Lead Trade Policy Officer Job Edmonton area,Alberta Canada,Government

Role Responsibilities

The position will be responsible for leading the analysis of trade policy issues of significance to Alberta and will contribute to the development and communication of Alberta trade policy positions. The position will be specifically responsible for taking a leadership role in oversight of the spectrum of trade policy issues ranging from trade in goods (exports/ imports), trade in services, investment, and environment, labour, indigenous, gender, and other social considerations.

The position is critical to support the knowledge transition plan and overall succession management within the unit. This position will be accountable for coordination of Alberta responses to complex trade policy issues as they arise through trade discussions, negotiations, disputes, and agreements, and will coordinate outreach and cooperation with relevant GoA departments and with intergovernmental (federal/provincial/territorial) and other contacts.

The Lead Trade Policy Officer works independently or directly with the International Trade Policy Negotiator on priority trade policy initiatives, which can include high level and complex trade negotiations and disputes. In this capacity, they engage with Trade Policy Unit staff and with other technical experts in the Government of Alberta to synthesize the broad range of government policy interests and to finalize Alberta policy positions.

They also engage with provincial/territorial and federal officials, to reach consensus on negotiating positions and policy approaches that involve provincial interests or jurisdictional scope. The Lead Trade Policy Officer will hold the expert knowledge required to effectively represent the Government of Alberta's interests in key negotiations and disputes.

Responsibilities include
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Lead the analysis of international trade negotiations and agreements by assessing impacts on Alberta, developing policy positions and recommendations, coordinating input from departments and subject matter experts, and supporting the implementation of trade agreements and related policy priorities.

Lead the ongoing management of trade agreements by developing Alberta's policy positions, ensuring compliance with trade obligations, coordinating responses to trade disputes, participating in agreement governance processes, and promoting the benefits of trade agreements to Alberta businesses.

Represent, communicate and advance Alberta’s trade priorities by building intergovernmental and international partnerships, participating in intergovernmental meetings, trade negotiations, stakeholder consultations and policy forums, coordinating cross-ministry engagement, and leading the development of strategic briefings, correspondence, presentations and recommendations on trade policy issues.

Provide expert trade policy advice by monitoring global and domestic trade developments, conducting strategic research and analysis, evaluating legislative and policy implications for Alberta, and recommending responses aligned with provincial trade priorities.