We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please use the Contact information below to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
We want you to succeed! Our objective is to identify qualified candidates by assessing their abilities fairly. Assessment accommodations are intended to remove obstacles without altering the criteria being assessed so that all candidates can showcase their capabilities. Please help us meet our commitment of providing an inclusive and barrier free environment by letting us know if you require assessment accommodations, including assistance with the application process. Additional information on the assessment format(s) (for example: exam, interview) will be provided at each assessment stage.
If you need assistance or have questions at any stage of the process, contact Karina Humniski at .
At Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Commerce Officers (COs) work closely with industry to foster a competitive agriculture and agri-food sector. They engage with stakeholders, conduct business research and analysis, gather market intelligence, identify emerging issues, write analytical reports, develop strategies, identify funding opportunities for producers and industry, support/design/deliver and manage programs and advance agricultural interests in bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations. All COs contribute to the economic growth and long-term development and prosperity of AAF sector, domestically and internationally.
As a CO-00, you will:
• Answer general inquiries related to programs and services offered by AAFC.
• Participate in teams and inter-branch working group meetings to observe and enhance your understanding of internal business processes, program delivery tools and techniques.
• Under the direction of a Senior Officer, gather information and intelligence from various sources to assess the market, managerial, financial and technical merits of project proposals and/or to convey research findings for use by AAFC Senior Officers and managers.
• Accompany Senior Officers on outreach activities with other government departments and industry stakeholders to observe and enhance your understanding of issues and opportunities facing the sector.
• Support the development of company and sector profiles, and provide input to colleagues for inclusion in ministerial correspondence.
• Develop a network of contacts within the department and other governmental departments/agencies to provide and obtain information regarding their priorities, challenges and positions on policies and issues in the agriculture and agri-food industry.
AAFC is committed to diversity and inclusion. We have several networks dedicated to ensuring that the department continues to grow as an inclusive, accessible, respectful, and diverse workplace. All employees are encouraged and welcomed to join the networks and participate in their activities and events.
• The Gender and Sexual Diversity Inclusiveness Network
• The Indigenous Network Circle
• The Managers' Community
• The Persons with Disabilities Network
• The Student Panel of Representatives for Orientation, Unity, and Training
• The Visible Minorities Network
• The Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network
• The Young Professional's Network
The intent of this process is to establish a pool of participants for the Commerce Officer Development Program (CODP) at AAFC. If you are appointed through this process, you will join the CODP which is one of AAFC’s professional development program. The CODP is a competency based development program that focuses on developing key knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies required to be a successful CO at AAFC. The Program will support entry-level Commerce Officers with acquiring and enhancing their skills through diverse work experiences, mentorship and formal training.
Depending on the position being staffed, hiring managers may require additional qualifications where further assessments will be required. You will be provided the opportunity to submit information relevant to any additional qualifications that may be applied.
If you are an employee of the Public Service of Canada and are qualified through this process, you may be considered for assignment, secondment or deployment opportunities and the proper approval will be sought. Note that rates of pay may vary for internal candidates and will be determined in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of employment.
Positions to be filled: Number to be determined
Your résumé.
EDUCATION:
Graduation with a degree from a recognized post-secondary institution with acceptable specialization in a field relevant to the duties of the position.
An acceptable specialization is defined by having completed courses in a specified field of study. Areas of specialization considered may include but are not limited to, Business Administration, International Trade, Commerce, Finance, Accounting, Public Administration, Natural Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or Agricultural Management.
If you were educated outside of Canada, you must have your certificates and/or diplomas assessed against Canadian education standards. Click on the link below for more information.
EXPERIENCE :
✦ Experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Quantitative/qualitative research
- Policy analysis (trade, environment, economic, market)
- Interpreting legislation or regulations
- Interpreting and analyzing information from a variety of sources
✦ Experience preparing and presenting research and analysis findings
✦ Experience participating in projects and/or working groups
✦ Experience working with clients and/or stakeholders
Various language requirements
This process will be used to staff positions with various linguistic profiles, including English essential, French essential and bilingual positions. For bilingual positions, you must be able to work in English AND in French (Reading, Writing and Oral proficiency). We are looking for a bilingual profile of BBB/BBB or higher, if you aren't sure what that means, click on the link below!
Information on language requirements
COMPETENCIES :
✦ Demonstrating Integrity and Respect
✦ Thinking Things Through (Reasoning and Judgment)
✦ Working Effectively with Others
✦ Showing Initiative and Being Action Oriented
✦ Adaptability
✦ Ability to communicate effectively in writing
✦ Interactive Communication
Additional qualifications may be required by the hiring manager(s). You will be asked to provide additional information on these qualifications at a later date.
✦ Masters or postgraduate degree from a recognized university with acceptable specialization in business administration, international trade, commerce, finance, accounting, public administration, or agricultural management.
✦Experience participating in multidisciplinary working groups and/or establishing collaborative projects
✦Experience working with external stakeholders (e.g., non-governmental organizations, provinces, territories, industry) as it relates to the field of work
✦Experience conducting business, financial and/or sector analyses
✦Experience participating in economic development projects or programs
✦Knowledge of project management concepts and tools
✦Knowledge of methods and techniques for conducting business case and/or sector analysis
ORGANIZATIONAL NEEDS:
Agriculture and Agri-food Canada is committed to achieving employment equity and developing a highly capable workforce that is representative of Canadian Society. We strongly encourage candidates to self-declare if they belong to an Employment Equity designated group as selection may be limited to candidates belonging to one or more of these groups. Specifically, in the Commerce Officer occupational group, we want to increase representation of Indigenous Peoples and Persons with Disabilities.
Information on employment equity
OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
-Availability and willingness to work overtime
-Availability and willingness to travel
Reliability Status security clearance - or Secret security clearance
Willingness to be reassigned to satisfy the CODP requirements (rotational assignments, experience factors, competency development).
There may be additional conditions of employment based on positional requirements.
The Public Service of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.
Information on employment equity
ASSESSEMENT INFORMATION
You must meet all essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications, such as asset qualifications or organizational needs, may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed.
All qualified candidates will be placed in a pool. Once the results of the pool become available to AAFC hiring managers, they will connect directly with individuals in the pool being considered for specific appointments.
All communication relating to this process, including email correspondence, may be used in the assessment of qualifications.
Appointment decisions may be based on one or more of the following criteria:
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the strengths and weaknesses of the work team.
- Matching of the individual's experience or qualifications to the specific duties of the position being staffed.
- Depth, breadth, or the type of work-specific experience.
- Level/degree of one or more competencies and/or qualifications.
APPLICATION & CORRESPONDENCE INFORMATION
Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. You must apply on-line through www.canada.ca/en/public-service-commission/jobs/services/gc-jobs.html.
Persons are entitled to participate in the appointment process in the official language of their choice. Please indicate your preferred official language in your application.
Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required. Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email).
Preference will be given to veterans first and then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, with the exception of a job located in Nunavut, where Nunavut Inuit will be appointed first.
Information on the preference to veterans
We thank all those who apply. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.