Policy Analyst

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

Main Purpose and Function

The Sustainability division works in an interdisciplinary environment and manages interdepartmental projects to develop new plans, regulations and programs that help the City achieve its sustainability goals set out in the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Climate Adaptation Strategy, the Rainwater Strategy and the Climate Justice Charter. This position will work with our electric vehicle strategic planning team. The role provides professional and technical support to the delivery of projects under the Climate Emergency Action Plan, specifically for Big Move 3 and the implementation of various electric vehicle related programs and policies.

The incumbent leads complex projects to develop new plans, regulations, programs or other innovative initiatives. This includes undertaking in depth policy or best practice research and contextual analysis, designing and implementing internal and external stakeholder engagement processes, developing business cases, making recommendations to management, delivering presentations to public and professional audiences, and tracking and reporting project progress.

Specific Duties/Responsibilities

• Liaises with, coordinates and synthesizes inputs from other divisions within Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability and other City Departments.
• Conducts complex policy research and data analysis.
• Coordinates public consultation processes and consultation with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides writing, research, and the preparation of visual materials for presentation to internal staff, external stakeholders, public meetings and City Council.
• Provides direction and guidance to the work of professional consultants engaged by the City.
• Prepares and manages work programs.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities as assigned, carrying out tasks and exercising decision-making related to certain day-to-day Sustainability initiatives with minimal supervision.
• Assists supervisors in the design, planning and execution of larger Sustainability projects and initiatives.
• Creates production-ready materials, including creation and delivery of presentations for senior management and other City staff.
• Report writing including assistance in the writing and preparation of Council Reports.
• Graphic design and analysis using desktop publishing software (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Responds to inquiries from other departments, the public, and external stakeholders.
• Organizes and prepares materials for public awareness and engagement (writing letters, bulletins, newsletters, website updates as well as preparing mailing lists and presentation materials).
• Organizes public meetings, workshops and other engagement-related events; and performing related work as required.

Education and Experience:

• A University degree, in a related discipline preferably in Planning, Architecture, Engineering, Business, Environmental Science. Preferably at the post graduate level and considerable related professional experience; or a post-graduate degree or diploma in a related field.
• Experience in climate, renewable energy, zero emission, broader sustainability/resilience, environmental planning and analysis, and/or performance measurement is an asset.
• Experience navigating large bureaucracies (municipal or otherwise) with complex organizational structures.
• Experience with electric vehicle strategy, policies and programs, analysis and reporting.
• Project management training or experience.
• Experience in coordinating public and stakeholder engagement processes.
• Experience in design, policy, program or implementation plan development is desirable.
• Experience or familiarity with government structure and the authority/regulatory tools available to different levels of government and experience with social marketing and communication.
• Experience considering equity in policy or program design, analysis and evaluation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of research techniques and analysis used in developing policies and regulations.
• Knowledge in one of the areas of social, pure or applied science, or sound theoretical knowledge of urban planning.
• Considerable knowledge of the current literature, trends, and development in own area of specialization.
• Considerable knowledge of sustainability programs and policies across the Sustainability Group and other departments, including the Climate Emergency Action Plan, Renewable City Strategy, EV Ecosystem Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.
• Some knowledge of urban sustainability issues in both a local and international context.
• Ability to apply research, analytical, and strategic thinking skills to proactively identify and analyze issues, and to recommend solution pathways.
• Ability to develop, manipulate and interpret complex (and sometimes incomplete) data sets.
• Ability to develop user-friendly spreadsheets and documentation, and exceptional MS Office skills, especially experience with Excel, Power Point, Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), or other similar graphic software.
• Ability to communicate complex qualitative and quantitative information effectively for a wide range of audiences, including management, public, external stakeholders, and Council.
• Research and analysis skills are required, as is the ability to prioritize tasks and meet prescribed deadlines and function as a team player.
• Ability to work independently, using sound judgment and applying continuous learning to continuous improvement.
• Ability to influence without using formal power, establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.
• Respond effectively as a team member, to a variety of situations where there are multiple priorities.
• Organize work and prioritize tasks to achieve project objectives on time and on budget.
• Knowledge of the City’s key environmental sustainability documents, including Climate Emergency Action Plan, Renewable City Strategy, EV Ecosystem Strategy and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, would also be an asset.
• Experience working with multiple City Departments and outside agencies, such as environmental non-profits, would be an asset.

Business Unit/Department: Planning, Urban Design & Sustainability (1275)

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Non Pks

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: January 2025

Position End Date: January 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-029: $51.70 to $61.13 per hour

Application Close: December 20, 2024

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process.