The Organization

Our client, the Alberta Cattle Feeders Organization together with the National Cattle Feeders Association is the voice of the cattle feeding industry.

The Alberta Cattle Feeders Association was established in 1973.  Its role is to address feedlot, market, trade and competitive issues and provide a forum for policy development and to act as an advocate of the cattle feeding industry.  The National Cattle Feeders Association was established in 2007 to represent Canadian cattle feeders on national issues and work in collaboration with other cattle organizations across the country.  ACFA together with the National Cattle Feeders Association works with all levels of industry and government to ensure that cattle feeding remains competitive and vibrant.  As such the ACFA and NCFA and their Boards provide innovative leadership and are active in influencing legislative and regulatory reform.

The mandate of the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association is to provide leadership to the cattle industry in becoming sustainable, profitable and internationally competitive by:

• Designing a business model for the future.
• Developing, promoting and implementing an action plan that will:
• Create demand for branded beef products.
• Get branded beef marketed in domestic and international markets.
• Get more value for the producer from Alberta fed beef.
• Increase competition and growth opportunities.

It is delivering on its mandate through five key strategies:

·       Working with partners to access and develop markets that maximize value for members.

·       Enhancing competitiveness by reducing regulatory burdens.

·       Identifying and advocating for research priorities that support the vision and mission of ACFA.

·       Preparing the Board to make a decision on the “check off” in 2013.

·       Building membership by delivering value.

The Associations are funded from member fees and from special events such as an annual conference and a golf tournament.

The Position - Manager Policy and Research

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer this position will provide leadership in issue identification, research, and analysis of regulatory practices and legislation as it relates to the cattle feeding sector both federally and provincially.

Specific responsibilities will include:

·       Identification of key issues/problems.

·       Researching and defining the issue/problem.

·       Coordinating and conducting in-depth research, collecting and managing data and information both hard empirical and soft subjective data.

·       Liaison with stakeholders and interest groups as well as government and legislative sources.

·       Attending forums and stakeholder meetings to discuss interests and concerns.

·       Generating solution options.

·       Extensive writing of reports and position papers.

·       Presentations to regulators and legislators.

·       Recommend legislative and policy initiatives to further the strategic objectives of the cattle feeding industry.

·       Leading or assisting in the design and execution of programs

·       Managing day to day operations of the National Cattle Feeders’ Association

The essence of this role is to shape, and influence the direction and content of public policy and regulatory activity through investigation and research that will enable informed decision making as it relates to the cattle feeding industry.

Candidate Requirements

Successful candidates will possess a degree in such areas as Public Administration, Agri-Business, Law, or Agricultural Economics together with 8 to 10 years progressive experience in government or advocacy organizations with a focus on policy research and development, designing and managing programs.  While experience need not be “Cattle Specific” that would be a definite asset.

Professional Skills and Attributes should include:

§  Strong knowledge of research design in the areas of policy development.

§  Strong analysis and synthesis skills.

§  Knowledge of regulatory requirements and government decision making processes.

§  Strong report writing and presentation skills.

§  Ability to establish and maintain a network of information sources.

§  Ability to be strategically agile and forecast outcomes and consequences of policy alternatives including cost/benefit analysis.

§  Ability to remain objective yet reflect the concerns of diverse constituencies.

Personal attributes and competencies should include:

§  Action and results oriented.

§  Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-person/team setting.

§  Timely and quality decision making.

§  Politically Savvy.

§  Ability to build creative solutions.

§  Ability to project and process manage.

§  Perseverance.

§  Strong writing skills.

§  Competent in using Windows, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook as well as other appropriate research and statistical databases.

The Compensation

Compensation for this position is competitive with related positions at the Senior Policy Officer level and above and offers career progression.  A comprehensive benefits program is also available.

Relocation assistance will be available

To explore this career opportunity in confidence forward your resume to Ron Prokosch at:

                                                                           300, 5 Richard Way. SW

Calgary, AB. T3E 7M8

APPLY ONLINE

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