Farm Policy Analyst

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual to join our team in the full-time position of Farm Policy Analyst (Farm Property & Land Use).

The position is ideal for a candidate looking to share their knowledge and recommendations with respect to agricultural policies related to land use planning and farm property.

The Farm Policy Analyst will contribute to the organization’s development, awareness and advocacy of sound OFA policy positions by providing background analysis on land use planning and farm property policy matters affecting Ontario agriculture, as well as providing individual members with hands-on assistance and/or advocacy in the resolution of farm-related issues. The Farm Policy Analyst will also be called upon to present their analysis and information directly to the OFA Board of Directors and other interested audiences.

OFA is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, proudly representing 38,000+ farm family members across the province. OFA is a trusted, producer-led organization that works to represent and champion the diverse interests of Ontario’s agri-food sector and rural communities. Our work includes government relations, farm policy development, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. We have a strong voice for our members and the agri-food industry on issues, legislation and regulations governed by municipal, provincial and federal governments.

• Policy Development, Awareness and Advocacy:
  
  • Conduct analysis of existing and proposed policies to assist OFA’s Board of Directors to set sound policy positions.
  • Monitor and analyze current and emerging issues related to assigned policy files.
  • Contribute to the development of OFA member surveys about policy matters.
  • Contribute in-kind expertise towards meeting OFA’s in-house and third-party project commitments.
  • Present analysis to the OFA Board of Directors and other audiences, including OFA’s Policy Advisory Council.
  • Prepare letters and submissions outlining OFA policy positions to officials at all levels of government.
  • Prepare letters to county and regional Federations of Agriculture with respect to OFA Board decisions on policy resolutions submitted to OFA.
  • Work with OFA members, county and regional Federations, OFA’s Policy Advisory Council, and commodity groups to provide information on OFA policy positions and collect their feedback.
  • Persuasively represent OFA and Ontario farm perspectives to government, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders.
• Member Service and Information:
  
  • Identify, evaluate, monitor and promote programs and policies that enable profitable and sustainable farming.
  • Manage various OFA programs and initiatives that serve members and further OFA’s policy objectives.
  • Provide information and advice to OFA members on government policies and programs through presenting at meetings, preparing fact sheets, preparing website content, attending agricultural trade shows, and answering telephone and email enquiries.
  • Assist OFA members who are facing complex challenges or issues related to government legislation, policies and/or program requirements.
  • Communicate and explain OFA policy positions and information about government policies and initiatives from an OFA perspective to a range of audiences.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
  • Assist fellow OFA staff in a timely manner to ensure OFA delivers an outstanding level of service to OFA members.
  • Collaborate with government officials and others to facilitate understanding and awareness of issues.
  • Build and maintain a broad network of industry contacts to facilitate understanding and awareness of agricultural policies, programs, and initiatives.
  • Assist fellow OFA staff increase their knowledge and awareness of OFA’s policy research activities.
  • Identify and propose suggestions aimed at improving OFA’s operations and enhancing OFA membership value.
  • Liaise with OFA’s Commodity/Association Members as OFA’s staff commodity liaison.
  • Liaise with internal and external partners to deliver project objectives and outcomes.
  • Participate on or liaise with external committees and/or working groups and other industry agencies as necessary to further OFA policy objectives.

Education and Experience:

• University master’s degree in planning or Ten (10) years of relevant policy & planning work experience.
• Holds, or is a candidate for, a Registered Professional Planner (RPP) designation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge specific to land use and/or rural planning, municipal bylaw development and enforcement, and Normal Farm Practises.
• Understanding of the relevant legislation and regulations.
• General knowledge of Ontario agricultural production.
• Appreciates and understands issues facing Ontario farmers and rural communities.
• Knowledge of agricultural programs and policy initiatives in Ontario.
• Demonstrates understanding of policy decision-making processes.
• Superior research, problem solving, facilitative and organizational skills.
• Ability to quickly assess issues and gather, assimilate, analyze, and communicate policy information on a broad range of subjects affecting Ontario agriculture.
• Knowledge of government operations, structure and the public policy process at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• Exceptional written, listening, and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrates a high level of attention to details and accuracy in the accumulation and transfer of information.
• Capacity to retain knowledge about OFA policy positions.
• Demonstrates discretion and adheres to confidentiality in handling delicate or complex situations.
• Ability to work effectively unsupervised as well as collaborates within an active team.
• Ability to set, manage and adjust competing priorities to meet tight timelines.
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver’s License with access to a reliable vehicle.
• Bilingual (French and English) language skills are considered an asset, but are not a requirement, for this position.

Accountability, Adaptability, Communication, Critical Thinking, Networking and Relationship Building, Problem Solving, Research, Service Orientation, and Teamwork

Working Conditions:

• Works in an office environment with flexibility for off-site meetings.
  • In-person – working out of OFA’s head office in Guelph.
• Usually works a standard thirty-five (35) hour work week.
• Flexibility to travel in Ontario and a willingness to work outside of normal office hours when required (events, meetings etc.)
• May experience tight deadlines and stressful conditions at times.
• Spends a frequent amount of time sitting and looking at a computer screen.
• Able to lift 30 Lbs., bending, twisting, hands above shoulders.
• Comfortable working in a shared environment.
• Is required to maintain high levels of concentration and attention to detail for extended periods.
• Must be able to manage frequent interruptions and multiple tasks daily.
• Ability to commute/relocate: Guelph, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) full-time in office working environment.

Benefits & Renumeration

• Hours of work: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. (35-hours)
  • 1-hour meal break (lunch)
• Benefits: OFA’s group benefit program three (3) months upon their Start Date.
  • Health care
  • Dental care
  • Vision care
  • Disability insurance (LTD, employee paid)
  • Employee assistance program
  • Company events
• Casual dress, following policy.
• Day shift.
• Sick time: Sick leave benefits earned/accrued monthly over the course of each calendar year, and personal time as needed, as outlined and limited by policy.
• Mileage Per/Km: Vehicle use will be compensated at a rate of 0.58 cents /km for work related mileage when applicable.

COVID-19 considerations

In accordance with OFA’s COVID-19 Vaccine policy, new employees are required to be fully vaccinated, (valid medical or Ontario Human Rights Code exemptions permitted), against COVID- 19 as a condition of employment.

We wish to thank all applicants in advance for their interest; however, only those who will be considered for an interview will be contacted. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome diversity within our workforce. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities act, 2005 and Disabilities Act of Canada, upon request, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Applicants may submit their cover letter and resume, in confidence to Human Resources no later than May 15, 2024, by 4 pm. directly to hr@ofa.on.ca