Recruitment posting
Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council
Competition #: 834
Ministry : Agriculture and Irrigation
Opening Date : 2024/09/11
closing Date : 2024/10/02
Role : Members
It is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal. Diversity and inclusion are valued and supported on the boards of Alberta's public agencies.
The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation is seeking applications from individuals interested in serving as a member on the Alberta Agricultural Products Marketing Council (Council).
- Three members are required to fill upcoming vacancies.
Council is a regulatory/adjudicative agency established by the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act (MAPA). Council provides regulatory oversight and facilitates effective governance and leadership for the 19 agricultural Marketing Boards and Commissions (MBCs) in the province.
Council has legislated responsibilities to:
- Advise the Minister on matters relating to the establishment, operation and control of MBCs;
- Review each proposed plan submitted to it by agricultural MBCs and decide whether to hold public hearings or meetings in respect of a proposed plan;
- Make recommendations to the Minister respecting the establishment, amendment and termination of a plan;
- Conduct votes on plans for the establishment, amendment or termination of plans and of MBCs;
- Supervise the operation of MBCs;
- Administer the regulations made under MAPA;
- Perform any other duties and functions necessary in exercising the authority given to it under the MAPA and the regulations; and
- Carry out any other duty assigned to it by the Minister or the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Council's clients consist of 19 agricultural MBCs representing various crop and livestock commodities in Alberta. The 19 MBCs’ primary responsibilities are to initiate and carry out projects or programs to commence, stimulate, increase or improve the production or marketing, or both, of an agricultural product. The agricultural MBCs are also responsible for developing and administering regulations and policies for the control and regulation of the production and/or marketing of an agricultural product.
Members support Council’s vision of a thriving agricultural industry driven by strategic leadership. Council empowers MBCs by advancing governance excellence, providing integrated policy advice, and administering effective legislation for the benefit of the agriculture industry and government.
As a key part of the vision/mission of the organization, Council members are also responsible for the governance of Council and overseeing the management of Council’s business and affairs. In doing so, they must act honestly, in good faith, and in the best interests of Council, the overall agricultural industry, and the people of Alberta.
Specifically, the Members will:
- Inform the Minister of issues or events that concern or can reasonably be expected to be important in the exercise of the Minister’s responsibilities within scope of the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act and associated regulations;
- Advise the Minister on policies and issues that arise from Council’s mandate and expertise;
- Develop and approve Council’s strategic plan;
- Establish clear goals and measurable results, for which Council will be held accountable;
- Operate within the mandate, policies, and budgets approved by the government;
- Maintain a conflict of interest policy consistent with GoA policies;
- Contribute to the performance assessment of the General Manager;
- Update and maintain Council’s Member Orientation Guide and Policy and Procedures Manual;
- Review Council's own performance through the solicitation of feedback from Council staff, industry, management, auditors, and the Minister; and
- Conduct regular evaluations of the overall Council, individual Members, and the Chair; and, represent Council to the industry, and listen to the views of the industry.
Individuals are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for a fixed term of up to three years, with the potential of reappointment for one additional term. An individual’s appointment is limited to a maximum of six years of continuous service.
- Agricultural Industry Experience: The applicant demonstrates knowledge or expertise in, or has experience with, the agriculture industry in Alberta, agricultural supply management, including interlocking federal provincial quota systems, as well as provincial and national trends and issues. The applicant should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the role of legislation and the government in regulating the agriculture sector.
- Governance Experience: The applicant demonstrates knowledge or expertise in, or has experience with, board governance in the private, public, and/or volunteer/non-profit sector. Applicants should have a clear understanding of principles of good governance and public agency decision making. The applicant has a clear understanding of the distinction between the roles of Council versus the role of other government actors. This may or may not include experience serving on or working with a board, acting as a trustee, or holding similar fiduciary positions.
- Business Experience in the Agriculture Sector: The applicant demonstrates knowledge and/or expertise in, or has experience with, business operations in the agriculture sector in Alberta, either in primary production, processing, or an ancillary or support industry.
- Government and Public Policy Knowledge: The applicant has experience with or demonstrates knowledge or expertise of, the broader public policy context as it affects Alberta’s agricultural sector and its regulatory bodies. The applicant is sensitive to issues which may affect the Government of Alberta’s lines of business as well as current issues which may impact producers. Experience with the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, associated regulations, and the role that regulatory agencies play in Alberta’s agricultural industry is an asset.
