Responsibilities Provides policy/program development, research/analysis, and evaluation/support to senior management of the Division/Corporation to formulate strategic policy, program analysis and recommendations and/or generate options for programs and policies, assessing the implications and feasibility of these options and recommending solutions and implementation approaches.

Develops/recommends new policy proposals and amendments to address interests/priorities of Council; Corporate, Divisional, senior management, senior levels of government; service agencies/users and the community.

Leads policy and program development processes by identifying, formulating, and recommending new policy proposals and amendments, preparing, and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans.

Prepares reports/publications (e.g.: Council reports, briefing notes, communications/presentations, research analysis, funding requests, and other policy reports/recommendations as required) for senior management consistent with unit, divisional and corporate priorities and strategic directions.

Provides strategic financial/political advice, maintaining awareness of social, economic, andpoliticalissues and trends and developments within the field, corporate policies and practices,legislationand initiatives by other levels of government.

Develops and recommends innovative solutions and provides interpretive advice/support to staff, funded agencies, and the public.

Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations as it relates to policy/program matters.

Leads public consultation processes and supports engagement with service providers, special committees, local planning groups, community advocates and constituents.

Implements policy and program through: communication messages; developing/implementing accountability framework; developing training programs for staff, funded agencies, and the public.

Research, analyzes, and evaluates policies/programs through: management of qualitative/quantitative data; management of sensitive/confidential information, such as determining research priorities.

Provides project management,



including but not limited to preparing request for proposals; evaluates proposals; ensures quality in project deliverables within timeframes and ensures compliance to related Corporate policies.

Provides leadership to project teams comprised of multiple stakeholder interests such as divisional staff, staff of other divisions and/or City agencies and/or external stakeholders Represents City interests in inter-jurisdictional, inter-governmental, international and community meetings/settings.

Also, in community-based policy/program development initiatives.

Participates in inter-Divisional policy/program development initiatives.

Responds to issues arising when in contact with the public.

Develops and maintains effective working relationships with funding partners, senior levels of government, other city divisions, community agencies, and advocates to identify current thoughts, issues and trends, facilitate service coordination, and organize relevant forums and workshops Key Qualifications: Post-secondary education in a related discipline (public administration, public policy, business administration, urban planning, social science) or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Considerable experience in policy development and design, including policy research and planning, development, implementation and evaluation, and ability to advance knowledge translation between research, policy and operations.

Considerable experience in project management, stewarding complex initiatives from inception through to implementation with minimal direction, while balancing political, community and other stakeholder interests.

Considerable experience in building and cultivating relationships across an organization and engaging internally and with a broad range of external stakeholder groups, including community groups,



program staff, residents and/or people with lived experience of homelessness and housing precarity in the development of public policy.

Knowledge and understanding of current issues and trends in homelessness, affordable and social housing, renter-focused housing issues, the right to adequate housing and systemic inequities, and the responsibilities of the Federal/Provincial/Municipal levels of government polices affecting housing development and services; OR considerable anddemonstratedexperience in quickly gainingexpertiseand knowledge in recent and complex areas of policy development and research.

Excellent strategic and conceptual skills to develop creative solutions in combination with strong research, analytical and conflict resolution skills.

Exceptional leadership, negotiation and collaboration skills and the ability to coach and influence without direct authority, and to lead effective project teams.

High degree of judgment, politicalacumenand discretion; ability to analyze, problem solve and mediate complex situations, including ability to deal with divergent stakeholder interests.

Excellent presentation and written communication skills with the ability to structure and present information to both internal and external partners through a variety of communications platforms, while ensuring corporate branding and messaging.

Strong networking and relationship buildingskills;and ability to handle matters of a confidential/sensitive nature as it relates to Council, senior staff,managementand unionized employees.

Knowledge of Indigenous cultures, contemporary and historical issues, including awareness of cultural teachings and experience working closely with Indigenous communities would be an asset.

Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, coupled with political acuity.

Familiarity withmunicipal government,Committee and Council proceedings,City guidelines, policies,municipal bylaws and relevant legislation including Human Rights Code,Occupational Health and Safety

Act, AODA and a general understanding of issues facing the City.

Ability to travel to community service sites when required

📌 POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER HOUSING SECRETARIAT (Toronto)
🏢 City of Toronto
📍 Toronto