Public Health Policy Advisor #26-180

(up to March 31, 2027 with possibility of extension)

---

Position summary:

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Public Health Policy Advisor provides leadership, strategic advice, and specialized expertise in public health policy analysis, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. The position monitors and assesses emerging legislation, government priorities, public policy issues, and population health trends, and develops evidence-informed policy options, strategic recommendations, and risk assessments to support leadership decision-making and influence agency strategy, advocacy priorities and public health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

• Leads and supports public health policy analysis, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation activities that align with the Ontario Public Health Standards, organizational priorities, and emerging public health needs.
• Leads research and analysis of emerging legislation, regulations, government priorities, standards, evidence, public health issues, and population health trends to identify implications, opportunities, risks, and policy options for agency programs, services, strategic priorities, organizational planning and population health outcomes.
• Provides strategic advice and subject matter expertise on public health policy issues, and develops evidence-informed policy options, recommendations, risk assessments, and implementation considerations to support leadership decision-making including analysis of organizational, operational, workforce, resource and population health impacts.
• Supports the development of organizational policy positions, advocacy priorities, consultation submissions, position papers, and policy responses related to priority public health issues; identifies opportunities to influence legislation, public policy, systems, and social conditions affecting population health and health equity; and contributes to agency advocacy strategies and recommendations to advance public health priorities and strategic objectives.
• Prepares and presents policy analyses, briefing notes, position statements, reports, recommendations, presentations, and other materials to support decision-making by leadership and governance bodies.
• Supports the implementation of evidence-informed and equity-focused public health policy approaches across programs, services, and organizational initiatives.
• Provides consultation and guidance to divisions, teams, and program areas on policy-related matters, including the interpretation and application of relevant public health legislation, standards, and frameworks.
• Represents the agency at provincial, regional, municipal, Indigenous, and sector policy tables, consultations, advisory groups, committees, and working groups and collaborates with internal and external partners to support responsive and evidence-informed public health policy decision making
• Initiates or contributes to research, knowledge exchange, environmental scans, jurisdictional reviews, and funding proposals related to public health policy priorities.
• Promotes organizational transparency, accountability, quality improvement, and evidence-informed decision-making in public health policy and practice.
• In collaboration with the Manager, may assist with the direct or indirect supervision of employees and students in accordance with Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ policies, collective agreements, and applicable legislation.
• In collaboration with the Manager(s), may participate in the recruitment and hiring process.
• Identifies staff development needs, in consultation with staff and the Manager.
• Develops and coordinates appropriate training and orientation programs for designated staff and students.
• May participate in the investigation and the resolution of complaint situations in consultation with the Director and Manager.
• May participate in obtaining and administering alternate funding resources for major undertakings via grants, proposals, corporate sponsorships, etc.
• Supports the development, review and evaluation of requests for external contracted services.
• Demonstrates organizational values and professionalism by working collaboratively within HR and across the agency, contributing to a respectful and inclusive workplace, maintaining confidentiality and discretion, effectively using required systems and technology, and performing other related duties consistent with the role and organizational needs.
• Promotes a safe and healthy workplace by fostering physical and psychological wellness, complying with health and safety legislation and policies, reporting hazards or incidents promptly, and participating in required health and safety training.

Requirements:

• Master’s degree in public health, public policy, health administration or other related discipline as appropriate with a minimum of five years’ experience in public health or a related policy, government, health system or community sector environment.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.
• Demonstrated expertise in public policy analysis, policy development, legislative review, regulatory interpretation, and strategic policy advising.
• Demonstrated experience preparing policy options, recommendations, risk assessments, briefing notes, position papers, and decision-support materials for senior leaders and governance bodies.
• Demonstrated political acuity and the ability to navigate complex organizational, community, and governmental environments.
• Strong facilitation, community partner engagement, consensus-building, and partnership development skills.
• Knowledge of public policy development processes, governmental decision-making structures, and public health governance frameworks.
• Advanced understanding of the public health system and relevant legislation.
• Demonstrated project/program management, interpersonal and administrative skills, including the ability to set priorities, establish timeframes, and organize resources.
• Strong strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in developing and supporting collaborative relationships with different groups or agencies.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to handle sensitive issues diplomatically and confidentially.
• Ability to work independently and as an integral team member.
• Experience with word processing, presentation software, email, internet/intranet usage, spreadsheets and database software, and the ability to work with Ministry databases.
• Advanced oral and written proficiency in English required.
• Advanced oral and written proficiency in French is an asset.
• Maintains a means to travel on an occasional basis, such as having a current valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
• Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

Application deadline

The posting will remain open until Tuesday, September 22, at 4:30 p.m.