Commerce Officer Opportunities at AAFC! Apply in Minutes!

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 specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.

Assessment accommodation

We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by assessing their abilities fairly. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities. Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.

If you need assistance or have questions at any stage, contact Collaborative Staffing at .

Duties

At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Commerce Officers(COs) work with industry to foster a competitive agriculture and agri-food sector (AAF). They engage with stakeholders, conduct business research and analysis, gather market intelligence, identify emerging issues, write analytical reports, develop strategies, identify funding opportunities for producers and industry, support/design/deliver and manage programs and advance agricultural interests in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. All COs contribute to the economic growth and long-term development and prosperity of the AAF sector, domestically and internationally.

As a CO-00, you will:
• Answer general inquiries related to programs and services offered by AAFC.
• Participate in teams and inter-branch working group meetings to observe and enhance your understanding of internal business processes, program delivery tools and techniques.
• Under the direction of a Senior Officer, gather information and intelligence from various sources to assess the market, managerial, financial and technical merits of project proposals and/or to convey research findings.
• Accompany Senior Officers on outreach activities with other government departments and industry stakeholders to observe and enhance your understanding of issues and opportunities facing the sector.
• Support the development of company profiles and sector profiles, and provide input to colleagues for inclusion in ministerial correspondence.
• Develop a network of contacts within the department and other governmental departments/agencies to provide and obtain information regarding their priorities, challenges and positions on policies and issues in the AAF industry.

As a CO-01, you will:
• Gather, evaluate and organize material from on trends and developments in various agricultural technologies, scientific and environmental impacts from a variety of sources and synthesize the information gathered to support Senior Officer research activities.
• Review and assess low-risk or low complexity development projects; prepare funding recommendations for project approval by management; establish terms and conditions of agreements; monitor compliance to those agreements; and report on challenges, risks and success throughout the life cycle of the project.
• Consult with funding recipients and coordinate the submission of project performance reports and financial claims.
• Monitor deadlines relating to projects, including updating reports and risk assessments.
• Under the direction of a Senior Officer, gather information and intelligence from multiple sources required to support the assessment of complex development projects.
• Conduct research and analysis in response to current and emerging trends from industry, government and media in the AAF sector to determine the potential impact on project applications.
• Participate in stakeholder and industry working groups to improve understanding of the AAF sector and to provide information and guidance on the interpretation of federal policy and on the program management framework.

Work environment

As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, we strive to create an environment where diversity, accessibility and inclusion are at the forefront. We believe our Organization is most effective when it reflects the Canadian populations it serves and values the unique talents and experiences of all employees. We also have various Diversity Networks dedicated to ensuring that we continue to grow as an inclusive and respectful workplace. Regardless of whether you are a member of a diversity group, all employees are welcomed to join a Network and participate in activities and events. Visit our Diversity Networks webpage for more information: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/careers/diversity-and-inclusiveness-networks

We also offer flexible work arrangements along with a comprehensive benefits package to support healthy and engaged employees. Benefits include: vacation leave, pension, health and dental benefits and support from Management Teams who encourage training and career development

Intent of the process

The intent of this process is to establish a pool of participants for the Commerce Officer Development Program (CODP). If you are appointed through this process, you will join the CODP which is one of AAFC's professional development programs. The CODP is a competency-based development program that focuses on developing key knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required to be a successful CO at AAFC. The Program will support entry level Commerce Officers with acquiring and enhancing their skills through diverse work experiences, mentorship and formal training.

Depending on the position being staffed, hiring managers may require additional qualifications where further assessments will be required. You will be provided the opportunity to submit information relevant to any additional qualifications that may be applied.

If you are an employee of the Public Service of Canada and are qualified through this process, you may be considered for at-level assignment, secondment or deployment opportunities and the proper approval will be sought. Note that rates of pay may vary for internal candidates and will be determined in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of employment.

