Senior Specialist, Policy Analysis

About CMHC

The work you do and the work we do together matters. We come to work every day with a common purpose: to contribute to a well-functioning housing system.

At CMHC, we hold ourselves accountable for our results and support our colleagues in their achievements. We thrive on collaboration, connecting across CMHC and involving the right people to get our work done. We have flexibility, in how, when, and where we work, within the boundaries of the business needs and the nature of your role. Our leadership style is guided by trust, where our leaders favour an adaptive approach based on the needs of their teams.

Join us and be part of a team that's committed to making a real difference and be part of something meaningful.

What’s in it for you

We’ve got the purpose, the people and the perks you need for a fulfilling career. Here’s the comprehensive and generous benefits you get when you’re a contract employee:

• Accrued vacation.
• Annual individual performance bonus.
• Group insurance coverage to support your well-being from day one. (to be added for contracts that exceed 13 + months)
• Support towards your personal and professional growth with training, mentorship and more.
• An inclusive workplace culture and environment.
• While positions at CMHC require some in-office presence, alternative work arrangements may be considered for Indigenous candidates.

About the role

Join the Policy Results and Operations team in the Senior Specialist, Policy Analysis position. In this role, you will provide strategic and expert advice on policy development in support of fundamental decisions that shape future directions. You will articulate policy positions, provide strategic expert advice and recommendations, and develop substantive materials for senior management and the Minister to influence decision making.
 

This is a temporary position for a duration of 13 months.  
 
What you’ll do:  

• Guide, mentor, provide strategic and expert advice to, and share expert knowledge with colleagues and business lines to advance the development and implementation of policy.
• Provide subject matter expertise and authoritative tactical advice, guidance and support on complex and abstract topics, and prepare strategic correspondence, comprehensive briefing materials and notes, reports and policy proposals for internal clients, external stakeholders, CMHC’s senior management and the Minister.
• Provide team leadership, and expertise, to improve processes in CMHC’s policy operations, including providing guidance on managing requests, disseminating information, and mobilizing CMHC expertise in the Policy Division.
• Act as a key contributor and resource in support of the divisional management team, including in the development and implementation of strategic internal and external planning.
• Lead, guide and perform research and policy analysis to identify opportunities for program and policy improvement and advance the development of critical decisions, plans and strategies that align with government and corporate priorities. 
• Manage multiple projects of high priority to government under tight timelines, establishing and adjusting priorities and ensuring timely delivery of thorough and relevant policy products.
• Lead or support interdepartmental committees, working groups and forums, to build relationships, and promote horizontal collaboration across federal departments.
• Act as a subject matter expert that clients and stakeholders may rely on to field complex questions that require innovative responses and solutions related to the relevant business area.

What you should have:  

• An undergraduate degree in a related field such as public policy, social science, or urban planning.
• A minimum of 7 years of prior experience, including experience in in public policy or operational policy.
• Extensive experience in effectively managing projects and leading successful initiatives.
• Demonstrated analytical, creative and conceptual skills to develop policy options, as well as effectively contribute to business objectives and strategic direction.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly in a variety of settings and styles to communicate and defend messages and positions.
• Demonstrated experience applying process improvement methodologies.
• Proficiency in preparing and delivering comprehensive briefing and decision notes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build strategic relationships with multiple stakeholders.

It would be great if you also had:

• A Valid Secret Clearance.
• A Lean Six Sigma certificate.
• Experience in housing policy.
• A postgraduate degree in a related field.
   

Posting closing date:  Note, the competition will remain active until filled. 

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

We’re committed to employment equity and encourage women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, veterans and persons of all races, ethnicities, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions to apply. We also welcome applications from non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.

CMHC is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought – and of people – are recognized, valued, and considered essential to achieving our mission.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

What happens after you apply 

We know that applying for a new job can be both exciting and daunting, and we appreciate your effort. Learn more about our hiring process.  If you are selected for an interview or testing, please advise us if you require an accommodation.

If you applied before and you were not successful don’t worry – we're always posting new positions, so don’t hesitate to give it another shot. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table this time around!