Policy Research Director
Provincial Employment Roundtable, Canada

Want to join a dynamic new organization focused on improving employment and employability outcomes for Quebec’s English-speaking community? If you are a strategic thinker with strong research and policy skills, apply today and help the Provincial Employment Roundtable (PERT) build a robust policy agenda.

PERT is a nonprofit organization that seeks to address the employability issues faced by English-speaking Quebecers. Initially a project of YES Montreal, PERT launched as its own organization in September 2020 and is currently scaling up its research and engagement activities.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Policy amp; Research Director is responsible for the development of PERT’s policy knowledge through research and analysis, as well as engaging PERT’s network and policymakers. The successful candidate will expand the research capacity of the organization and solidify its expertise on employment policy, funding arrangements for service delivery, economic development, the labour market, skills and second-language training, and regional disparities among a range of policy issues.

• Policy research, analysis, development, focused on the priority areas within PERT’s mission and mandate including the development of policy proposals, recommendations and discussion papers
• Monitors legislative proposals and policy developments at all governmental levels to assess potential impact on employability and employment for Quebec’s English-speaking community and PERT’s response to such proposals
• Provide written and oral briefings to PERT colleagues, management, the board and stakeholders
• Supporting programming and activities for PERT’s events including convening, hosting and/or participating in meetings regarding issues of concern to PERT’s mission
• Liaise and maintain effective working relationships with government departments, agencies, boards and commissions regarding PERT’s policy issues
• Undertake other projects and duties as assigned by the Executive Director

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in public policy, nonprofit management, political studies, communications, economics or related field/experience
• Demonstrated experience developing public or corporate policies, as well as experience convening groups of stakeholders to collaborate on broad policy issues
• Strong research and analysis skills to develop evidence-based policy objectives, options and solutions
• A strategic and critical thinker with sound judgment when making policy recommendations in a fast-changing and complex field that demands well-thought out responses to the ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in the environment
• Interpersonal and collaboration skills to engage and balance across a broad range of internal and external partners and stakeholders
• Keen ability to identify gaps and opportunities to continually improve policy within a collaborative team environment
• Strong English communication and presentation skills, both written and oral

• Highly self-driven, capable of working independently, and self-identifying and prioritizing projects across multiple files, while meeting tight deadlines

• The ability to work and communicate fluently in French is highly desirable
• Graduate degree in public policy, political science, communications, or a related field
• Knowledge of the Quebec employability landscape and/or experience in employment and employability programming
• Knowledge of Official Language Minority Community landscape and experience working with the Quebec English-speaking community
• Training and/or experience with financial/economic analysis and/or survey administration

Benefits

PERT offers a culture where creativity, innovation, diversity, and inclusion are valued, encouraged and fostered.

• An inspiring mission working with a volunteer board intent on making an impact
• Remote work (necessary IT and office equipment will be provided) until the situation with the pandemic allows PERT to establish its Montreal office
• Possibility of working remotely from another region in Quebec than Montreal
• Once the situation with pandemic allows, working in-person will be required with the possibility of working from home
• Flexible work arrangements
• Learning and development opportunities

• Full-time position
• Salary range: $55,000 to $75,000, commensurate with exp

Job Rewards and Benefits