Economic Planning Specialist

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management. In 2024, the NWMO selected Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace as the hosts for the site for a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

This decision means our office and staff will, in the future, be relocating to Ignace, Ont., and the deep geological repository will be situated in the area of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace. Infrastructure planning and development are underway to support this transition and ensure that both the community and our employees are well served and supported, now and in the future.

Economic Planning Specialist

One (1) Position Available - Temporary - 12 months

Position Location: Toronto Head Office – 30 Adelaide Street East

or Ignace, Ontario – 304 Main Street

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an experienced Economic Planning Specialist to be based at our Toronto headquarters (the Ignace /Dryden community office locations may be considered). Reporting to the Manager, Social and Economic Programs, the successful candidate will provide subject matter expertise in municipal planning and socio-economics in the review of studies and strategic advice to management and communities. They will be hands-on in the day-to-day socio-economic effects assessment work, and regulatory engagement planning, delivery and record keeping to support meeting regulatory engagement requirements. They will provide presentations to communities, government authorities, regulatory bodies, or others on behalf of the NWMO’s interests.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expertise in the field of municipal planning and socio-economic development. Conduct research and analysis and advise management and staff on business and community-based solutions, strategies and programs designed to optimize potential socio-economic benefits and mitigate potential negative impacts. This includes consideration of the impact on community well-being throughout all stages of the project (design, construction, mining, and operations) as well as through business activities.
• Provide economic subject matter expertise (SME) specific to the design and review of social and economic baseline and effects assessment studies. This includes reviewing economic analysis and modelling.
• Plan, coordinate, conduct and review work or study, including field work on the effects assessment and other studies specific to the local and regional social, economy, health, and culture.
• Design, conduct and/or contribute to and record, engagement and consultation with the Public, and Indigenous communities leading to socio-economic and regulatory study approvals.
• Develop and provide presentations to government authorities, agencies, regulatory bodies, and legislative hearings in endeavors to secure, protect or advance the interests of the NWMO in designated areas.
• Facilitate the development of directions and objectives for social change management planning. Present and explain advice or proposed solutions, providing support and rationale for programs. Develop proposals and advance recommendations and support communities and the business with implementation.
• Coordinate the work of contractors retained to implement established scope of work within the accepted budget and schedule on a project basis with regular feedback on performance issues to the Supervisor.
• Be knowledgeable of the capabilities of external agencies and individuals in supporting work programs. When necessary, develop requirements for appropriate contracts with such agencies and ensure any work meets the technical requirements of contracts (e.g. terms of deliverables, quality, timing and cost). Plan and participate in meetings with stakeholder groups, identify contentious issues (e.g. work priorities or objectives), and jointly analyze alternate approaches to reach mutual agreement on problem resolution. Develop proposals for client review, keeping Supervisor generally informed of significant outcomes. Assist with client implementations.
• Produce reports or other documents, as required supporting conclusions drawn or recommendations advanced to improve socio-economic performance associated with business activities and the operation, maintenance, design or construction of the facility and to provide resource or reference material to interested groups. Review specific project inputs for quality and accuracy, as required.
• Keep abreast of the latest development in the field of specialty. Recommend that studies or research & development programs are undertaken as deemed necessary for business improvement. Take a lead role in the direction, coordination, and implementation of approved programs.
• Provide SME guidance to staff working on projects or as designated to assist on specific assignments.
• Support the Supervisor to provide input to budget submissions, financial evaluations, and purchase justifications, as required. Contribute to the development of departmental and/or organizational safety programs.
• Perform other duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications

• Completion of a master’s degree in urban, Community or Regional Planning, and an undergraduate degree in a related field (economics, urban planning, geography, social science, or by having the equivalent level of education.
• Registered Professional Planner designation with the Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI) or equivalent professional planning affiliate.
• Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners an asset.
• Must have 6 – 8+ years’ professional experience in planning with a focus on micro-economic development, community, municipal, land use planning:
• Experience with community, municipal planning concepts and methodologies.
• Knowledge of standards, guidelines and legislation relevant to the broad-scale community, municipal and land use planning programs.
• Must have experience conducting economic modeling and analysis.
• Experience with municipal and economic development.
• Proven track record in providing subject matter expertise in economic impact assessment including socio-economic baseline and effects assessment.
• Experience in the design and delivery of engagement activities in the context of environmental assessments.
• Familiarity with the Federal Impact Assessment Act.
• Experience in labor market analysis and labor force development is an asset.
• Demonstrated capability to communicate clearly in both written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical work into plain speak public facing presentations.
• High attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ‘can do’ attitude.
• Demonstration of good judgement for self-directed and well-paced work.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Able and willing to travel within Ontario (20-30%)
  
  

Other Information

Must be eligible to work in Canada and must be able to meet security clearance requirements.

NWMO currently operates in a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office (Tuesdays being universal) and 2 days working from home.

Candidates residing in the Greater Toronto Area: Office Location – 30 Adelaide Street East, Suite 600 - Toronto, ON M5C 3G6 until their role is required to relocate.

The NWMO is committed to contributing to Reconciliation in all its work by co-creating a shared future built on rights, equity and well-being. As an employment equity employer, NWMO actively seeks Indigenous Peoples, members of visible minorities, women, people with disabilities, and additional diverse identities for our workforce. The NWMO will provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please contact us.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage interested candidates to apply at their earliest convenience to ensure full consideration.

The NWMO is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient recruitment process. While we sincerely appreciate every expression of interest, only those candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process will be contacted directly.

Requisition ID: 540