Policy Analyst, Food and Agriculture, Simpson Centre, School of Public Policy

Job title: Policy Analyst, Food and Agriculture, Simpson Centre, School of Public Policy

Job description: Position Overview

The School of Public Policy invites applications for a Policy Analyst, Food and Agriculture. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 15 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The School of Public Policy (SPP), the University of Calgary is Canada’s leading policy school. The School was founded in 2008 by renowned economist Jack Mintz with a vision to drive policy discourse with relevant research, outreach and teaching. The School of Public Policy provides a practical, global and focused perspective on public policy analysis and practice in four focus areas: Fiscal and Economic Policy, Social and Health Policy, Energy and Environmental Policy, and International Policy and Trade. The School achieves its mandate through integrated activity across its academic programming, research portfolio, and extensive outreach.

Housed at the School of Public Policy, the Simpson Centre focuses on the numerous social and economic factors that facilitate the success of Canadian agri-food and agri-business. The goal is to make the Simpson Centre a locus of Canadian research that strengthens and supports the growth and sustainability of agri-food and agri-business – especially in western Canada.

The Policy analyst, under the direction of the Simpson Centre Director, administrates and coordinates activities of the Centre. The Policy analyst functions as a leader and administrator, and is responsible for the coordination of multiple projects and initiatives within the Centre. This includes: developing, implementing and administering scheduling for research projects (and working to ensure these are delivered on time and on budget); committee meetings and community engagement; administration of research contracts and budgets; facilitating human resources management; reporting to funding agencies and reporting to other stakeholders; and maintaining effective coordination of all research and outreach activities.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Support monitoring and analysis of policy developments across priority areas consistent with Simpson Centre mandate, particularly around (i) Canadian Agricultural policy; (ii) Food policy; (iii) Agro-ecological Transition
• Conduct literature reviews, media monitoring, and stakeholder mapping to support institutional processes of identifying and informing strategic policy priorities based on identified organizational processes
• Support the monitoring of institutional and regulatory shifts in Canadian and global contexts pertaining to institutional priorities
• Draft policy-informed communications material for advocacy and government relations purposes based on the insight from Cooperation Canada staff and members
• Support the qualitative and quantitative analysis of funding flows and mechanisms of Canada¿s official development assistance
• Map and engage with global and Canadian stakeholders on priority policy areas, as requested
• Support the design and the elaboration of new collaborations, projects, and initiatives.
• Develops documentation for granting agencies, donors and other philanthropic bases supporting the Centre, as needed.
• Collaborates regularly and closely with the Simpson Centre team members (i.e., participation in project meetings and brainstorming sessions) as required to conduct research, obtain and verify results, and to assist research-related outreach activities associated with the research division.
• Interacts frequently with internal and external stakeholders in the area of research to maintain strong working relationships and ensure that research is conducted in a timely manner. This includes gathering information and also to share research findings with stakeholders as needed.
• Presents research and findings to interested parties (i.e. presentations at conferences and workshops, media communications).
• Updating and/or maintaining external communications (email correspondence and project website).

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Completion of at least a Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Political science, or a related area focused on social, fiscal, and economic policy; however, a combination of experience, training, and education may be considered.
• At least two years of experience in the fields noted above is preferred.
• A professional or academic experience in one agricultural sector is a strong asset.
• A professional designation as a policy analyst is an asset.
• Experience managing a research program in a research intensive, academic environment, or in other large organizations, is an asset.
• Possesses knowledge of current social, environmental and economic policy issues, data, and research, in both academic and policy literature, as well as the policy-making process at all orders of government.
• Demonstrated qualitative and quantitative research skills.
• Proven ability to engage and build working partnerships with various stakeholder groups, including government, researchers, social/non-profit sector representatives, and people with lived experience to inform research and the development of policy advice.
• Strong analytical skills in reaching sound decisions and resolving complex problems.
• Excellent communication skills, orally and in writing, including demonstrated proficiency in effectively communicating ideas to policymakers and the informed public.
• Ability to expertly navigate difficult situations with multiple strategic dimensions, while building positive relationships with and between colleagues, clients and other internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in the performance of day-to-day duties.
• Ability to act with discretion and handle confidential material.
• Excellent analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills with a proven ability to plan, organize and deliver numerous outputs in a collaborative work environment
• Demonstrated ability to work independently in performance of day-to-day duties.
• Adaptable and flexible in a fast-moving and changing environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively and interact respectfully with a variety of internal and external contacts.

Application Deadline: November 8, 2021

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase II.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our .

COVIDSafe Campus Strategy

Currently, the COVIDSafe Campus Strategy requires that all university employees complete an online attestation of their vaccination status. New hires must be compliant with the COVIDSafe Campus Strategy prior to commencing in their new position. All employees must upload their proof of vaccination status through the ( ) to be released from rapid testing.

Please note that effective January 1, 2022, the University of Calgary will be requiring that all faculty and staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Candidates who are offered a position will be required to upload proof of vaccination prior to their start date through the . Alternatively, if you are unable to be vaccinated based on a protected ground you may submit a request for accommodation through Staff Wellness along with any supporting documentation.

About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to be recognized as one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. The University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide in line with the foundational goals of , committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their professional success while they are here. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

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