Policy Officer, Ontario

Summary of Duties:

Ontario’s Washington Office plays a key role in advancing the Province of Ontario’s strategic interests in the United States through proactive political advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and intelligence gathering. As part of this mandate, the Policy Officer supports the Government of Ontario’s advocacy and outreach efforts by helping to shape and execute a U.S. strategy that promotes Ontario’s priorities with U.S. government officials, business leaders, think tanks, and in close collaboration with Canada’s federal government partners.

Reporting to and supporting Ontario’s Representative in Washington, D.C., the Policy Officer plays an integral role in strengthening Ontario’s visibility and influence in the U.S. capital. The officer contributes to high-level advocacy by:

• Monitoring and analyzing U.S. political, legislative, and policy developments;
• Preparing strategic briefings and communications for Ontario officials, including the Representative, Premier and Ministers;
• Organizing and facilitating proactive engagements with key stakeholders and decision-makers at the federal and state levels;
• Supporting high-level visits and events, including ministerial missions and government-to-government meetings.

The role also includes assisting the Representative with media engagement and social media activity, contributing to Ontario’s public profile and thought leadership in Washington. The officer may serve as a liaison at conferences, represent Ontario at public events, and provide support for communications, translation, or interpretation when required.

This position offers a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of Ontario’s U.S. advocacy, helping advise the Premier and Ministers on critical cross-border developments while building valuable networks across political, economic, and policy communities in Washington, D.C., in partnership with Canada’s diplomatic presence.

Area of Selection:

This selection process is open to employees currently occupying an indeterminate or term position at the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C. and who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to the United States does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Language:

• An advanced proficiency level in English (reading, writing, comprehension and speaking).

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of recent progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, political analysis, international affairs, or a related area.
• Recent experience conducting policy or political analysis
• Experience writing briefings, reports, and speaking notes for senior officials

*Recent experience is defined as within the last 7 years. 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• U.S. political systems, legislative processes, and federal-state dynamics
• Ontario government priorities, structure, and policy landscape
• International relations, intergovernmental affairs, and diplomatic protocols
• Foreign direct investment (FDI), trade policy, and economic development strategies

Competencies:

• Networking and Alliance Building
• Judgment and Discretion
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Planning
• Initiative and Action Orientation

Abilities:

• Ability to communicate ideas effectively in English orally and in writing, tailored to the appropriate audience;
• Ability to analyse information and provide strategic advice;
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to conduct thorough research and present findings effectively.

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Experience working with or within U.S. state or federal government systems, particularly in a policy, advocacy, or legislative affairs capacity.
• Familiarity with Ontario’s economic priorities, political environment, and policy landscape.
• Proficiency in French, particularly in a professional or diplomatic context.
• Experience organizing outreach or advocacy events.
• Experience developing and maintaining a network of contacts and liaising with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Representing an organization in external meetings or public forums.
• A university degree in Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Law, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field. 

Operational Requirements:

• Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of Employment for Locally Engaged Staff (LES) in the United States of 37.5 hours per week.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as required and potentially on short notice.
• Willingness and ability to work potentially frequent overtime outside normal working hours and potentially on short notice.
• Location of work: Employees are expected to work in office minimally 3 days a week, and can change according to operational needs. 

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments:

We offer a competitive salary, generous leave, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability and a retirement savings plan. Please find a summary of our benefits package and information on employment eligibility at: Jobs at our offices in the United States (international.gc.ca) 
 

Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture.  The Embassy of Canada to the United States is committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies. Canada’s strength is diversity, and it has played a key role in Canada’s history and development.  Because of this, the Embassy of Canada to the United States values diversity, equity and inclusion in our workforce