Economic and Business Advisor

Are you interested in working in a stimulating, client-oriented environment? Do you enjoy supporting your teammates and working together towards a common goal? Are you a seasoned professional with sales and business development experience especially working with food and beverage companies to support their growth and/or knowledgeable about foreign direct investment in Ontario? If so, this is your opportunity to showcase your experience in providing your knowledge and expertise in the agri-food sector, and to the development of resources that foster economic growth and support to the agri-food sector in Ontario. As an**Economic and Business Advisor** you will be responsible for facilitating the development of economic strategies by conducting economic analysis through consultation with agri-food companies, rural, Indigenous groups and other key stakeholders. - 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 (headquarters) - 77 Grenville Street, Toronto, Ontario M7A 1B3 **OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism**: We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace. Visit the **OPS Anti-Racism Policy** and the **OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint** pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service. We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's **Human Rights Code**. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation. **What can I expect to do in this role?**: You will: - Conduct research, environmental scans, and trends analysis to identify and conceptualize key issues affecting the agri-food sectors and to support Ontario's economy through community economic development and business; - Develop and implement reporting tools that allow for measurement and monitoring of branch initiatives and community economic development outcomes using an evidence-based approach that drives program effectiveness; - Analyzes and interprets results for the development of recommendations for program and service enhancement; - Collaborate with the team to develop recommendations that minimize or alleviate impacts and maximize positive outcomes; - Prepare or draft a range of materials; - Maintain strong internal and external networks to promote information sharing and develop proactive, coordinated approaches to the development of business and community economic development services and programs. **How do I qualify?**: **Economic and Business Knowledge**: - You demonstrate knowledge of economic development theories, principles, and methodologies; - You have knowledge of economic, cost-benefit and financial analysis methods and techniques; - You have an understanding of the agri-food trade and investment landscape in Ontario and beyond; - You can assess the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs, and provide recommendations on policy/program proposals. **Technical Knowledge**: - You are familiar with government policy, legislation, and programs to provide information, advice, and consultation to stakeholders; - You have an understanding of economic development and its impact on international and domestic agri-food sectors, regions, technology and rural communities to evaluate a range of investment opportunities; - You understand Indigenous groups development and governance principles. **Research and Analytical Skills**: - You have knowledge of performance measurement methods and techniques; - You demonstrate experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and data/information analysis to conduct research and environmental scans; - You can interpret data/information to identify and evaluate issues and trends impacting the sector; - You have strong evaluative skills to assess business and community economic development opportunities and interpret economic, geographic, and marketing data/findings. **Communication and Relationship Management Skills**: - You can communicate information clearly and concisely verbally or in writing, using simple language for a diverse audience, both individually and in groups; - You can foster and manage relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders; - You demonstrate political acumen, anticipating and recognizing sensitive political situations to ensure activities do not negatively impact the ministry or government; - You demonstrate teamwork skills to work cooperatively and collaboratively; - You have effective written skills to prepare analysis and recommendations, briefing and presentation material. **Planning, Organizational and Project Management Skills**: - You have planning, organization and project management skills to effectively track, monitor and manage project ac