Farzad Shahinfard
Toronto,ON
Summary
Policy Advisor with 6+ years of Canadian and international experience in policy analysis, program development, analytics, and business intelligence. Completed a Master of Public Policy in Digital Society (McMaster, 2025), aligning expertise with housing policy, data strategy, digital governance, and equity-focused program design. Skilled in program monitoring, performance measurement, research, and reporting. Known for communications, presentation skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, decision making, and problem-solving skills. Proven ability to manage competing priorities, identify opportunities, and conduct research to deliver analytical, data-driven policy documents and recommendations that improve ministry accountability, efficiency, and service outcomes.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Policy Advisor
Sheridan Immigrant Professional Alliance (SIPA)
Oakville, Ontario
01.2025 - Current
Conducted policy research and program evaluation on equity-focused initiatives, identifying five governance gaps.
Delivered actionable recommendations to HR for review and compliance.
Facilitated stakeholder consultations on equitable hiring practices and foreign credentialing processes.
Adjunct Instructor
Sheridan College
Oakville, Ontario
01.2017 - Current
- Identified gaps in governance, equity, and digital inclusion; developed frameworks and policy documents that enhanced student learning outcomes by 76%.
- Designed applied research and program development projects, engaging over 1,100 students in practical policy analysis and performance measurement.
- Delivered presentations, webinars, and workshops on OER policy and research, recognized for clarity and stakeholder impact.
Education Manager
ACECR
Isfahan, Isfahan
01.2005 - 08.2025
- Coordinated accreditation and housing placement for over 1,100 students, ensuring compliance with education standards.
- Directed 35-member team while authoring over 50 policy documents and strategic reports.
- Streamlined curriculum and reporting processes, enhancing program delivery efficiency by 84%.
- Designed business intelligence tools and dashboards to identify opportunities and strengthen accountability.
Principal Researcher – Governance & Public Policy
York University
Toronto, ON
09.2011 - 12.2016
- Directed a comprehensive 280-page applied research project on governance and accountability in public and non-profit sectors.
- Executed jurisdictional scans, program monitoring, and comparative policy analysis across 250+ sources.
- Identified compliance gaps and equity challenges to inform policy development.
- Formulated equity-focused, data-driven policy options adopted by stakeholders for enhanced accountability
Policy Advisor – Trainer of Trainers (ToT)
Ministry of Education
Isfahan, Isfahan
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Developed SOPs and performance measurement tools for over 820 educators, achieving 74% performance improvement.
- Conducted evaluations and policy research reviews, producing evidence-based recommendations for ministry planning.
- Established reporting frameworks to enhance accountability and align with program development standards.
Education
Master of Public Policy - Digital Society
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON05-2025
Master of Arts - English
Western University
11-2011
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Isfahan
08-2001
Skills
- Policy Research & Policy Analysis & Program Evaluation
- Business Intelligence & Data Analytics (SPSS, R, Excel, Tableau)
- Performance Measurement & Program Monitoring
- Policy Documents, Briefing Notes & Options Papers
- Communication & Presentation Skills
- Stakeholder Engagement & Consultation
- Data Visualization & Reporting Dashboards
- Project Management & Organizational Skills
- Decision-Making & Problem-Solving
- Program Development & Process Improvement
- Knowledge of Housing Policy, Legislation & Compliance (RTA, OHRC, Shelter Standards)
- Managing Competing Priorities in Fast-Paced Environments
Certifications Awards
- McMaster Policy Excellence Award, 05/01/25
- TCPS 2: CORE – Government of Canada, 04/01/24
- OER Grant Recipient – eCampusOntario, 01/01/23
- OER Ranger Certificate, 08/01/23
- ACECR Employee Award, 08/01/07
Credentials
- MPP
- MA
Personal Information
Title: Junior Policy Advisor | Policy Analyst | Data & Analytics Specialist
Languages
- English, Expert Editorial Proficiency
- French, Professional Working Proficiency
- Farsi, Native Proficiency
Technical Skills
SPSS, R, Excel (regression, survey design, visualization), Tableau, NVivo, SharePoint, Microsoft 365, briefing notes, cabinet submissions, policy documents, SOPs, options papers, program monitoring, performance measurement, program evaluation, jurisdictional scans, reports, presentations, stakeholder consultation, plain-language drafting
Selected Publications
- Defending Canada: The battle against AI-driven disinformation., Policy Options, 01/01/24
- A dementia-friendly plan in Toronto can lead the way for Canada., Policy Options, 01/01/24
- The ethics and politics of love and freedom in J.M. Coetzee’s Age of Iron., Critique, 01/01/21
Accomplishments
- McMaster Policy Excellence Award | May 2025
- OER Grant Recipient – eCampusOntario | Jan 2023
- ACECR Employee Award | Aug 2007
Certification
- TCPS 2: CORE – Government of Canada
- OER Ranger Certificate
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Professional
Persian
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Policy Advisor
Sheridan Immigrant Professional Alliance (SIPA)
01.2025 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
Sheridan College
01.2017 - Current
Principal Researcher – Governance & Public Policy
York University
09.2011 - 12.2016
Education Manager
ACECR
01.2005 - 08.2025
Policy Advisor – Trainer of Trainers (ToT)
Ministry of Education
01.2004 - 12.2005
Master of Public Policy - Digital Society
McMaster University
Master of Arts - English
Western University
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Isfahan
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