Senior Policy Advisor

Fonction publique de l'Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Public Service in Toronto seeks a Senior Policy Advisor to shape labour strategies and fiscal oversight. You will collaborate with oversight ministries and agencies, develop models and submissions, and support evidence-based decisions within TB/MBC frameworks.

You will lead policy analysis, research and data visualization to inform negotiations and bargaining strategies. Strong writing and presentation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Prepare and support policy submissions and cabinet materials.
• Demonstrate policy development and decision-making experience.
• Interpret policies and statutes governing collective bargaining and labour relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop models, tools and approaches for tracking and reporting on projects and initiatives.
• Prepare briefing materials and cabinet submissions.
• Conduct policy research, scans and needs assessments to identify trends.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy or related field

Tools

Excel

Data visualization tools

Job description

Apply By: Friday, August 21, 2026 11:59 pm EDT

Broader Public Sector Partnerships and Oversight Division / Labour Strategies and Solutions Branch

City:

Toronto

Position(s) language:

Job term:

1 Temporary - 18 months with the possibility of extension

Shape the Future of Public Sector Bargaining – Join Us as a Senior Policy Advisor!

In this role, you'll collaborate with oversight ministries and provincial agencies to gather critical insights and support timely, evidence-based decision-making. Your work will directly influence Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet (TB/MBC) decision making, ensuring alignment with the government's fiscal framework and priorities. If you're ready to make a difference at the intersection of policy, finance, and labour relations in the Ontario Public Service—this is your opportunity.

Fuel Your Professional Growth

We're here to propel you forward! Expect unwavering support to fuel your professional growth, encouragement to think outside the box, and the freedom to bring your authentic self to work. By joining the Labour Strategies and Solutions Branch, you'll gain valuable work experience while building an extensive network of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders across the OPS.

The Policy and Fiscal Oversight Unit plays a pivotal role in shaping labour relations and compensation strategies across the broader public sector. We provide expert advice and oversight to support collective bargaining within the government's fiscal framework. Working closely with oversight ministries and provincial agencies, our team ensures efficient information gathering, rigorous analysis, and timely decision-making. We are actively involved in the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet (TB/MBC) process, delivering high-quality recommendations that enable sound, strategic outcomes.

Our bright, open office at 315 Front Street West places you in the centre of downtown Toronto. Just a short walk from Union Station, the location also puts you steps away from iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium, and the vibrant shops and restaurants at The Well.

About the job

In this role, you will:

• Develop models, tools and approaches for tracking, analyzing and reporting on projects and strategic initiatives
• Prepare and support the development of presentation materials and cabinet committee submissions, including Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet submissions
• Conduct policy research/analysis, environmental/jurisdictional scans and needs assessments to identify relevant trends/issues
• Facilitate effective links between policy development/research projects and business delivery activities
• Identify and manage contentious issues that require proactive/remedial action
• Plan, conduct and provide coordination of a broad range of labour policy analysis, development, and review projects

What you bring to the team

Policy development and decision-making:

You have the ability to:

• provide leadership in strategy and policy development, delivery, and implementation.
• demonstrate knowledge of and experience with policy and decision-making processes.
• interpret and apply policies, legislation and statutes that govern collective bargaining and labour relations.

Relationship management, consultation and communication Skills:

You have the ability to:

• create and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• work collaboratively to resolve issues, negotiate changes and shifts in priorities.
• lead consultations with stakeholders ensuring a shared understanding.
• create, lead, and present briefings to senior management.
• respond to issues, provide recommendations and prepare reports using standard computer software.

Research, analytical and data visualization skills:

You have the ability to:

• demonstrate research and data-gathering methodologies to collect relevant information for policy development/review processes.
• identify research gaps, address complex problems, and generate innovative solutions.
• utilize data visualization tools to present research findings and insights in a visually compelling and understandable manner.

Political acuity and issues management skills:

You have the ability to:

• demonstrate issues management and strategic thinking to develop response positions for negotiation, and understand the impact.
• demonstrate sound judgment and political acuity to recognize and address contentious situations.

Project management and organizational skills:

You have the ability to:

• use project management skills to lead and participate in policy and research projects.
• work with a high level of initiative and independence to ensure deadlines are met and to produce reliable evaluations

Don't meet every qualification?

If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognize that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate!

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

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.