Focus Area Information

Policy Development

Policy Development in the Ontario Public Service

What does it mean to develop policy in the Ontario Public Service?

A public servant provides professional, non-partisan advice to a problem or situation that has been identified which affects people and which is seen as requiring some form of government involvement.

As an intern in the policy development focus area, you may participate in and support the implementation of programs/policy decisions by researching, analyzing and evaluating issues/situations, developing tools, preparing options papers/reports, and presentations that will communicate recommendations to government decision-makers.

Policy analysis can lead to changes in legislation and in the way in which government programs and services are provided to Ontarians. Policy interns may participate in and support projects that contribute to a number of government priorities, such as:

  • Ensuring sustainable and quality standards of education/health/social service delivery
  • Protecting Ontario’s natural resources and the environment
  • Promoting provincial and international economic growth
  • Supporting strong public infrastructure development in partnership with Ontario’s communities
  • Developing positive and alternative approaches to our criminal justice system for a safe and secure Ontario.

Skills and Abilities

We are seeking candidates who possess knowledge and can demonstrate a variety of skills and abilities including:

  • Communicating effectively refers to effectively writing and orally presenting information in a clear, concise and accurate manner
  • Problem solving involves understanding a situation by breaking it apart into smaller pieces, or tracing the implications step-by-step and working towards solutions
  • Research and analysis to seek and analyze information for identifying trends, relevant findings, drawing conclusions and making recommendations
  • Partnership building refers to the desire to work co-operatively with all partners to meet mutual goals
  • Work management involves managing multiple activities to accomplish a defined set of desired results
  • Teamwork refers to working co-operatively and collaboratively within a team or workgroups to achieve group and organizational goals.

What to Expect

As a policy intern, your work may include activities that enable you to:

  • Gain knowledge of the government decision-making process and understand the role of policy development processes towards achieving government’s key priorities
  • Understand and participate in policy and planning development projects by researching, analysing and assisting with the preparation of options and proposals, consulting on approaches, assessing the impact on stakeholders and assisting with communication and implementation plans
  • Conduct research and environmental scans to remain apprised of issues/developments in other ministries and jurisdictions with potential impact on the work of the section/branch/division/ministry, and preparing briefs/briefings for senior advisor/manager.

Looking Ahead

This is just the beginning of your career in the Ontario Public Service (OPS). An internship is an opportunity to learn and develop your policy development skills in the public service. It is intended to prepare and develop you for various roles in the OPS. An internship in this area can prepare you for a career as a:

  • Policy/Program/Project Advisor
  • Policy/Program/Project Analyst
  • Policy/Program/Project Consultant.