Richardson Executive Search
Senior Policy Analyst / Markets Calgary, AB
THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Policy Analyst/Marketsto join the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions in Calgary, Alberta. Reporting to the Director of Government Relations (GR), Policy and Markets, the successful candidate will play a key role in helping the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, pursue their mission to ensure economic sustainability for Alberta wheat and barley producers through innovative research, market analysis, policy analysis, advocacy, communications and extension.
The Senior Markets and Policy Analyst will work closely with the Director of GR, Policy and Markets, as well as other members of the Management Team and Board Committees, to monitor, identify and quantify both market-based risks and on policy-based farm risks and opportunities that could impact the Canadian cereals brand or farmers. The role will be responsible for economic and policy analysis in such areas as: transportation, supply chain, international trade, grain markets, risk management and price discovery. The successful candidate will also be engaged with national value chain organizations, such as: Cereals Canada, Grain Growers of Canada and the Canada Grain Council as part of a national approach to addressing both domestic and international market-based policy issues and assessing market opportunities and market access threats from the Alberta farmers’ perspective.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions represent 14,000 wheat and 11,000 barley farmers in Alberta, and invests in major program areas such as research, communications and extension, market development, farm business management and policy advocacy.
For more information about the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions, please visit www.albertawheatbarley.com
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct policy and economic research and analysis on a broad range of topics.
- Monitor, identify and analyze technical market risks and strategies to preserve markets for Alberta wheat and barley farmers.
- Analyze market trends, market conditions, and gather data as needed on wheat and barley classes/varieties, end-uses, and trade statistics.
- Build and foster relationships as a key liaison with critical stakeholders such as national member organizations to support initiatives related to international trade promotion, developing marketing plans, goals and strategies, and presenting and advocating marketing opportunities.
- Communicate with regulators (i.e., Canada Grain Commission and Pest Management Regulatory Agency and Canadian Food Inspection Agency) on changes and policy positions that ensure farmers can operate under an efficient and effective regulatory system.
- Prepare various internal and external communications including reports, presentations, articles, briefing notes, key messages/speaking notes and other communication materials as required.
- Provide internal subject matter expertise and market commentary, cross-departmentally, to develop informed responses to government and in a variety of scenarios.
- Contribute to departmental planning and budgeting processes and governance functions.
- Provide support on general policy research and analysis not limited to environmental, sustainability and climate change files.
- Provide additional support across the department and organization as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience in the agricultural sector with specific knowledge of grain markets.
- Experience in conducting economic and policy research and analysis, toward developing sound policy positions and recommendations.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Hold a Bachelor Degree in business, public policy, agribusiness or another related and relevant discipline. A Master Degree or Ph.D would also be an asset.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Superior written communication skills are essential, as well as demonstrated ability to communicate with a broad range of stakeholders.
- Preparing a wide range of internal written communications, but also developing, and giving presentations and media interviews.
- Strong policy focus as related to general government public policy development and programming; an understanding of grain/commodity: markets, price discovery, climate change, transportation, logistics and supply chains is advantageous.
- A strong drive to work independently in an entrepreneurial environment, as well as a willingness to work as part of a team.
- Effective time management and project planning capability, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Flexibility and ability to understand and define key issues and solutions on a variety of emerging topics, in a dynamic work environment.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327 | E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca