PDAD Summer 2016 Student Posting
POSITION INFORMATION:
Title: Junior Policy Analyst
Department Name: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Branch: Strategic Policy Branch – Policy Development and Analysis Directorate (PDAD)
– Four Divisions: Crop Sector Policy, Animal Sector Policy, Environment Policy, and
Cross-Sectoral Issues
Salary: to be determined by Treasury Board Secretariat student rates of pay
Location: 1341 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario OR 303 Main Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Employment Tenure: May 2, 2016 to August 26, 2016
Vacancies; 1-3
Deadline for Applications: February 22, 2016
WHO CAN APPLY:
 Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad.
CITIZENSHIP:
Preference will be given to Canadian citizens. Please indicate in your application the reason
for which you are entitled to work in Canada: Canadian citizenship, permanent resident
status or work permit.
EDUCATION:
Enrollment in degree program from a recognized post-secondary institution with a
specialization in any of the following: Agriculture, Ecology, Political Science,
Environmental or Natural Resource Sciences, Environmental Studies, Geography,
Economics, Agricultural Economics or Public Administration.
Preference will be given to applicants enrolled in fourth year undergraduate programs,
Masters or PhD degree programs.
STATEMENT OF MERIT CRITERIA:
Applicants who meet the above criteria will also be assessed against the Statement of Merit
Criteria for this position.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The Policy Development and Analysis Directorate (PDAD) at Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada has four divisions working on crop sector policy, animal sector policy,
environment policy, and cross-sectoral issues. The directorate provides evidence-based
policy advice and analysis that is relevant to the mandate and priorities of the department.
The candidate will learn about current issues facing the agriculture and agri-food sector and
gain valuable experience in a large federal government department.
Read AAFC’s Mandate Letter (http://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister-agriculture-and-agri-foodmandate-letter) for more information on the government’s priorities for the department.
Description of PDAD’s four divisions
Environment Policy Division: Leads analysis and provides strategic advice on the
interaction between agriculture and the environment and on sustainable agriculture policy
issues in relation to AAFC’s broader policy agenda and the federal government’s broader
environmental priorities.
Animal Sector Policy Division: Undertakes research, analysis and policy development on
key issues for the livestock industry. The work focuses on improving the competitiveness
of the Canadian livestock sector.
Crop Sector Policy Division: Conducts policy development, analysis and advice on short
and long-term crop policy issues and liaises with other organizations in the grain sector,
such as the Canadian Grain Commission.
Cross-Sectoral Issues Division: Leads agricultural policy analysis on grain transportation
issues, including the Canada Transportation Act review process, and coordinates integrated
policy research on topics that cross the crop, livestock, and environment areas.
CHALLENGE:
The Junior Policy Analysts will work with one of PDAD’s divisions on their current files.
PDAD is looking for a motivated student with strong analytical, writing and
communication skills who is knowledgeable about one of the Division’s work areas.
POSITION RESPONSIBLITIES:
The student will conduct qualitative and/or quantitative policy research and analysis on
issues in the agriculture sector, including crop sector policy, livestock sector policy,
environment policy, and cross-sectoral issues. The successful candidate will report on
research and analysis and draft papers, fact sheets, presentations and briefing notes that will
contribute to policy development.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / COMMENTS:
 Student will start work in May 2016 or as soon as letter of offer is prepared and signed.
It is expected that the student work 37.5 hours per week and should be willing to
commit to this position until the middle or end of August 2016.
INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED:
You must provide the following information when submitting your application:
 Cover Letter, clearly demonstrating how you meet all of the essential education and
experience qualifications in the Statement of Merit Criteria
 Your résumé
 Current transcript (you can use a copy of an official or unofficial transcript)
STATEMENT OF MERIT CRITERIA
Official Language Proficiency: Various language profiles (English, French)
Education:
 Enrollment in 3rd or 4th year undergraduate, Master's or PhD degree program from a
recognized post-secondary institution with a specialization in any of the following:
Agriculture, Ecology, Political Science, Environmental or Natural Resource Sciences,
Environmental Studies, Geography, Economics, Agricultural Economics or Public
Administration.
Essential Experience (please explain experience in these areas in your cover letter):
 Experience in researching and analysing multidisciplinary issues
 Experience in planning, preparing and delivering presentations and reports
 Knowledge of one or more of PDAD’s work areas: crop sector policy, animal sector
policy, environment policy, and/or agriculture policy broadly
Skills and knowledge that may be assessed in written application and interview:
 Analytical thinking
 Interactive communication
 Initiative
 Writing skills
 Knowledge of agricultural issues and policy in Canada
Conditions of Employment:
Security level: Reliability Status (do not need to hold reliability status in order to apply)
Selection of the Successful Candidate:
The selection decision will be based on a determination of how the candidate meets the
essential experience, skills and knowledge qualifications and their relative capability to
effectively carry out the position responsibilities. A writing sample will be requested later
in the selection process.
As an equal opportunity employer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is
committed to achieving a skilled, diversified workforce that reflects the diversity of the
Canadian population. We encourage members of the following employment equity groups
to apply and self-identify: Women (especially in non-traditional occupational groups),
members of a visible minority group, Aboriginal people, and persons with a disability.
Furthermore, AAFC is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free selection and
appointment processes and work environments. If contacted in relation to this process,
please advise the organization's representative of accommodation measures required to
enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.
For More Information:
Contact: Matthew.Hink@agr.gc.ca