Are you interested in working in a stimulating, client-oriented environment? Do you enjoy supporting your teammates and working together towards a common goal? If so, this is your opportunity to showcase your existing experience in providing expertise in such areas as agri-food and community economic development, and other resources that foster economic growth and support community and economic development and the agri-food sectors in Ontario.

As an Economic and Business Advisor you will be responsible to facilitate the development of economic strategies by conducting economic analysis through consultation with agri-food companies, rural, Indigenous groups and other key stakeholders.
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Please note, the successful candidate will be given the option to work from one of the following locations:

• 1 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario N1G 4Y2 (headquarters)
• 77 Grenville Street , Toronto, Ontario M7A 1B3
• 120 Main Street East, Ridgetown, ON N0P 2C0
• 667 Exeter Road, London, ON N6E 1L3
• 63 Lorne Ave. East, Stratford, ON N5A 6S4
• 401 Lakeview Drive, Woodstock, ON N4T 1W2
• 322 Kent Street West, Lindsay, ON K9V 4T7
• 95 Dundas Street East, Brighton, ON K0K 1H0
• 59 Ministry Road, Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
• 6484 Wellington Rd. 7, Elora, ON N0B 1S0
• 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0
• Blueline Road & Highway # 3, Simcoe, ON N3Y 4N5
• 2284 Nursery Rd Midhurst, ON L9X 1N8
• 11790 Highway 64, Verner, ON P0H 2M0
• 435 James St. South, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S7

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:

• Conduct research, environmental scans, and trends analysis to identify and conceptualize key issues affecting the agri-food sectors and to support Ontario's economy through community economic development and business;
• Develop and implement reporting tools that allow for measurement and monitoring of branch initiatives and community economic development outcomes using an evidence-based approach that drives program effectiveness;
• Analyzes and interprets results for the development of recommendations for program and service enhancement;.
• Collaborate with the team to develop recommendations that minimize or alleviate impacts and maximize positive outcomes;
• Prepare or drafts a range of materials;
• Maintain strong internal and external networks to promote information sharing and develop proactive, coordinated approaches to the development of business and community economic development services and programs.

How do I qualify?

Economic and Business Knowledge:

• You demonstrate knowledge of economic development theories, principles, and methodologies;
• You have knowledge of economic, cost-benefit and financial analysis methods and techniques;
• You have an understanding of the agri-food trade and investment landscape in Ontario and beyond;
• You can assess the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs, and to provide recommendations on policy/program proposals.

Technical Knowledge:

• You are familiar with government policy, legislation, and programs to provide information, advice, and consultation to stakeholders;
• You have an understanding of economic development and its impact on international and domestic agri-food sectors, regions, technology and rural communities to evaluate a range of investment opportunities;
• You understand Indigenous groups development and governance principles.

Research and Analytical Skills:

• You have knowledge of performance measurement methods and techniques;
• You demonstrate experience in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and data/information analysis to conduct research and environmental scans;
• You can interpret data/information to identify and evaluate issues and trends impacting the sector;
• You have strong evaluative skills to assess business and community economic development opportunities, interpret economic, geographic, and marketing data/findings.

Communication and Relationship Management Skills:

• You can be clear, concise and use simple language when communicating information verbally and in writing to a wide variety of audiences individually and in groups;
• You can foster and manage relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders;
• You demonstrate political acuity to anticipate and recognize sensitive political situations ensuring that activities do not impact negatively on the ministry or the government;
• You demonstrate teamwork skills to work cooperatively and collaboratively;
• You have effective written skills to prepare analysis and recommendations, briefing and presentation material.

Planning, Organizational and Project Management Skills

• You have planning, organization and project management skills to effectively track, monitor and manage project activities, resources and deliverables to meet deadlines and budget requirements.

Additional Information:

Note:

• Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis.
• The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short-term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions.
• C-AF-191863/22(3)