Program & Policy Specialist

Agricorp is looking for a **Program and Policy Specialist**to join the Program Design and Policy team in the Program Development division. This division is responsible for program analysis, product development and external relations with government partners and industry groups. The division also plays a role in the development of new programs and preparing program changes for operational readiness to ensure effective, timely, transparent and streamlined delivery.

**The Role**:
The Program and Policy Specialist will report to the Manager, Program Design & Policy. This role builds and expands government relationships to ensure effective and efficient management of all program related government issues and Agricorp program design. The Specialist works behind the scenes with government and internal stakeholders and helps to responsibly position Agricorp by providing information on trends and issues to ensure effective, efficient, sustainable programs. In this role, you will:

- Review and analyze government policies, focusing on policy options, impacts and feasibility
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with multiple levels across the organization, as well as with government and external stakeholders
- Resolve issues and complete tasks related to programs delivered by Agricorp and related to public policy, collaborating with Agricorp’s government partners to complete the work
- Act as a project lead, using project management tools to complete assigned functional and divisional projects
- Provide recommendations appropriate for the audience, which can include divisional and senior management, federal and provincial governments, and external audiences
- Demonstrate an understanding of government needs and the impacts of those needs on the work and recommendations affecting Agricorp's programs
- Address program policy and delivery issues, including the coordination of responses for key stakeholders, according to internal processes and procedures as assigned
- Ensure the work and analysis completed by other members of the team and division are comprehensive and accurate
- Aggregate program performance reporting to government partners as required by program agreements
- Provide support and assistance to the delivery of tasks outlined by the annual business calendar

**Job status**: Permanent (posting for an existing vacancy)
**Salary**: $70,757 - $83,243
**Work Status**: Full time in office or hybrid work arrangements are available

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor's degree in public administration, economics, agricultural business, political science or related field, or equivalent experience
- Minimum 3 years project management experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Knowledge of legislation, regulations, Agricorp programs or business processes, is an asset
- Policy/government, financial/insurance industry or agriculture/agronomic background, is an asset

**Key Competencies**:

- **Analytical thinking** - Uses facts and available information to develop logical assumptions
- **Communication** - Consistently communications information in a clear, concise and timely manner to optimize audience understanding
- **Critical judgement, decision making & problem solving**- Makes the best decision, in a timely manner, based upon a combination of analysis, knowledge, experience and judgment
- **Initiative**- Proactively identifies and handles issues and situations to take action; seizing opportunities when they arise
- **Legislation, policies, procedures and standards**- Understands and applies relevant legislation, policies, procedures and/or standards when performing work
- **Efficiency** - Effectively plan and organize time and resources to prioritize work to meet objectives
- **Business Acumen** - Understand business implications and decisions and actions to implement successful strategies and improve performance
- **Writing skills**- Writing clear and concise messages in a manner that is easy for others to understand and have the desired effect

**Background**:
Agricorp delivers government programs. These programs help protect the livelihood of over 47,000 Ontario farmers against the many risks farm businesses face every day. Our employees are skilled professionals who respond when industry and government need us, manage public funds with great care and integrity, and deliver a quality customer experience.

Agricorp helps grow Ontario agriculture. We underwrite $6-8 billion in risk each year. The agency was established in 1997, and since then we’ve made over $8 billion in payments to farmers when they needed it most.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted directly.