Senior Trade Policy Officer

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager (International Trade Policy), the Senior Trade Policy Officer is responsible for providing in-depth research and policy analysis on complex international trade issues, including trade in goods market access, tariff and non-tariff barriers and trade irritants with focus on implications for Alberta. The role involves coordinating with technical experts across the Government of Alberta and liaise with federal, provincial, and territorial counterparts to develop informed provincial policy positions. The officer will monitor trade negotiations and agreements, assess their impact on Alberta’s interests, and support the development of strategic responses. This includes preparing briefing materials, intergovernmental correspondence, and recommendations to advance Alberta’s trade priorities. 

The primary responsibilities of the Senior Trade Policy Officer include:

• Identify Alberta's priorities and develop policy positions in international trade negotiations and the implementation of trade agreements.
• Identify Alberta's priorities and develop policy positions in the ongoing management of trade agreements.
• Ensure provincial priorities are effectively represented within Canada and with international trading partners, as appropriate.
• Identify and address trade policy issues of relevance to the province; provide research and analysis of trade policy issues affecting Alberta.

Please click on this link for a copy of 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.

Required Competencies:

• Drive for Results: 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: Maintain strong cross-departmental and external linkages to ensure effective information exchange, collaboration, and policy development.

• Systems Thinking: Develop policy responses, must consider the larger international, national, and provincial policy context and how it affects Alberta trade policy interests, as well as the impact of current choices on future policy decisions. 

• Agility: Work in grey policy areas; situations and obstacles encountered are often nebulous without a clear path to resolution. Circumstances can often change quickly, so need to be able to adapt and refocus. 
  
  

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field (Public Administration, Law) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

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

The position requires the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of key concepts in 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.
• Ability to anticipate and respond quickly to client needs.
• Ability to manage multiple requests, competing priorities and to meet tight timelines.

Assets

• Post-secondary degree, MBA or advanced degree in economics, business, law, international trade

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

We are currently hiring for one full-time permanent position. Work hours are Monday to Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (36.25 hours/week).

Work location is in Commerce Place Building, Edmonton.

A cover letter is required.
 

A written assessment will be conducted as part of the interview process.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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 have 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.
• 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.