Senior Program and Policy Specialist

Agricorp • Guelph, ON

4d • CA$83,016 - CA$97,665 • Onsite

About The Position

Agricorp is seeking a Senior Program and Policy Specialist to join the Program Design and Policy team within the Program Development division. This division is responsible for program analysis, product development, and external relations with government partners and industry groups. It also contributes to the development of new programs and prepares program changes for operational readiness to ensure effective, timely, transparent, and streamlined delivery. Agricorp aims to provide fulfilling opportunities in a culture that promotes stability, diversity, inclusion, camaraderie, employee recognition, work-life balance, and passion for agriculture. The company values its employees as its greatest strength and offers comprehensive benefits and development opportunities.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, economics, business, statistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience is required.
• A minimum 5 years’ experience with a focus on government programs, policy and legislation.
• Experience supporting boards and senior leaders within formal governance frameworks, including the provision of governance advice, development of governance documentation, and management of governance processes.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree is an asset.
• Knowledge of Agricorp’s programs and policies, including the Grain Financial Protection Program and the Beef Cattle Financial Protection Program is an asset.
• Agriculture/agronomic, policy/government, or financial/insurance industry background is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Agricorp’s liaison to OMAFA’s Lead, Agency Relations and Accountability in the Farm Finance Branch, while fostering and maintaining key relationships with other ministry leaders and senior policy advisors.
• Advance Agricorp’s strategic partnership with the Ministry by supporting governance forums and executive engagement, including the Director’s Committee, the Collaboration Executive Committee, and the relationship between Agricorp’s Senior Director, Program Development, and OMAFA’s Director, Farm Finance Branch.
• Serve as the key point of contact for governance and program agreements with OMAFA, providing strategic advice and guidance to support negotiation, review, and approval processes.
• Provide secretariat services to the Grain Financial Protection Board and the Livestock Financial Protection Board, and serve as the primary resource for coordinating and completing work on behalf of the boards.
• Act as a lead for program policy and government relations issues, as assigned, including identifying and highlighting risks to Agricorp, OMAFA, and the financial protection boards.
• As a senior technical lead for program policy change, collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders, to identify impacts and risks to Agricorp and recommend changes.
• Understand and be technical lead for government governance requirements (e.g., key government directives for agencies, legislation, etc.).
• Interpret program legislation and policies, to provide clarity for internal policies and guidelines, as assigned.
• Articulate recommendations and findings, either in writing or verbally, in a manner appropriate for the audience, which can include divisional management, federal and provincial governments, senior management, and external audiences.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Pension plan
• Paid vacation days and sick leave
• Work-life balance with supportive leaders who respect your time outside of work
• Opportunities for learning and growth, including mentoring, coaching, and support for professional development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior