Exit Memo: Policy Analyst

We asked members of the Apolitical Community to write-up a prospective “exit memo” for their role to increase visibility of the different kinds of work being done across government.

Job Title: Policy Analyst

How would you describe your job to a friend?

I do research, analysis on that research, and then provide advisory documents to senior levels of the civil service and elected levels of government to make decisions on policy issues, programs, and legislation. Those advisory documents could be briefing notes, advisory notes with recommendations, policy and position papers, and submissions to cabinet or the treasury board. I currently work in my province's health department, but I have worked in other departments like consumer protection, vital statistics, and family services.

What are your daily/weekly/monthly responsibilities?

At present, most of my work is involved in policy development processes - developing frameworks, templates and process flows to standardise policy development within our department. Aside from that, I hold multiple health portfolios, for which I receive requests for analysis and advice.

What does your successor need to know to succeed?

How to research, how to quickly summarise the relevant points, how to write succinctly in plain language. Our audience(s) have to read multiple papers per day/week, so you need to be brief, to the point, and as accurate as possible. Turn-around times can be extremely tight - I have had document assignments that needed to be done within three hours.

What are some current projects you're working on?

Policy and processes for health systems accreditation, workplace health and safety, health system risk management, personal protective equipment materials distribution, policy framework and processes, records and information management, accessibility for persons with disabilities, disaster and emergency management policy.

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