RESEARCH & POLICY ASSOCIATE

at  City of Toronto

Job ID: 47299
Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
Division & Section: Solid Waste Management Services, SWM Policy Planning & Outreach
Work Location: City Hall - 100 Queen Street West
Job Type & Duration: Full- time, Permanent Vacancy
Salary: $78,429.00 - $102,021.00
Shift Information: 35 per week, Monday-Friday
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 26-JUL-2024 to 09-AUG-2024

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post-Secondary education in Public Policy and Administration, Business Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, Planning, Environmental Studies, Environmental Sciences or other related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in conducting research, analysis, interpreting large volumes of data, summarizing findings and creating graphic presentations.
• Experience preparing and writing clear and succinct reports and recommendations on policy and administrative issues. Past experience preparing reports in a government setting is an asset.
• Experience using software packages such as the Microsoft Office Suite, (eg. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, outlook)
• In-depth knowledge of Solid Waste Management Services industry, issues and existing regulatory policy environment and initiatives is an asset.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and highly developed communication and presentation with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing at all levels of the organization, and with staff, consultants and contractors.
• Excellent problem solving and decision-making skills with the ability to handle and resolve difficult situations in a professional manner.
• High degree of conceptual ability and capacity to develop creative solutions to refinement of operating procedures, development of policy and evaluation of problems.
• Ability to exercise political acumen, sound judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential operational matters.
• Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and in collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders/subject matter experts.
  Knowledge of government structure, policies and decision-making processes is an asset.

Landfill space in Ontario and at the City’s Green Lane Landfill, is expected to reach capacity by approximately 2035. While the City has a number of successful waste reduction and diversion programs in place to support the Long-Term Waste Management Strategy’s aspirational goals of zero-waste and moving towards a circular economy, long-term solutions for the disposal of residual waste (e.g. garbage) are still required.
Reporting to the Project Director, Business Transformation – Residual Waste, Solid Waste Management Services, you’ll support the overall coordination and project management/business transformation of the City’s short, medium and long-term Residual Waste Management Workplan activities. You will conduct policy research into options to support the implementation of the Council approved Residual Waste Management Work Plan. This will include working with a diverse team and staff across the division, other divisions, stakeholders and communities to provide support to deliver on the Work Plan and also prepare updates on potential recommended options to City Council.
You will also support the team in meeting timelines and reporting frameworks to ensure any impacted policies, major operational changes and budgetary activities requiring business transformation are supported through the appropriate change management practices.

Key tasks of the position will include:

• Conducts research into assigned areas ensuring that such research takes into account industry trends, corporate policies and practices, legislation and regulations.
• Conducts secondary research including review of best/promising practices and plans in various industries.
• Conducts research to support the preparation of briefing notes on policy initiatives for senior management.
• Develops and implements detailed plans and develops options and recommendations for policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements.
• Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Deals with confidential and sensitive information affecting divisional operations, policy positions, assets, and finances.
• Presents options and recommendations for programs and policies that could impact organization structure re-modelling and staff across the organization.
• Attends strategic meetings with senior management.
• Conducts primary research including stakeholder interviews and staff focus groups and/or surveys to identify and document requirements and to obtain input.
• Keeps up-to-date on relevant research and coordination with relevant divisional staff on project related data analysis.
• Keeps management updated with progress on a regular basis and establishes buy-in for key project milestones.
• Develops options and recommendations for policies, processes and procedures.
• Coordinates consultation in an effort to solicit feedback on policy and program development.
• Drafts reports for senior staff on corporate and divisional issues, projects and related matters.
• Works together with team members on technical studies, policy and programs development and reviews and supports planning and execution of public and industry consultations
• Reviews and analyzes statistical data, external reports and research studies, as well as existing and proposed policies.
• Assists senior staff in identifying options, assessing implications and developing implementation strategies on project work.
• Supports coordination, oversight and assists with field work related to the monitoring of waste audits
• Acts as City representative on various internal and external committees.
• Assists with the development of RFPs and/or RFQs supporting the needs of the Division.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Other duties as assigned.