Job Description

Are you a self-motivated individual with experience in administering the legislative and administrative requirements of the Freedom of Information and the Protection of Privacy Act? Do you have horizontal leadership and collaboration skills to act as a central agency expert in providing strategic direction and coordination to oversee the enterprise-wide FOI program? If so, this opportunity with the Freedom of Information and Issues Unit, Cabinet Office Communications Division may be the role for you.

About the Ontario Public Service (OPS)
The OPS is one of the largest employers in the province, employing more than 60,000 people. Every day we are modernizing government operations and improving public services. We have a wide range of meaningful and rewarding career opportunities in communities across Ontario.

We welcome new ideas and new people, encourage learning and development, and reward achievement. No matter the position, we live the core values of trust, fairness, diversity, inclusion, excellence, creativity, collaboration, efficiency, and responsiveness.

The OPS support career and leadership development, invest in learning opportunities, recognize team and individual achievements, and support flexible work arrangements.
In addition to flexible work arrangements, collegial and professional work culture, career growth and development and on-the-job training to help you succeed, we offer a competitive total compensation package, which includes an attractive salary and may include the following:

• Defined benefit pension plan
• Maternity and parental leave top-up benefits, which cover adoptive parents
• Comprehensive health and dental plans
• Life and disability insurance

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?

As the Senior FOI Advisor, you will:

• Analyze and process access requests for government-held information within legislated time frames
• Assist in managing the Freedom of Information (FOI) program on behalf of the Secretary of the Cabinet to serve the Premier's Office in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and associated directives, policies, and procedures
• Provide strategic advice to senior Cabinet's Office executives and Premier's Office staff, leading regular briefings in order to respond to government-wide FOI requests and manage emerging issues related to FOI
• Provide advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders, including senior management and FOI specialists across the OPS, as well as members of the public, on the technical application of FIPPA legislation/regulations, policies, and procedures
• Represent the Cabinet Office and Premier's Office in dealings with the Information and Privacy Commissioner's Office on appeals, privacy complaints and enquiries

How do I qualify?

Technical Knowledge:

• You have demonstrated experience interpreting and applying the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and related regulations, principles, guidelines, directives, policies, procedures, and case laws
• You possess knowledge of current and emerging access and privacy theories, principles, practices, trends, issues, and solutions
• You have knowledge of government mandate, strategic policy direction, objectives, goals, and business deliverables

Analytical and Advisory Skills:

• You demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate complex and sensitive information, assess issues/risks and provide strategic analysis and expert advice
• You have the ability to identify linkages between FOI-related issues and broader business objectives to provide strategic advice to the Premier's Office, Secretary of the Cabinet's Office and ministries
• You have demonstrated experience providing advice to clients, program staff, senior executives and minister's office staff on requirements, legislation and policies related to FIPPA requests and provide compliance advice to senior management
• You have demonstrated ability to identify, analyse and research contentious issues, potential impacts and develop recommendations for senior executives and Premier Office staff

Communication, Interpersonal and Relationship Management:

• You have demonstrated excellent written communication skills to compose and edit communications, and develop high quality briefing materials and reports for senior executives
• You have superior oral communication and presentation skills to present complex research findings, issues and recommendations clearly and succinctly; provide regular briefings to Premier's Office staff and senior Cabinet Office executives; and deliver training
• You have a strong customer service focus and can develop and maintain effective working relationships
• You have the negotiation and mediation skills to resolve contentious or sensitive issues, represent the organization in appeals with the Information and Privacy Commissioner's Office and influence and promote compliance with FIPPA requirements
• You have demonstrated strong relationship management skills to liaise with Premier's Office, senior Cabinet Office staff, stakeholders and a network of FOI Coordinators; and represent the organization on inter-ministry committees, senior-level meetings

Issues Management Skills and Political Acuity:

• You have demonstrated issues management skills (including experience briefing senior executives) and high political acuity to anticipate and manage sensitive, complex, and contentious issues
• You have demonstrated tact and discretion when dealing with sensitive issues

Leadership and Coordination Skills:

• You have demonstrated leadership skills to lead and mentor unit staff and provide leadership and technical direction, advice, and guidance to a network of FOI specialists across the OPS
• You have experience planning, coordination and organizational skills to plan, assign, coordinate and manage complex requests, conflicting priorities, appeals and/or mediations to ensure compliance with statutory deadlines

Additional Information:

Address:

• 1 Temporary, duration up to 18 months, 99 Wellesley St, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record Check
• 1 Permanent, 99 Wellesley St, Toronto, Toronto Region, Criminal Record Check

Compensation Group:
Management Compensation Plan


Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule:
6


Category:
Consulting and Planning


Posted on:
Monday, August 15, 2022

Note:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Talent Development Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual's employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• T-CO-186187/22(2)