Public Health Project Officer (Emergency Management Branch)

JOB SUMMARY

Ottawa Public Health is responsible for providing public health programs and services that contribute to the physical, mental and emotional health and well-being of the residents of Ottawa, in compliance with Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care standards, protocols and guidelines and other related public health legislation. In partnership with the people and communities of Ottawa, Ottawa Public Health improves and advocates for health and well-being through prevention, promotion and protection.

You are responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and implementing projects and initiatives within Ottawa Public Health (OPH) associated with promoting, protecting and preserving health and preventing disease and injury of individuals, family, groups and populations as mandated under section 7 of the HPPA and Ontario Public Health Standards and protocols and related OPH organizational standards.

A strong candidate for this Public Health Emergency Management Project Officer role brings a well-rounded combination of expertise and practical skills, including demonstrated experience in emergency preparedness and response, such as coordinating plans, simulations, and real-time operations using established frameworks. They also possess solid project management abilities, enabling them to effectively oversee initiatives, manage timelines, mitigate risks, and ensure deliverables are met. A robust foundation in public health, particularly in population health, supports their ability to interpret data and apply evidence-based approaches during emergencies. Equally important are their stakeholder coordination and communication skills, complemented by being fluently bilingual in French and English, which allows them to collaborate across sectors and clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences, even under pressure. In addition, they bring experience working with priority populations and a strong understanding of health equity, ensuring that emergency planning and responses are inclusive, culturally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities. Finally, their strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities enable them to assess rapidly evolving situations, make informed decisions, and adapt strategies in response to emerging risks and changing conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in health, social sciences, applied science or related field

Minimum of 3 years of broad in-depth work experience, preferably supplemented with project management experience

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and techniques of project management
• Knowledge of Ontario Public Health Standards, Health Protection and Promotion Act and all associated legislations and acts related to Public Health
• Public health theory and practice
• General knowledge of health promotion issues, strategies and interventions, including community mobilization approaches and social marketing techniques
• Business case development
• Research, assessment skills
• Program evaluation
• Planning and performance measurement
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communicate both orally and in writing
• Effective time management
• Organizational skills
• Prioritizing tasks
• Ability to develop policy and procedures
• Demonstrate strong conceptual and analytic skills, including ability to analyze complex and/or controversial health issues
• Research and summarize information
• Organize work and manage time effectively
• Prepare well documented reports
• Facilitation of meetings and presentations
• Foster collaboration and negotiations
• Self-directed
• Ability to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Tact, discretion and integrity
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Ability to handle multiple overlapping projects
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Creative approach to problem solving