Policy Analyst, Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy

Description The 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 program Summary 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 legislation Assess likely effects on producers, processors, supply chains and rural communities Prepare weekly policy summaries and timely alerts on significant developments Applied research: Review academic studies, government documents, industry submissions and public datasets Compare findings by region, commodity or stakeholder group where the data allow Create tables, charts and dashboards that make findings easy to understand Assess policy options and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations Engagement and communication: Prepare Knowledge Mobilization Items (KMIs) such as policy briefs, issue notes, reports, backgrounders and presentation materials Represent the Simpson Centre at different events and if necessary, do media interviews Develop a network comprising elected officials, bureaucrats, other public policy professionals and business leaders Identify speakers and prepare agendas and briefing packages for events Project delivery: Help prepare funding proposals, grant applications and progress reports Coordinate meetings and follow up with researchers, funders and project partners Maintain organized project files and records of decisions Follow applicable research ethics, privacy and University of Calgary requirements Qualifications / Requirements: A degree in public policy, agricultural economics, economics, political science, agriculture or a related field; a relevant master's degree is an asset. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered Three years of relevant policy, research or project experience is preferred. Graduate research, internships and comparable work may contribute to this experience Ability to interpret policy and regulatory material, assess competing claims, conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis and draw careful conclusions Excellent plain-language writing and presentation skills, with examples of explaining complex findings to non-specialist audiences Strong organization and relationship skills, including the ability to manage several deadlines and collaborate across academic, government and industry settings Proficiency with Microsoft Office and spreadsheets; experience with survey, statistical, qualitative analysis, or data-visualization tools is an asset Awareness of Canadian agriculture and agri-food policy and political affairs is an asset, as is experience working directly with producers or other food-system…

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