Agricorp is looking for a Program and Policy Specialist to join the Program Design and Policy department in our Program Development division. The Program Development division is responsible for program analysis, product development and external relations with industry groups and government. The Program Design and Policy department is responsible for understanding and interpreting program policies with respect to program delivery, design and relevance. The department coordinates discussions regarding operational and policy issues with both the federal and provincial governments.

The Role

The Program and Policy Specialist helps to build and expand government relationships ensuring effective and efficient management of all program-related government issues and Agricorp program design. This role also reviews government policies and analyzes options, impacts and feasibility. The projects, issues and tasks assigned to this position are complex in nature and involve working with all of Agricorp’s programs and with public policy. Much of the work requires joint collaboration with Agricorp’s government partners.

In this role you will:

• Support or lead assigned functional and divisional initiatives to make recommendations internally on program and policy related aspects
• Articulate written or verbal recommendations and findings in a manner appropriate for the audience, which can include divisional management, federal and provincial governments, senior management and external audiences
• Ensure an understanding of government needs and the impacts of those needs on the work and recommendations affecting Agricorp
• Address program policy and delivery issues including the coordination of responses for key players according to internal processes and procedures as assigned
• Ensure the work and analysis completed by other members of the team and division are comprehensive and accurate
• Aggregate program performance reporting to government partners as required by program agreements
• Provide support and assistance to the delivery of tasks outlined by the annual business calendar

Job status: Permanent position
Salary range: Open
Location: Guelph

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, economics, statistics or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3 years’ analytical skills and effective communication skills
• Knowledge of Agricorp’s programs and policies including AgriStability and Production Insurance
• Knowledge of business processes, legislation and regulations an asset
• Agricultural/agronomic background an asset

Key Competencies

• Analytical thinking – Interprets, links and analyses information and situations by breaking them down into component parts, and identifying patterns, connections and underlying issues
• Communication – Listens to others and communicates effectively, fostering open communication
• Initiative – Identifies and deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, seizing opportunities that arise
• Business acumen – Knows and understands business fundamentals and uses this knowledge to enhance business performance
• Writing skills – Communicates ideas and information in writing to ensure that information and messages are understood and have the desired impact
• Program knowledge – Understands how own organization fits into the industry, the industry as a whole and links to related industries
• Legislation, policies, procedures and standards – Understands and uses relevant legislation, policies, procedures and/or standards in performing one’s work