Policy and Project Development Specialist

Job Description:

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Policy and Project Development Specialist will support the work of the Community Capacity and Funding unit, which facilitates coordination and delivery of the Community Investment Fund program and other initiatives such as Regional involvement in Ontario Health Teams.
Reporting to the Program Manager, Community Capacity and Funding, the Policy and Project Development Specialist is responsible for providing program and policy development, planning, and management, supporting projects and process development, developing communications materials, facilitating partnership and engagement activities with non-profit community agencies/government/for profit organizations; developing evaluation frameworks including needs assessment, data management and analysis; research and analysis to support community development activities; leading project teams; and supporting and facilitating various planning committees and working groups; participate in development of strategic plans.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Coordinates and develops community development program policies and activities and implements the community development strategies for the Department.
• Works closely with community based agencies to determine capacity development needs and establishes and implements a program that meets those needs and includes training and education.
• Develops an evaluation strategy to assess the effectiveness of the community development activities including gathering input and feedback.
• Leads various projects, including conceptualizing, work planning, resourcing and evaluating various short term projects; facilitates focus groups and community partners in collaborative planning projects.
• Develops and assesses program and policy options that meet identified Regional, Departmental and community needs; recommends viable solutions and implementation strategies.
• Identifies and recommends strategies to implement community development activities.
• Carries out research on assigned projects; compiles data and information, and provides analysis on program and services related issues; prepares presentations, impact and options analysis and statistical reports; monitors and reviews data to identify trends and develop community and Branch strategies.
• Reviews and analyzes policy statements on community development issues from Federal and Provincial Governments and other organizations and provides analyses on impact to the Region.
• Represents the Branch and Department on external task forces and committees with community agencies, municipal/regional governments and other stakeholders, as directed.
• Liaises with and establishes/maintains positive working relationships with community partners, government agencies and other stakeholders to share information and identify opportunities for partnership and joint activities, enhance community development activities and encourages innovation and collaboration; makes presentations to stakeholders, as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Business or Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Sciences or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) year’s experience in community development related to the Human Services sector including planning, analysis, program and project development, and administration.
• Demonstrated experience working with community agencies, managing multi-partner projects, project budgets, as well as facilitating appropriate linkages.
• Experience in developing, implementing and evaluating community wide initiatives and programs using demonstrated skills in evaluation and/or social marketing.
• Experience in policy development and implementation, planning, and project management
• Strong report writing, research, analytical and presentation skills and work to tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of policy, programs, relevant legislation and the implications of political and environmental influences that affect the delivery and funding of community-based services and agencies.
• Knowledge of statistical/analysis techniques, outcome measures, and forecasting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of agency development program and community development principles related to the Human Services sector.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary social research and evaluation methods, including writing detailed reports and proposals.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including communication, innovation, teamwork and collaboration, and personal ownership.