Senior Research Analyst

The Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery's Operational Policy, Business Intelligence, and Strategic Planning unit is recruiting one highly motivated Senior Research Analyst to join the team that delivers, reviews, and assesses the data environment that supports the delivery of key consumer protection legislation.

As part of this team, you will play a central role in the case management system that supports the handling of inquiries and complaints from the public, and the licensing, inspection, and investigation activities of the Consumer Services Operations Division. You will assess the fit of the system to business needs, request appropriate changes, and support the implementation of those changes. You will be a source of validated information about the Division's activities, responding to data requests from a wide range of sources. You will be a source of expert opinion, identifying how to best match business needs and practices with case management system capabilities. You will liaise with the case management system operator and identify how to address unique business needs with available applications and tools.

You have strong project leadership and consultation skills, here is your opportunity to lead, coordinate, and undertake policy research and analysis to support policy and program recommendations in order to meet strategic objectives for consumer protection in Ontario.

Why work for the Ontario Public Service

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Flexible work arrangements
• Collegial and professional work culture
• Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
• We provide on-the-job training to support your success in the role.

Effective April 1, 2024 the salary range for this position is $82,217 to $121,155 per year in compliance with AMAPCEO collective agreement provisions. The new rates, effective retroactive to April 1, 2024, were recently confirmed and dates for implementation of the new salary rates are still to be determined.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:

• Lead and coordinate projects to plan, develop, and recommend policy/programs and implement frameworks for consumer protection services
• Conduct research, identify emerging trends and issues, and perform quantitative analysis
• Develop and evaluate in-depth and comprehensive reports and analyses and prepare policy papers and briefing materials
• Conduct data modeling to determine the impact of various policy options
• Provide advice on policy issues to senior management
• Develop critical working relationships with internal/external stakeholders

How do I qualify?

Project Management and Research Skills:

• You demonstrate strong project management and research techniques
• You have knowledge of quantitative/statistical methodologies
• You can plan, design, and undertake research studies to develop policy/program options, frameworks, and guidelines
• You are able to guide and supervise project teams

Computer Proficiency:

• You have knowledge and experience designing data environments (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics Case Management Systems, Power Apps, Power BI, PowerPivot, Access), and developing digital services and workflows using SharePoint Online
• You have knowledge of information management practices and processes, data warehousing, and use of business analytical tool
• You are proficient with various computer applications to conduct statistical reports, and quantitative analysis and prepare reports/recommendations and presentations

Communication & Relationship Management Skills:

• You have excellent oral communication and presentation skills to respond to issues, provide recommendations and policy advice
• You are able to prepare various reports, briefing materials, and correspondence
• You can establish key stakeholder linkages across the OPS and federal/provincial/territorial jurisdictions
• You have strong consultation and negotiation skills

Policy Development Expertise:

• You have knowledge of policy and program development principles and techniques and government decision-making processes
• You understand the political, social, fiscal, and intergovernmental policies and issues impacting consumer affairs policy
• You are familiar with relevant provincial legislation and strategic directions to ensure that the government's strategic objectives are considered in the development of policy and program design
• You are able to assess the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs and recommendations for change