###Description

The Public Affairs Specialist is a strategic and analytical writer, researcher and communicator, with a background in public policy. This position reports to the Director of Public Affairs and will be responsible for GS1 Canada’s research, monitoring, and communicating on government, regulatory and related stakeholder activities; ensuring that the Public Affairs and senior management teams have the appropriate information and resources necessary to GS1 Canada’s core business priorities. As well, this position develops policy, strategies, and communication materials to advance GS1 Canada's core business priorities.

This position has regular communication with GS1 Canada staff and other recognized advocates and influencers where appropriate.

This is a full time, 12- month contract and open for renewal

###Key Responsibilities

• Develops an understanding of business and sector priorities to identify opportunities for GS1 Canada:
• Responsible for comprehensive government (federal, provincial and territorial), media and stakeholder landscape scans to ensure organizational knowledge on sector-based industry trends, issues, pain points and policy positions and to identify opportunities for engagement with organizational stakeholders;
• Play a leading role in the examination of government processes within, in order to develop an “implementation plan” for the departments leading partnerships with government;
• Lead the internal Public Policy Microsoft Teams Channel for proper communications on key government updates and priorities as they may impact GS1 Canada and its subscribers;
• Support the enhancement of “Public Relations for Government Relations (PR for GR) activities including message development and plan execution support on external-facing activities;
• Develop internal processes, and related material, to ensure clear communications within and seamless gathering of information, material, and documents for proper action to be taken;
• Conducts research and analysis and undertakes synthesis of information collected from various internal and external sources (e.g. government departments, reports, stakeholder publications);
• Collaborate with other GS1 Canada departments to prepare and submit funding proposals.
• Support regulatory intelligence development by staying updated on changes in regulatory requirements and industry trends.
• Assist in monitoring regulatory developments and communicating relevant updates to the Product and Engagements teams;
• Develops a range of high-quality policy and communication products in a variety of formats (speaking notes, briefing materials, presentations, reports, Q&As, backgrounders, etc.);
• Assists in managing departmental document repository to ensure consistent briefing and meeting materials to drive and enable GS1 Canada’s external relations, government relations and public policy activities;
• Prepares communication materials such as developing request letters, follow-up correspondence, agendas, action items, and information packages.
• Support maintaining GS1 Canada compliance with respective lobbying registries federally and provincially;
• Perform administrative tasks as required.

###Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• University degree or College diploma in public administration, government relations, communications, political science or a related discipline;
• 3 to 5 years work experience;
• Understanding of federal and provincial government organizational structures, and policy development processes;
• Experience with data collection (quantitative and qualitative) as well as the interpretation and synthesis of data;
• High level of proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet, etc.);
• Strong writer;
• Proven verbal communications and presentation skills to present and discuss complex issues with clarity;
• Strong analytical skills to assess and assimilate a good deal of information dealing with a variety of issues and subjects in environmental sustainability, provincial healthcare, and traceability-related public policy;
• Ability to work in a fast paced, multi-level, project-based environment with emphasis on tight timelines and delivery;
• Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism to develop and maintain collaborative working relations and partnerships with managers and staff of all levels;
• Proven initiative using common sense and good judgment; and,
• Ability to analyze and interpret financial documents such as government Budgets;
• Ability to analyze and prepare high-quality regulatory briefing notes based on government consultations, technical papers, guidance documents, as well as existing regulatory requirements, tools, and processes, with excellent writing skills.
• Bilingualism (French & English) is an asset to be able to engage with stakeholders and government officials from across the country.

###Contract Employee Benefits Overview

15 days of paid vacation

❤️ 2 paid personal/sick days, plus 8 unpaid personal/sick days

• ️ Eligible for Dialogue, a virtual healthcare clinic at your fingertips

Eligible for our Performance Incentive Program
Eligible for Lifestyle & Wellness Spending Account and Healthcare Spending Account

###About GS1 Canada

GS1 Canada is committed to helping all employees, customers, stakeholders and subscribers in an effective and timely manner by preventing and removing barriers for persons with disabilities. Our policies and practices are intended to foster diversity, inclusiveness and accessibility, while also ensuring that the workplace is free from discrimination and harassment.