Policy Advisor

Important messages

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request special accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Information on accommodation for persons with disabilities

*** PLEASE NOTE: If you have already applied to selection process 18-AGR-BCAB-EA-ST-29 (Reference number: AGR18J-018161-000145), please RESUBMIT your application if you wish to be considered.***

Please note that you must apply online as there is a screening questionnaire that must be completed as part of your application. We will not accept applications received by email. Thank you.

Tips for candidates who wish to apply:
• The application process will take approximately 40 to 60 minutes to complete.
• When submitting your application, please provide complete and thorough details of your education and experience. The system will prompt you with specific questions for each qualification, so ensure to answer the questions, if applicable.
• When answering the questionnaire, do not assume that the hiring board has any previous knowledge of your background, qualifications, or work history. You must be specific and provide concrete examples and details for each experience and education element, as applications will be screened on the information provided. Your résumé will only be used as a secondary source to validate the qualifications described.
• Please note that written communication may also be assessed through your application submission.

Work environment

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, AAFC is proud to celebrate our achievement in creating a diverse, respectful, and positive workplace where all employees are valued and recognized for their unique qualities, ideas, voices and perspectives.

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to fill eleven (11) indeterminate full time positions with various linguistic profiles and security requirements. Other work locations across Canada may be identified at a later date. A pool of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar permanent and/or temporary employment for the locations indicated for this process.

Depending on the position being staffed, additional qualifications may be required by the hiring manager(s). Applicants will be provided the opportunity to submit information or be assessed in relation to any additional qualifications that may be applied.

In the event that an employee of the public service of Canada is qualified through this process, the employee may be considered for acting, assignment, secondment or deployment opportunities and the proper approval will be sought.

Positions to be filled: 11

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

In order to be considered, your application must clearly explain how you meet the following (essential qualifications)

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in economics, sociology, or statistics.

Candidates must always have a degree. The courses for the specialization do not necessarily have to be part of a degree program in the required specialization. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

AAFC has established the minimum course requirement is two full courses in economics, sociology or statistics.

Degree equivalency

Experience in conducting analysis of strategic issues and presenting options and recommendations to support senior management* decision-making.
Experience developing strategic approaches in a complex environment and providing advice on optimal processes to achieve them.
Experience in preparing written reports, presentations or other written briefing material for senior management*.
Experience working with tools, techniques and/or methodologies for analyzing data or information.
Experience in managing conflicting priorities across various concurrent responsibilities, and producing results under tight timelines.
Experience working in multidisciplinary teams with diverse reporting relationships.

*‘Senior management’ is defined as Director level and above.

If you possess any of the following, your application must also clearly explain how you meet it (other qualifications)

Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in a natural, physical or applied science or agriculture.

Master’s degree from a recognized post secondary institution with specialization in economics, agricultural economics, business, public administration or in a natural, physical or applied science.

Ph.D from a recognized post secondary institution with specialization in economics, agricultural economics, business, public administration or in a natural, physical or applied science.

Degree equivalency

The following will be applied / assessed at a later date (essential for the job)

Various language requirements
English Essential, Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB, Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

Writing skills
Analytical thinking
Teamwork
Strategic Thinking
Interactive Communication

The following may be applied / assessed at a later date (may be needed for the job)

Experience in working with agriculture sector stakeholders including industry, academia, federal government departments/agencies, provincial government departments, and/or national or international organizations.
Experience in partnering with other government organizations or private sector.
Experience in facilitating strategic sessions involving government and industry stakeholders.

Knowledge of performance measurement and/or evaluation approaches.
Knowledge of current issues and priorities as they relate to Agriculture.

Selection may be limited to members of the following Employment Equity groups: Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, women

Information on employment equity

Preference may be given to AAFC employees affected by workforce adjustment.

Willingness and ability to travel occasionally.
Willingness and ability to occasionally work overtime on short notice.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - Secret security clearance may be required for some positions.

Other information

The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the targeted groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.jobs.gc.ca.

Persons with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact 1-800-645-5605.

Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Applicants are asked to indicate their preferred official language in their application.

Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).

All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.

Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies/qualifications.

Reference checks may be sought.

An interview may be administered.

A test may be administered.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada thanks all those who apply.

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans and to Canadian citizens, in that order.

Information on the preference to veterans

We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.