Policy Advisor /Science Advisor

Update: Please note that the selection process has been amended to extend the closing date to March 7, 2023 - 23:59, Pacific Time.

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 fairly assessing their abilities. 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.

As one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (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. We are dedicated to building and promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce, representative of all Canadians regardless of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, socio-economic background or lived experience. By embracing diversity and inclusion, our department ensures broader discussions, better decisions, and a more positive workplace.

Duties

The candidate will support the Research Development and Technology Director's Office as a Policy Advisor or the Director General’s office for Ontario-Quebec Region as a Science Advisor in carrying out his/her mandate. Tasks include:

• preparing responses and recommendations to senior management;
• drafting documents, including briefing notes, developing presentations;
• contributing to scientific files;
• initiating and maintaining effective networks of expertise within the directorate, region and across the department.

The candidate will work collaboratively and in support to other members of the management team, and director generals in other regions and directorates.

Work environment

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Science and Technology Branch conducts scientific research, develops new knowledge and new technologies, and transfers the results to the agriculture and agri-food sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada also works with industry and other partners to strengthen the sector's capacity to develop and adopt innovative practices, products, and processes.
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

A pool of qualified and partially qualified candidates may be established and may be used to staff similar positions with various tenures as well as various linguistic requirements.

In the event that an employee of the public service is qualified through this process, and there is a temporary need, he/she may be considered for acting, deployment, assignment or secondment opportunities.

Positions to be filled: 2

Information you must provide

Your résumé.

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

EDUCATION:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in biological, agricultural environmental, applied or natural science with acceptable specialization* in economics, sociology or statistics.

*For the purpose of this process, the employer has determined that to meet the requirements of the specialization candidates are required to have followed one or two courses in one of the three listed fields. The specialization may also be obtained through an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.

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 to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE:
EEX1 Experience in conducting analysis of strategic issues related to agriculture, agrifood or science management.
EEX2 Significant experience* in providing strategic advice to senior management or above, on agriculture, agrifood or science management**.
EEX3 Experience in preparing written reports, presentations or other written briefing material for senior management**.
EEX4 Experience working in multidisciplinary teams with diverse reporting relationships.

*‘Significant experience as the depth and breadth of the experience normally associated with having performed a broad range of various related activities which are normally acquired over a period of at least three (3) years.
**‘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)

EDUCATION - ASSET:
A post graduate degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in a related field.

Degree equivalency

EXPERIENCE - ASSET:
AEX1 Experience in collaborating with or working with agri-food sector stakeholders such as industry, academia, federal government, provincial government, or national or international organizations.
AEX2 Experience in managing conflicting priorities across various concurrent responsibilities, and producing results under tight timelines.

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

Various language requirements
Bilingual Imperative BBB/BBB
Bilingual Imperative CBC/CBC

Information on language requirements

KNOWLEDGE:
EK1 Knowledge of Canada’s agriculture and agrifood sectors.
EK2 Knowledge of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Strategic Plan for Science.

COMPETENCIES:
EC1 Writing skills:
EC2 Strategic thinking - Innovating through Analysis
EC3 Teamwork
EC4 Reliability
EC5 Interactive Communication

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

Agriculture and Agri-food Canada recognizes that the diversity of its employee population contributes to its strength and integrity. We are committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We encourage women (especially in non-traditional occupations), Indigenous peoples (Aboriginal peoples), persons with disabilities, and members of visible minority groups to apply and declare themselves as part of one or more of the Employment Equity groups as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of the groups.

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 - Reliability or Secret Clearance.

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 may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application. It is your responsibility to provide appropriate examples that illustrate how you meet each qualification. Failing to do so could result in your application being rejected.

Various assessment tools may be used, such as, standardized tests, interviews, references, board member knowledge, etc.

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

A random or top down selection of candidates may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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.

A test may be administered.

An interview may be administered.

Reference checks may be sought.

You must provide proof of your education credentials.

Asset qualifications may be used in the determination of those to be given further consideration in the assessment process.

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 with disabilities preventing them from applying on-line are asked to contact the email referenced below under "Contact Information".

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.