Lead Trade Policy Officer

Role Responsibilities

The position will be responsible for leading the analysis of trade policy issues of significance to Alberta and will contribute to the development and communication of Alberta trade policy positions. The position will be specifically responsible for taking a leadership role in oversight of the spectrum of trade policy issues ranging from trade in goods (exports/ imports), trade in services, investment, and environment, labour, indigenous, gender, and other social considerations. The position is critical to support the knowledge transition plan and overall succession management within the unit. This position will be accountable for coordination of Alberta responses to complex trade policy issues as they arise through trade discussions, negotiations, disputes, and agreements, and will coordinate outreach and cooperation with relevant GoA departments and with intergovernmental (federal/provincial/territorial) and other contacts.

The Lead Trade Policy Officer works independently or directly with the International Trade Policy Negotiator on priority trade policy initiatives, which can include high level and complex trade negotiations and disputes. In this capacity, they engage with Trade Policy Unit staff and with other technical experts in the Government of Alberta to synthesize the broad range of government policy interests and to finalize Alberta policy positions. They also engage with provincial/territorial and federal officials, to reach consensus on negotiating positions and policy approaches that involve provincial interests or jurisdictional scope. The Lead Trade Policy Officer will hold the expert knowledge required to effectively represent the Government of Alberta's interests in key negotiations and disputes.

Responsibilities include:

1. Lead the analysis of international trade negotiations and agreements by assessing impacts on Alberta, developing policy positions and recommendations, coordinating input from departments and subject matter experts, and supporting the implementation of trade agreements and related policy priorities.
2. Lead the ongoing management of trade agreements by developing Alberta's policy positions, ensuring compliance with trade obligations, coordinating responses to trade disputes, participating in agreement governance processes, and promoting the benefits of trade agreements to Alberta businesses.
3. Represent, communicate and advance Alberta’s trade priorities by building intergovernmental and international partnerships, participating in intergovernmental meetings, trade negotiations, stakeholder consultations and policy forums, coordinating cross-ministry engagement, and leading the development of strategic briefings, correspondence, presentations and recommendations on trade policy issues.
4. Provide expert trade policy advice by monitoring global and domestic trade developments, conducting strategic research and analysis, evaluating legislative and policy implications for Alberta, and recommending responses aligned with provincial trade 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.

• Drive for Results - The position is expected to achieve goals by assessing the situation, developing an engagement plan, seeking the best resolution - potentially in the context of competing interests - and collaborating with relevant colleagues and stakeholders to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
• Develop Networks - This position must develop and maintain strong cross departmental and external linkages (e.g., with provincial counterparts, federal technical officials, and other stakeholders) to ensure effective information exchange, collaboration, and policy development.
• Systems Thinking - This position supports the development of effective negotiating strategies, to ensure that provincial priorities and interests are incorporated into international trade negotiations pursued by the Government of Canada.
• Agility - The Lead Trade Policy Officer is expected to contribute to the identification and effective use of issue-specific strategic alliances to pursue Alberta interests.

Qualifications

University graduation in Law, Business Administration, Arts (Political Science, Economics), International Trade Policy, Trade Law Specialization or a related field plus 6 years progressively responsible related experience. One year of degree for one year of education and vice versa will be considered as equivalent. A Masters degree in Business Administration is an asset.

Knowledge and skills required:

• Knowledge of key concepts in domestic constitutional jurisdiction, international trade policy and international economic relations.
• Knowledge of Alberta trade policy objectives and ability to align work activities with those objectives.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and synthesize relevant information/data from varied sources.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods and practices.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) skills. Attention to detail, grammar and ability to both compose and edit written material including formal correspondence and briefing material.
• Able to work effectively independently and as a team member.

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

There is one full-time permanent position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Working location is in person 5 days a week in Edmonton. This position does not support hybrid or work from home arrangements.

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.
• 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.