- Experience Understanding, Interpreting, and Applying Legislation and Regulations: The applicant demonstrates knowledge or expertise in, or has experience with, the application and interpretation of legislation, regulations, or similar codes and frameworks. This may include a wide range of experience in fields that emphasize general skills such as investigation, compliance, legal services, mediation and negotiation, or consulting. Experience directly related to the Marketing of Agricultural Products Act may be an asset but is not required. An LLB, Juris Doctor, or similar designation would be an asset, but is not required.
- Clear, Concise, and Complete Communication Skills: The applicant demonstrates an ability to express ideas clearly, concisely, and completely in written and verbal communication. Experience drafting orders, directives, policies, or similar documents would be an asset.
- Accounting and Financial Management Experience: The applicant has experience with or demonstrates knowledge or expertise of, accounting principles and financial management. This may or may not include accounting certification and experience overseeing public funds. Specific expertise and understanding of not-for-profit financial statements and condition would be a tremendous asset.
- Risk Management Experience: The applicant has experience with or the ability to demonstrate knowledge or expertise in risk management and the evaluation, identification, and prioritization of economic risk.
- Systems Thinking: The applicant possesses critical thinking skills that allow them to view issues from a systems lens and take into consideration situational context in decision-making by:
- Considering the whole system
- Evaluating in the context of short-medium-long term
- Understanding interconnections
- Leadership and Teamwork Skills: The candidate demonstrates an understanding of the importance of teamwork to the success of Council and has experience or expertise working collaboratively.
- Consensus Building and Collaborative Decision Making: The applicant demonstrates an ability to cooperate with others to make decisions as a group, compromising, listening actively, and finding and building consensus through collaboration. The applicant should be comfortable making group decisions in the face of disagreements between members.
- Community/Stakeholder Relationship Management Skills: The applicant demonstrates experience managing relationships between people and groups to achieve results, despite goals, priorities, and interests that do not necessarily align. Specific expertise in leading engagement and/or community development activities would be ideal (tools, techniques, etc.).
The Alberta Government is committed to supporting diversity and inclusion on Alberta’s agencies, boards, and commissions. Qualified individuals from all backgrounds, who embody a wide range of knowledge, skills, and expertise, are encouraged to apply.
Council members are paid an honorarium and travel expenses as prescribed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council in OC466/2007, the Committee Remuneration Order, Schedule 1 Part A (effective April 1, 2009)
A member shall be paid:
- $164 for up to and including four hours in any day,
- $290 for over four hours and up to and including eight hours in any day, or
- $427 for over eight hours in any day spent on committee business.
Council typically meets six times a year either virtually or in-person (generally Edmonton or Red Deer).
Members are also scheduled to attend annual general meetings for specific MBCs as part of Council’s oversight role.
Please note: This ad will close on October 2, 2024 or until suitable candidates found.
The posting may be used to fill current and future public agency vacancies.
In addition to your cover letter and resume, we require a biography. Click HERE to download the biography form.
Once the forms are completed, save them to your PC. When you click on submit application, you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop or upload your completed biography form and others requested into the ‘Drop files below or click to upload’ section.
Executive Search, Alberta Public Service Commission.
Phone: 780-408-8460
Carefully read the Recruitment Posting and the Position Profile to ensure this is an appropriate opportunity for you. Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements.
Online applications are preferred. To apply, click on the 'apply' button, create or sign into your account in the ePAAS system; upload your resume, view the listing under Current Opportunities and click on 'submit application'. The uploaded resume will be automatically attached.
Provide a short 4 line biography using the Biography template found under additional documents section. Your biography should include your name, current work experience, board/committee experience and relevant education. Please note that biographies may be edited for length and clarity.
Once your biography and other required form(s) are completed, save it to your PC. When you hit 'submit application', you will be prompted to upload additional documents. Drag and drop (or upload) your completed cover letter, biography and other form(s) into the 'Drop files below or click to upload' section before clicking the 'apply' button.
If you are unable to apply online, please submit a cover letter and resume, quoting the recruitment posting competition number, to the contact provided on the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to assess which candidates' qualifications most closely match the agency's requirements. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted to advance to the next step in the appointment process. You can check the status of each competition on-line at https://www.alberta.ca/public-agencies.cfm.
The personal information in ePAAS is collected pursuant to section 33(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The information will be used to administer and manage recruitment for current and future public agency appointment opportunities. Questions regarding the collection, use, or disclosure of this information, may be directed to the Public Agency Secretariat, Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Peace Hills Trust Tower, 10011 109 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3S8 or by calling 780-644-3060. Applicants will be required to identify any real or perceived conflicts of interest and may be required to undergo additional screening.
Please Note: Successful applicants will have the following information about them made publicly available on the Public Agency Secretariat Website: name, biography, public agency, and position title.