Policy Analyst

Job Summary

Reporting to the Supervisor of Policy and Planning, the Policy Analyst - System Planning & Management is responsible for leading policy development to strengthen service system oversight for early years and child care system in Halton. The Policy Analyst will be a strategic, detail‑oriented policy professional, with strong analytical and communication skills. This role involves developing policies, coordinating system wide implementation, and translating provincial direction into local action. The position requires strong collaboration and relationship building, systems thinking, and the ability to produce high quality materials, engage partners across the sector, and use data to inform decision making.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports the Children’s Services Division in local implementation of provincial direction related to the early years and child care system, including the Canada-Wide Eary Learning and Child Care System.
• Leads the coordination and development of updated agreements, guidelines, policies, and processes to strengthen the Region’s oversight of early years and child care programs, and advance strategic priorities. 
• Ensures alignment of policy development with provincial and regional priorities, including the Region’s Strategic Business Plan and Early Learning and Child Care Plan.
• Produces high-quality written materials such as briefing notes, presentations and questions and answers to brief senior management on policy issues, options, and recommendations.
• Prepares high quality presentations for community partners across the child care and early years sector to support policy implementation and effective change management.
• Collects and analyzes data from early years and child care programs to support effective oversight and service system planning. 
• Consults with other service managers and community partners to support local needs and policy objectives, conduct cross-jurisdictional research and share best practices.
• Collaborates across the division and Region, and various levels of leadership to ensure inclusive and informed decision-making.
• Communicates effectively and provides excellent customer service to internal and external partners. 
• Collects and analyzes data to support reporting to Council, the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, and to support effective oversight and system planning.
• Demonstrates active leadership in Divisional initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Skills & Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Human Services or Business Administration.
• Minimum of five (5) years policy development and implementation experience within a municipal or provincial government settings, related experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and interpret policies and relevant legislation/regulations, including knowledge of Ontario’s early learning and child care system and related legislation.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills for conveying complex information clearly and simply.
• Dedication to providing excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders and partners.
• Demonstrated active listening skills, and ability to resolve conflicts, using tact and diplomacy.
• Innovative thinking, initiative, and a self-starting attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
• Display a strong dedication to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion by consistently seeking personal growth, leading by example with inclusive actions, and taking proactive steps to counter bias.
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel and Microsoft 365.

Working/ Employment Conditions

Working Conditions:

• Travel will be required between locations within Halton Region. Incumbent must supply own transportation and have a valid Ontario driver’s license.
• Flexibility in work schedule is required as evening work may be required.

Employment Conditions:

• The successful candidate will be made an offer of employment on condition that the Regional Municipality of Halton receives a current (obtained within the past six (6) months), original and acceptable Criminal Record Check by the first day of employment.