Policy Analyst, Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Calgary seeks a Policy Analyst to contribute to the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy, working on policy monitoring, applied research, and knowledge mobilization. The role involves designing studies, assessing evidence, and communicating findings to decision-makers, with collaboration across academia, government and industry.

The position is a Full-time Fixed Term for approximately 1 year, with potential extension based on grant funding, reporting to the Centre

Qualifications

• Degree in public policy, agricultural economics, economics, political science, agriculture or related field.

Responsibilities

• Policy analysis and monitoring of federal, provincial and territorial agriculture and food policy developments.
• Applied research reviewing studies, government documents, and datasets; compare findings by region or stakeholder group.
• Create tables, charts and dashboards to communicate findings.
• Assess policy options and develop practical, evidence-based recommendations.
• Engagement: knowledge mobilization items and presentations; network with officials, bureaucrats and industry leaders.
• Project delivery: coordinate meetings, prepare proposals and maintain records.

Skills

Plain-language writing

Presentation skills

Organization skills

Relationship management

Quantitative and qualitative analysis

Policy interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in public policy, agricultural economics, economics, political science, agriculture or related field

Master's degree in related field (asset)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Spreadsheets

Survey analysis tools

Statistical analysis tools

Qualitative analysis tools

Data visualization tools

Job description

Description

The Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Policy Analyst. This Full-time Fixed Termposition is for approximately 1 year (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

Reporting to the Centre Director, this position is a policy analyst job contributing to the Simpson Centre's goals around infrastructure, resource resilience, manpower, and biosafety. The Research Assistant will collaborate with The Simpson Centre's Director, Senior Policy Analyst, Data Analyst, Marketing and Communications Coordinator towards the goals of the Centre's Strategic Plan.

The Policy Analyst leads and supports research and outreach on issues shaping Canadian agriculture and food systems. Working with Centre leadership, researchers and partners, the selected candidate will follow policy developments, design studies, manage strategic relationships, assess evidence and communicate findings to decision‑makers and wider audiences. The work requires involvement in in‑depth research projects, knowledge mobilization, and sound judgment, strong writing, and organized delivery. Research topics may include trade and market access, infrastructure, data governance, farm competitiveness, labour, food security, sustainability, technology adoption and government program

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Policy analysis and monitoring:

• Track federal, provincial and territorial agriculture and food policy announcements and proposed legislation
• Assess likely effects on producers, processors, supply chains and rural communities
• Prepare weekly policy summaries and timely alerts on significant developments

Applied research:

• Review academic studies, government documents, industry submissions and public datasets
• Compare findings by region, commodity or stakeholder group where the data allow
• Create tables, charts and dashboards that make findings easy to understand
• Assess policy options and develop practical, evidence‑based recommendations

Engagement and communication:

• Prepare Knowledge Mobilization Items (KMIs) such as policy briefs, issue notes, reports, backgrounders and presentation materials
• Represent the Simpson Centre at different events and if necessary, do media interviews
• Develop a network comprising elected officials, bureaucrats, other public policy professionals and businesses leaders
• Identify speakers and prepare agendas and briefing packages for events

Project delivery:

• Help prepare funding proposals, grant applications and progress reports
• Coordinate meetings and follow up with researchers, funders and project partners
• Maintain organized project files and records of decisions
• Follow applicable research ethics, privacy and University of Calgary requirements

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A degree in public policy, agricultural economics, economics, political science, agriculture or a related field; a relevant master's degree is an asset. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered
• Three years of relevant policy, research or project experience is preferred. Graduate research, internships and comparable work may contribute to this experience
• Ability to interpret policy and regulatory material, assess competing claims, conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis and draw careful conclusions
• Excellent plain‑language writing and presentation skills, with examples of explaining complex findings to non‑specialist audiences
• Strong organization and relationship skills, including the ability to manage several deadlines and collaborate across academic, government and industry settings
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and spreadsheets; experience with survey, statistical, qualitative analysis, or data‑visualization tools is an asset
• Awareness of Canadian agriculture and agri‑food policy and political affairs is an asset, as is experience working directly with producers or other food‑system stakeholders

Application Deadline

October 20, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest‑ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands‑on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start‑ups Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution‑wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit‑based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous‑based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([e-mail]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.