Senior Trade Officer, Agriculture

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The mission is seeking to fill a Senior Trade Officer position for the Agriculture (AAFC/Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) program as well as various officer positions that may arise following this selection process. Working under the general direction of the Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada to Italy, the Senior Trade Officer’s major responsibilities include:  Promoting, advancing and protecting Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood industries and interests in the Italian market.

Core responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Engaging in activities contributing to export development and market access for the Canadian agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sectors, including understanding, analyzing and reporting on trade policy issues, developing potential advocacy strategies, and facilitating regulatory collaboration and technology transfer.
• Promoting Canada as an investment destination for Italian and European companies in the agriculture, agri-food, fish, seafood and agricultural technologies sectors, and identifying potential investment opportunities for Canadian companies in the Italian market.
• Fostering strategic alliances, including developing and maintaining a network of local and international business contacts, including like-minded partners, government and institutional contacts, and identifying key business opportunities and leads for Canadian exporters. 
• Providing strategic advice and services to support Canadian clients pursuing business development activities in Italy, such as but not limited to, market intelligence, advocacy and troubleshooting. 
• Planning and implementing strategic annual business plans and initiatives that are aligned with key Global Affairs Canada and/or Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada goals, objectives, and policies. 
• Providing advice, expertise and recommendations to management (Senior Trade Commissioner and/or Head of Mission) and stakeholders as the focal point of contact on trade opportunities, program implementation, policies, market intelligence and official visits and events. 
• Performing other related duties that support the work of the commercial program, such as planning high-level visits, business missions, writing strategic briefing notes, research, analysis, reporting, presentations and administrative functions.

 

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all applicants who are legally authorized to work in Italy at the time of appointment, including Embassy employees, who meet all of the essential qualifications and whose applications are received by the closing date.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments. 

Education

This position requires:

• A Bachelor's Degree from a legally recognized University 

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education

Language

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels. 

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required.

• A minimum of 5 years of recent* experience in at least 3 of the following areas: International business development activities; Conducting research and analysis of market opportunities for trade and investment; Developing and managing client and stakeholder relationships and in client/customer service; Project Management (such as strategic planning, tracking/reporting results and budget management) and communication plans; Providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports for clients and/or management.

 *Recent is defined as within the last 7 years.

 

Competencies

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment. 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

 

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Ability to communicate effectively in French, both orally and in writing.
• A graduate (Master’s) degree from a recognized institution in a relevant field (e.g. Commerce, Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Political Science, Public Administration, Engineering, Sciences, or other similar areas of studies).
• Experience in dealing with Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood sectors, businesses, geographic regions, economic strengths, and export interests.
• Experience dealing with Italian regulations and import requirements for agri-food, fish and seafood products.
• Experience working in the agriculture and agri-food sector and a developed network of relevant contacts.
• Experience within a diplomatic mission or international organization.
• Experience in developing, planning, and coordinating international trade events and business missions.

 

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Operational requirements will be assessed on a 'meet/does not meet' basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position.

• Hours of Work: Normal hours of work of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37,5 hours per week.
• Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice.
• Travel: This position requires travel domestically and/or internationally.
• The position may require duties to be performed outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends, in emergency situations or during High level visits or events).

• Work from home or working remotely may not be possible.

• the Embassy of Canada to Italy has established that the following will be considered to meet specific organizational needs:
  • Willingness to work on a mixed holiday schedule (Italian and Canadian).
  • Willingness to work in an open office context.

   

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period. 

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada. 
• All offers of employment are subject to receipt of satisfactory employment references and character references.
• The successful candidate must provide a copy of their Italian fiscal code and of their registration to the local health system (ASL) as a proof of their residence in Italy before the employment offer is issued.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered. 

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter.  Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the above job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and a cover letter in English or French. These documents may (or may not) be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

*If you are in a partially or fully qualified pool for a similar position with our mission, please include the process number and all relevant details in your application.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Italy does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Italy does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• 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 contact us at CSDPEA.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCEA@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an assessment by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to Italy, in Rome, the Embassy of Canada to the Holy See and the Consulate of Canada to Italy, in Milan which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada has established a multiple step salary scale as well as Terms and Conditions tailored to each country’s local labor environment. The Government of Canada does not negotiate salaries. Competitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package.