Overview

As we move through a period of exciting transformation and organizational change, Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) has an immediate opening for a Policy Advisor to join the Policy and Governance team.

Under the authority of the Professional Engineers Act, PEO licenses and governs over 91,500 licence and certificate holders and regulates the practice of professional engineering in Ontario. PEO’s mission is to regulate and advance the practice of engineering to protect the public interest. With a talented, multidisciplinary staff of over 100, PEO’s vision is to be a trusted leader in professional self-regulation.

Position Summary

The Policy team helps PEO Council make good regulatory policy decisions by engaging in an evidence-based, consultative, and principled policy development process. As part of the policy team, the Policy Advisor will undertake research, provide analysis and develop policy recommendations on matters relating to PEO’s mandate, purpose and regulatory functions including licensing, professional standards and guidance, quality assurance and professional conduct.

Responsibilities

Research

• Conduct policy research by analyzing internal and external data, undertaking literature reviews and jurisdictional scans, and participating in stakeholder consultations.
• Identify relevant information and information gaps and determine strategies for gathering needed information.
• Follow relevant provincial and federal legislative and policy proposals and assess their possible impact on PEO.
• Monitor regulatory policy trends, best practices and emerging issues relevant to the broader professional regulation environment.
• Accountable for providing PEO Council with comprehensive research and analysis and best advice on proposed courses of action.

Analysis and Policy Development

• Analyze information to characterize policy question or problem, identify possible solutions (i.e., policy options) and determine relevant considerations for PEO decision makers.
• Determine recommendations based on evidence and policy development best practices including risk assessments and equity impact assessments as appropriate
• Connect discrete policy questions and issues to broader organizational mandate and strategic goals. Understand interrelationships among various initiatives and integrate relevant considerations into policy development.
• Support the Manager, Policy, in discussions with the Ministry of the Attorney-General to develop legislative and regulatory amendments.
• Responsible for providing high-quality, on-time research, administrative management, information and analysis on policy development, procedures, best practices, regulatory issues, business practices, and legislative trends and directions that affect the core regulatory responsibilities of PEO.

Drafting Written Materials

• Draft materials that communicate complex and detailed information in an accurate, concise and accessible manner, summarizing research, providing analysis, and identifying policy options and their potential impacts. Written materials may include consultation summaries, briefing notes, research reports and policy impact assessments.
• Review written materials produced by colleagues on the Policy team for readability, clarity and analytical coherence.

Project Management and Strategic Thinking

• With direction and support from the Manager, Policy, manage assigned projects from inception through execution, ensuring work is completed accurately and on time, anticipating potential challenges or causes of delay and responding appropriately.
• Assists the Manager, Policy in coordinating regulatory policy development and review across PEO.
• Supports internal implementation of new or updated policies by providing guidance and input to program teams.
• Attend meetings of the Regulatory Policy and Legislation Committee, Council and other committees/task forces as necessary.
• Research and analyze policy development procedures and best practices, regulatory issues, business practices, and legislative changes and trends, assessing what information is relevant to PEO and where information gaps exist. Identify possible actions to fill information gaps.
• Craft policy options and make recommendations that are grounded in evidence, are consistent with policy best practices and take strategic considerations into account.
• Manage project timelines by anticipating challenges and proactively addressing potential issues or sources of delay.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required for Success

Organizational Skills:

• Strong organizational skills to manage projects, multi-task, and meet deadlines.
• demonstrate ability to act on own initiative.
• Adaptability to changes in work objectives, processes, and technology.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Exceptional writing skills, particularly with respect to distilling large volumes of complex information to key points and conclusions.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other teams within PEO as well as external stakeholders in a respectful and professional manner.

Problem Solving and Strategic Thinking:

• Experience managing complex and sensitive issues, including working across teams and liaising with senior leadership to resolve them effectively.
• Ability to think strategically and connect policy initiatives to broader organizational objectives.
• Embrace interdisciplinary perspectives, intellectual curiosity, and creativity and ability to identify, learn and apply new content and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and exercise sound judgment, with awareness of organizational and political context.

Technical Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong research skills in identifying, compiling, assessing, and analyzing relevant information sources.
• Ability to analyze policy issues using a variety of tools, criteria, and objectives and accurately identify the core problem.
• Ability to identify and generate viable policy goals, outcomes, and options, and assess their likely implications.
• Knowledge of the Ontario Government’s policy-making infrastructure and Legislative processes and requirements.
• Computer and Web literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Sharepoint and Outlook; social media and webinar platforms.

Education/Qualifications:

• A master’s degree or comparable professional experience in a field related to public policy, law, professional regulation, public administration or a complementary discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a policy analysis and development role.
• Experience in the public sector or a professional regulator is an asset.
• Familiarity with the Canadian engineering profession and the Professional Engineers Act, 1990 is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Sensory conditions are typical of a professional position in an office environment.
• Minimal exposure to unavoidable hazardous or disagreeable environmental conditions associated with a professional position within an office environment.
• Sitting for extended periods of time.

Sound like a good fit? Apply Now to Join our Team!

Interested and qualified applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume by Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

Disclaimer: PEO conducts a background check for all new hires as part of the recruitment process.

At PEO, we recognize that our people are our best asset, including employees from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We know life isn’t linear so there may be gaps or ‘nontraditional’ employment and we welcome applications from everyone. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates in all phases of the selection process.