Animal Welfare Program & Policy Analyst (Term)

Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) is seeking an Animal Welfare Program and Policy Analyst to join the Program Development unit in the Operations department. This is an approximately nine-month fixed-term contract to cover a maternity leave.

The Program and Policy Analyst is responsible for advancing key areas like animal welfare, animal health, antimicrobial use and resistance, environmental sustainability, advising on government regulatory and policy consultations, developing policy and egg industry positions and working with internal and external stakeholder.

This role is well-suited for someone with a background in agriculture or animal science, who enjoys variety in the work they do, as this role involves project, policy, and reactive work.   

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Development

• Work with other units, committees, egg boards and stakeholders on a regular basis to monitor and update EFC’s on-farm Animal Care Program
• Develop Animal Care Program resources and lead EFC’s Animal Care Resources Team
• Identify emerging issues and trends to proactively develop solutions for the industry
• Work collaboratively to develop and execute projects related to national program and initiatives
• Research, write and present project definitions, plans, and proposals to various audiences
• Support Research Grant Program and research activities as needed

Policy Analysis and Development

• Provide background knowledge and advice to Manager of Program Development and Chief Operating Officer regarding the management of policy and operational issues in key areas like animal health and welfare, research, antimicrobial use and resistance, and environmental sustainability
• Review and assess proposed national and international policy proposals and regulatory changes regarding the aforementioned key areas, and provide verbal and written analyses and responses
• Represent EFC during government consultations, on working groups and with partnerships
• Critically assess potential emerging issues, impacts on the industry and recommend short, medium and/or long-term action plans as required

Stakeholder Activities

• Correspond with various stakeholders through email, phone, virtual and face-to-face meetings
• Liaise with farmer reps, researchers, other commodity groups and government
• Represent EFC at various industry and government meetings, workshops and other events
• Present to EFC teams, committees, Board of Directors and other stakeholders as necessary
• Take minutes and draft reports as required

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of animal and/or poultry science, animal welfare, animal health, antimicrobial use and resistance, and environmental sustainability and research, with a focus on poultry and poultry issues.
• Knowledge and understanding of national and international regulation and policy related to the egg industry
• Knowledge in food safety is considered an asset
• Ability to multi-task, take initiative and be results-oriented
• Strong listening skills and a talent for interacting effectively with a variety of stakeholders and working as part of a team
• Solid research skills and ability to read highly technical information (e.g. scientific and or technical papers)
• Excellent writing and oral presentation skills to communicate ideas and recommendations
• Project and time management
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to apply logical and evaluative thinking to problem identification and resolution

Education & Experience

• Graduate degree (masters) preferred with a focus on animal science, poultry science, animal welfare and/or health or related agricultural field
• 2-5 years of experience in a field related to agriculture or food, including animal or poultry science, animal welfare and/or animal health
• Prior experience working with Board Committees, multi-stakeholder working groups, working in a national or provincial not-for-profit organization and with various government departments are considered assets
• Experience using various software applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, basic competence in Excel, Adobe Acrobat or Nitro Pro)
• Experience performing research activities is considered an asset

Now in its sixth decade as one of Canada’s leading agriculture organizations, EFC manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption while representing the interests of 1,200 regulated egg farmers and farm families from coast to coast. Waterstone Human Capital has named EFC one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, an honour the organization has held since 2014. The organization has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top employers for 12 consecutive years. Visit eggfarmers.ca for more information.

 Egg Farmers of Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.