Job Title: Policy Advisor
Reports to: Vice President, Policy, Advocacy and Communications
Status: Permanent, Full-Time
Apply at: [email protected]
Deadline: Before midnight EDT on Monday August 7th, 2017

Position Purpose

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is seeking a motivated and energetic public policy professional to join a small and dynamic team within CADSI.

This is an exciting career opportunity to build on your five or more years’ experience working for a trade association, the private sector, or government.  The core functions of the position are to provide analysis, advice and advocacy on the policies and procedures that affect Canadian defence procurements (e.g. Treasury Board policies; PSPS Supply Manual and its associated SACC Manual; Integrity Regime; Controlled Goods Program; Risk/Performance Management, Cost and Profit Policy; procurement modernization, and Canadian Content Policy) or Canada’s export controls regime.  

The role will require engagement and consensus building among the association’s membership to develop and ultimately advance policy positions with Government of Canada officials at different levels.

Through this work, you will build on your understanding of how government legislation, regulations and policies affect small, medium and large companies operating in the defence industry.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Policy Advisor are to:

• Represent CADSI by building and maintaining effective relationships with CADSI members, internal/external stakeholders, and government officials, including at the executive level, in accordance with the Lobbying Act.
• Create and manage member engagement processes (e.g. including organizing all aspects of workshops, meetings, working groups, webinars, and research projects) that obtain the industry expertise and insights required to formulate industry views and, where possible, build industry consensus.
• Provide sound strategic and technical policy analysis and advice on matters pertaining to Canadian defence procurement to CADSI’s executive team, Board of Directors and operating committees through written briefs or oral presentations.
• Develop, in consultation with CADSI colleagues and members, strategies and tactics on how to engage government and other stakeholders in policy development that reflects industry’s views.
• Provide support to CADSI’s executive team, Board of Directors, operating committees, and members, including for internal and external communications and presentations (e.g. drafting reports and member updates).
• Monitor and identify emerging policy opportunities, challenges or roadblocks.
• Provide support in organizing conferences and meetings for members (e.g. CANSEC, Outlooks).
• Lead various research projects, often directing the work of outside research consultants.
• Other duties as assigned, including occasional travel outside of Ottawa.

Experience and Qualifications

CADSI is looking for a motivated, flexible, self-starter who has:

• Five or more years’ experience working in a trade association, the private sector, a consultancy, or government, in a role that required interaction with government and companies.
• Strong policy research, analysis and written/oral briefing skills.
• Been involved with engagement processes that developed consensus on complex issues.
• Effectively advocated or advanced policy positions with or within government.
• A post-secondary degree in a related discipline (e.g. public administration/policy, political science, economics, business administration). A graduate degree in a similar field would be an asset.
• Work independently and in a small team environment.
• Worked with Government of Canada officials, including public office holders.

You can set yourself apart from other candidates if you have:

• Some knowledge of the Canadian defence and/or cybersecurity industries.
• Some knowledge of federal government procurement policies, legislation and regulations that affect defence acquisitions and the export of defence goods and services.
• An ability to communicate in both officials languages.
• Experience in managing consultants and service providers.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages that addresses the following points:

1. Why you want to work for the CADSI.
2. How your background and skills ideally suit you to fulfil this position.
3. Ways in which your work experience demonstrate your result-oriented professional approach.
4. Salary expectations.

Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] by no later than midnight EDT on Monday August 7^th, 2017. Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

About CADSI

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is the national industry voice of more than 800 Canadian defence and security companies that produce world-class goods, services and technologies made across Canada and sought the world over. The industries contributes to the employment of more than 63,000 Canadians and generate $10 billion in annual revenues, roughly 60 per cent of which come from exports. To learn more about CADSI and Canada’s defence and security industry, visit www.defenceandsecurity.ca and follow us on Twitter at @CadsiCanada.