Positions to be filled: Number to be determined

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

At AAFC we value your time and have simplified this application process. We will not ask you to elaborate on the experience screening questions in your initial application, which means you can apply in minutes! At this time, we will only ask you to elaborate on how you meet the education requirement.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, you must meet the essential EXPERIENCE and EDUCATION requirements:

✦ Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.
Areas of specialization considered may include but are not limited to, Business Administration, International Trade, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Agricultural Management. An acceptable specialization is defined by having completed courses in the specified field of study. You will be asked to provide information as to how you meet the acceptable specialization.

If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below for more information.

Degree equivalency

BOTH CO-00 / CO-01:
✦ Experience preparing and presenting research and analysis findings
✦ Experience participating in projects and/or working groups
✦ Experience working with clients and/or stakeholders
✦ Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Quantitative/qualitative research
- Policy analysis (trade, environment, economic, market)
- Interpreting legislation or regulations
- Interpreting and analyzing information from a variety of sources

CO-01 ONLY:
✦ Experience providing advice, developing strategies or options, and making recommendations and/or presentations to senior management

Note that breadth and depth of previous experience will be considered when evaluating all experiences listed above and taken into consideration when distinguishing between CO-00 and CO-01 opportunities.

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

Various language requirements
This inventory will be used to staff positions with various linguistic profiles, including English essential, French essential and bilingual positions. For bilingual positions, you must be able to work in English AND in French (Reading, Writing and Oral proficiency). We are looking for a bilingual profile of BBB/BBB or higher, if you aren't sure what that means, click on the link below!

Information on language requirements

The following will be assessed at a later date:
BOTH CO-00 / CO-01:
✦ Demonstrating Integrity and Respect
✦ Thinking Things Through (Reasoning and Judgment)
✦ Working Effectively with Others
✦ Showing Initiative and Being Action Oriented
✦ Adaptability
✦ Effective Written Communication
✦ Effective Interactive Communication

CO-01 ONLY:
✦ Ability to conduct business, financial and/or sector analyses.

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

Additional qualifications may be required by the hiring manager(s). You will be asked to provide additional information on these qualifications at a later date.

BOTH CO-00 / CO-01:
✦ Experience participating in multidisciplinary working groups and/or establishing collaborative projects
✦ Experience working with stakeholders as it relates to the field of work
✦ Experience conducting business, financial and/or sector analyses
✦ Experience supporting economic development projects or programs
✦ Masters or post graduate degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in business administration, international trade, commerce, finance, accounting, public administration and/or agricultural management

CO-01 ONLY:
✦ Experience in repayable program development or delivery
✦ Experience participating in policy development

Degree equivalency

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada is committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups. Specifically, in the Commerce Officer occupational group, we want to increase representation of Indigenous Peoples and Persons with Disabilities.

Information on employment equity

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Willingness and ability to travel;
- Willingness and ability to work overtime;
- Willingness and ability to relocate.

Conditions of employment

Reliability Status security clearance - or Secret security clearance

There may be additional conditions of employment based on positional requirements.

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 designated groups when you apply.

Information on employment equity

ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION

You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications, such as asset qualifications or organizational needs, may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed.

ASSESSMENT INFORMATION
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STAGE 1 – Education/Experience Screening
Applications will be evaluated to assess the education requirements and applicants are asked to provide Yes/No responses for essential experience but no additional information will be requested at this time.
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STAGE 2 - Online Competency Assessment
All candidates will be asked to complete an online standardized test.
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STAGE 3 – Screening Questionnaire
Successful candidates will be asked to provide additional information to validate essential experience qualifications
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STAGE 4 –Written Exam (CO-01 ONLY)
Potential CO-01 candidates will be invited to complete a take home exam.
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STAGE 5 - Interview
All successful candidates will be invited to a virtual interview.
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STAGE 6 - Establishment of qualified pool
All candidates that qualify at this stage will be asked to provide proof of education, proof of citizenship, professional references and to complete an additional qualifications questionnaire.


All qualified candidates will be placed in a pool. Once the results of the pool become available to AAFC hiring managers, they will connect directly with individuals in the pool being considered for specific appointments.

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, or the type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies and/or qualifications.

APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION

Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.

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).

Preference

Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.

Information on the preference to veterans

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