Job Description

DescriptionThe Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Policy Analyst. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.Reporting to the Centre Director, this position is a policy analyst job contributing to the Simpson Centre's goals around infrastructure, resource resilience, manpower, and biosafety. The Research Assistant will collaborate with The Simpson Centre's Director, Senior Policy Analyst, Data Analyst, Marketing and Communications Coordinator towards the goals of the Centre's Strategic Plan.The Policy Analyst leads and supports research and outreach on issues shaping Canadian agriculture and food systems. Working with Centre leadership, researchers and partners, the selected candidate will follow policy developments, design studies, manage strategic relationships, assess evidence and communicate findings to decision-makers and wider audiences. The work requires involvement in in-depth research projects, knowledge mobilization, and sound judgment, strong writing, and organized delivery. Research topics may include trade and market access, infrastructure, data governance, farm competitiveness, labour, food security, sustainability, technology adoption and government programSummary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):Policy analysis and monitoring:Track federal, provincial and territorial agriculture and food policy announcements and proposed legislationAssess likely effects on producers, processors, supply chains and rural communitiesPrepare weekly policy summaries and timely alerts on significant developmentsApplied research:Review academic studies, government documents, industry submissions and public datasetsCompare findings by region, commodity or stakeholder group where the data allowCreate tables, charts and dashboards that make findings easy to understandAssess policy options and develop practical, evidence-based recommendationsEngagement and communication:Prepare Knowledge Mobilization Items (KMIs) such as policy briefs, issue notes, reports, backgrounders and presentation materialsRepresent the Simpson Centre at different events and if necessary, do media interviewsDevelop a network comprising elected officials, bureaucrats, other public policy professionals and business leadersIdentify speakers and prepare agendas and briefing packages for eventsProject delivery: