication skills to prepare reports and promote policy and program initiatives to internal and external parties in plain language;
• You have experience using standard computer software applications (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation) to research and prepare materials.
• You have well-developed information management (IM) skills to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the Policy Department’s information management, reporting and internal communication requirements.
  
  

Asset Qualifications

• You have applied experience in at least one of: children’s education, child welfare, law enforcement/policing, data governance or law reform.
• You have planned and conducted public consultations on complex policy issues.
• You have applied experience in program evaluation or audit methodology.
• You can communicate in French (orally and in writing).
  
  

What’s in it for you?

• A modern organization with a flexible hybrid work model with in-office attendance at a minimum of 5-10 days per month.
• Commitment to continuous learning and developmental opportunities for all its employees.
• Work with an innovative and high performing organization committed to creating a positive organizational culture and highly dedicated to its mission of advancing the privacy and access rights of Ontarians.
• A defined benefit pension plan, Comprehensive Health Plan, and Life and Disability Insurance.
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits (permanent positions).
  
  

Address

Additional Information:

• 2 Bloor St E, Toronto, Toronto Region
  
  

Compensation Group

The collective bargaining process is currently underway and this position will be represented by the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario (AMAPCEO).

Commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

Traditional schooling is only one of many paths to knowledge and experience. If you're interested and feel you're a good fit for the role, apply. We encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

Notes

Ontario Public Service (OPS) & IPC Reciprocal Staffing Agreement:

• OPS & IPC Reciprocal Staffing Agreement: The IPC has a Reciprocal Staffing Agreement with the Ontario Public Service (OPS) that enables OPS employees to apply to positions with the IPC.
  
  

Qualified List Information

• A list of qualified candidates will be established for the Senior Policy Advisor position in the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) and will be in effect for twelve (12) months from the date the list is created. Qualified candidates on the list may be considered when filling future permanent and/or temporary vacancies in this position.
  
  

Hybrid Work

• The IPC is a hybrid work environment. Team members are required to attend our Toronto office (2 Bloor Street East) for a minimum of 6 days per month, including a set departmental in-office day once per week (Thursday), and other days as arranged or required.
• This posting is for an organization that is separate from the Ontario Public Service. The information and tips on the Ontario Public Service Careers website may not apply to this posting.
  
  

How do I apply?

• You must submit your application using only one of the methods identified below.
• Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five pages.
• Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job.
  
  

Application Process

• Provide cover letter and resume in English
• Please apply through our website: https://ipcontario.startdate.ca/#/