Policy Lead

Position Title: Policy lead

Term: Permanent – Full-time

Reports to: VP, Policy

Effective: January, 2023

Number of Vacancies: 2

LIFE SCIENCES EXPERIENCE IS AN ASSET FOR ONE POLICY LEAD

Profile

Policy Leads comprise a team of motivated policy professionals at the heart of PPF.

Our team members are strong policy generalists with considerable project management experience and solid organizational skills.

Background in one or more policy fields is an important asset, including for example, economic policy and finance, social policy, labour market and future of work, Indigenous issues, international affairs, innovation, technology, environment and energy.

The Policy Lead must be confident and capable of providing direction and guidance to the project team, anticipate problems and develop solutions with minimal direction. Initiative, strong organizational skills, and good judgement are key to succeeding in the role.

The Organization

The Public Policy Forum has a compelling purpose captured in its motto: Good policy, better Canada. For more than 30 years, PPF has worked with all levels of government, the private sector, labour, post-secondary institutions, NGOs and Indigenous groups to improve policy outcomes for Canadians. As a non-partisan, member-based organization, we work from “inclusion to conclusion,” by convening discussions of emerging and established thinkers, doers and deciders on fundamental policy issues and by identifying fresh policy options and paths forward. The Public Policy Forum researches and convenes around topical public policy challenges and celebrates great policy contributions at our testimonial dinners. We are committed to making a meaningful contribution to policy development that leads to a better Canada.

Responsibilities

The Policy Leads’ principal duties include:

• Overall project leadership, management and coordination, including budget oversight, communications, publications and event execution;
• Coordinating and briefing chairs/facilitators/speakers for events;
• Designing and developing project proposals including researching the issue, developing budgets, and critical path development;
• Coordinating research and preparation of major reports and other key documents for projects such as background papers, discussion guides, case studies, interview guides, agendas, website content, presentation decks, blogs, op-eds;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with external project partners (funders, researchers, advisory council etc.) to develop and deliver projects;
• Briefing, advising and supporting senior management on key issues and events;
• Developing and maintaining thorough and current knowledge of trends and dynamics, as well as established and emerging experts, decision makers and influencers in various sectors;
• Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The Policy Lead works collaboratively with PPF staff, management and Fellows, as well as external partners and research collaborators, to deliver multiple projects at a consistently high level, on time and according to budget. The Policy Lead builds and develops professional relationships with external stakeholders, including PPF members, funding partners, experts, academics and others to carry out project deliverables. This position will have the opportunity to lead work on a varied portfolio of exciting projects that fulfill PPF’s strategic objectives and may provide the opportunity to explore new areas of policy.

Policy Leads report to the Vice-President, Policy.

DESIRED Education, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and experience

• Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline, and at least five years of relevant work experience;
• Experience and skill in complex project management, from conception and development through execution and conclusion;
• Experience in public policy research, analysis and development;
• Qualitative and quantitative research skills;
• Ability to help conceive, develop and implement multi-stakeholder, non-partisan engagement projects, on time and within budget;
• Knowledge of public service, public administration and political science;
• Strong communication skills, including writing skills and ability to prepare and edit documents to a high standard;
• Strong analytical skills: ability to identify relevant materials and main trends, and to prepare succinct summaries of main findings;
• Confidence in cultivating and managing relationships with external partners;
• High level of relevant computer literacy;
• Proficiency in Canada’s official languages.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care
• Wellness program
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON