Policy & Government Affairs Specialist

Electricity Distributors Association (EDA)
Job Description

Job Title: Policy & Government Affairs Specialist
Date Prepared: September 11th 2018
Department / Division: Policy & Government Affairs
Reporting to: Manager, Corporate & Government Affairs

1. Job Summary

Working as part of the Policy & Government Affairs department and reporting to the Manager, Corporate & Government Affairs, the Policy and Government Affairs Specialist will be a source of industry analysis and advocacy for Ontario’s Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) and will support the implementation and development of effective policy positions and strategies that articulate and advance member issues. The Policy and Government Affairs Specialist will help support the effective representation of the collective interests of LDCs through ongoing development of understanding and knowledge of members needs, quick response in developing position papers and successfully influencing and changing public policy in a direction that will benefit LDCs, shareholders and their customers.

2. Department Summary/Mandate

      The Policy & Government Affairs department champions the development and maintenance of an environment in which LDCs can successfully achieve their individual business objectives with minimal yet fair and effective regulation that allows for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to their customers.

The primary focus of the department will be to develop and fulfill two of the Association’s three principal areas of focus: providing information/analysis and advocacy.

3. Job Activities/Tasks

• Responsible for supporting a portfolio of policy files
• Develop an understanding and maintain an acuity for the political landscape in Ontario; particularly as it relates to energy or electricity issues.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the workings of the provincial government and the legislative process
• Develop a working understanding of the LDC role in the electricity system along with all other industry actors and partners
• Research, analyze and monitor changes in government policy, legislation, regulation that impact the LDC business environment; including political promises and platforms.
• Support the development of effective policy positions and strategies that articulate and address issues; including routine liaison with councils, committees or members at large on key policy files
• Utilizing member feedback, support the development and submission of portions or all of EDA policy documents to government and its agencies
• Work with all EDA staff, members or consultants as required to support association positions on matters of significance to all members
• Build relationships with MPPs, political staff, and civil servants to advance EDA advocacy goals
• Provide support and insight into the EDA’s advocacy by advancing the messages and opportunities created through the association’s Power of Local Hydro brand; including through digital advocacy, social media, and existing EDA communication platforms
• Develop or support PGA communications on political, industry or policy announcements or events to provide LDC members relevant news through association e-bulletins and newsletters; including reviewing Hansard and updates by EDA consultants and subscriptions that focus on Queen’s Park news.
• Attend association, industry or government events as required to represent, network, and advance association interests.
• Participate in other projects as assigned by the Manager, Corporate & Government Affairs or the Vice President, Policy & Government Affairs

4. Education/Experience

• Degree in Economics or Political Science preferred
• Demonstrated policy development, government relations, communications and analytical experience
• Awareness and/or experience with political activities, government interactions or the electricity system
• Background/understanding/interest in lobbying and advocacy
• Knowledge of the energy industry an asset
• Experience with member or grassroots advocacy, policy development and research in similar environments (e.g. government, policy, legislation)

5. Technical Abilities/Specialized Skills

• Strong research, policy development, advocacy and analytical skills
• Political acuity for an Ontario focused association
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Able consensus builder
• Ability to interact with people at all levels
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to prepare and present information to large groups

6. Working Conditions

• Irregular business hours will apply
• Some travel will be expected (10 – 15%)

To explore this opportunity, please submit your resume before September 30, 2018 to hr@eda-on.ca and indicate EDA PGA in the subject line.