Grant Program Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about sustainable agriculture and want to support program extension and delivery aimed at improving sustainable agriculture practices while supporting economic opportunities? If yes, then this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

We are seeking a Grant Program Specialist who will be responsible for coordinating Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) grant programs’ communications and extension, and for supporting grant program development, delivery, and reporting. To help ensure successful grant programming, the position works with government and industry stakeholders. If you have strong project management skills, stakeholder engagement experience, and are strategic-minded, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead communications, extension and promotion activities related to Sustainable CAP Programs (including Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) and On-Farm Efficiency Program (OFEP)) across Alberta.
• Deliver presentations and develop information packaging related to Sustainable CAP environmental programs and their environmental goals.
• Develop and manage one-off grants and contracts relating to program delivery, providing expertise and guidance throughout the entire lifecycle of one-off grants and contracts, from proposal evaluation to grant/contract development, project management, and reporting.
• Establish and maintain networks with industry groups, post-secondary institutions, applied research organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Mentor stakeholders on the objectives of Sustainable CAP environmental programs and related initiatives.
• Coordinate with CAP Secretariat to ensure timely updates to program websites and ensure key updates are shared with interested stakeholders, particularly relating to major program changes such as opening and closing of application intake periods.
• Key contact for internal staff communications and updates, including ensuring any program updates or key communications are shared with 310-FARM and other relevant department contacts.
• Coordinate with CAP Secretariat to ensure that promotional materials meet Sustainable CAP branding standards, and all necessary approvals are received.
• Communicate with grant program applicants to support completion of application documents, and providing support and guidance as needed.
• Review applications for eligibility, appropriate funding levels, and technical/content information gaps based on program criteria.
• Monitor and interpret financial information and produce and analyze reports to assist management in decision making.
• Evaluation and reporting on grant program outcomes, and support for program improvements and program development.
• Monitor, evaluate, and review grant status, payments, and on-site verifications, including coordinating with the Financial Services to support resolution of compliance issues, as needed.
• Collect, input, and report information regarding program performance measures from grant-funded projects, including liaising with the CAP Secretariat as appropriate.
• Use performance insights to inform strategic program improvements, and support alignment with government priorities.
• Participate in planning for future Sustainable CAP partnerships.
• Provide programming advice and recommendations, including through briefing notes, summary reports, and decision-making materials as required.
• Develop briefing notes and materials for senior leadership that analyze the strategic implications, industry relevance, and environmental outcomes of grant-funded programs. Ensure information is evidence-based and aligned with departmental priorities.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf. 

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following APS competencies:

• Systems Thinking –Takes a long-term view towards agricultural sector profitability and improved environmental sustainability. Anticipates outcomes and potential impacts of agri-environmental initiatives, seeks stakeholder perspectives. 
• Creative Problem Solving - Development of new grant programs, one-off grants, and contracts that meet the needs of the Department and the recipients. Interpreting and addressing applicant concerns is a key component of program success. Engages stakeholders to identify solutions and contributes to program improvements through innovative thinking.
• Develop Networks - Builds strong internal and external relationships to support effective program delivery, issue resolution, and mutual understanding of agri-environmental objectives. Open to perspectives towards agri-environmental objectives and solutions. Builds relationships with Legal Services, Financial Services, and the CAP Secretariat to (1) support the development of new grant programs and (2) pro-actively address grant issues and improve delivery efficiencies. 
• Drive for Results – Monitors program implementation and identifies delivery barriers, working proactively with teams to resolve issues and enhance effectiveness. Identifies budget pressures and provides reports to the Manager with recommendations.

Qualifications

University Degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Public Policy/Administration or related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required:

• Knowledge of agricultural practices in Alberta and knowledge of beneficial management practices relevant to the agricultural industry.
• Knowledge of agri-environmental policies, strategies, and industry initiatives, opportunities and challenges in Alberta and other jurisdictions.

Assets:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills required to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders. 
• Experience working on grant program development, delivery, and reporting.
• Hands-on experience using an automated Grant Management System (GMS) or Contract Management System.
• Excellent project management skills.

Please ensure your cover letter clearly highlights how your experience is aligned with the requirements and noted assets for the role.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY 
Division/Branch: Primary Agriculture.

Position Information: 

• Office located in Edmonton or Lethbridge 
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
• Temporary salaried position, ending March 31, 2028
• Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Eligible for participation in hybrid work from home program.
• Travel: < 25% (Some travel within Alberta may be required, thus a valid Class 5 driver’s license is required)

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Please indicate employment duration for all roles listed on your resume and whether you worked part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.