Director,Stewardship&Agronomy(Canadian Fertilizer Inst)career opportunity in Canada

Job title:Director,Stewardship&Agronomy
Company:Canadian Fertilizer Institute
Location: Western Management Consultants ~ Ottawa, Canada
Deadline:25/09/2013 ·
The Canadian Fertilizer Institute (CFI) has a stellar record of accomplishments representing the fertilizer industry. The organization has grown substantially in size and mandate, and now needs to deliver increased influence and impact. The membership ranges from global manufacturing and mining companies to wholesalers and retailers who serve Canadian farmers. Reporting to the President, the Director, Stewardship & Agronomy, is a critical role in leading the industry’s efforts to support our members and influence the external environment in the areas of agricultural policy, soil sciences, and emissions to air and water. Nutrient management is a growing public policy issue so it is vital that the incumbent monitor the external world, identify strategies, and develop policies that deliver CFI’s sustainability objectives. The scope of this position is broad:

    Enhancing our leadership role with external stakeholders by building partnerships is a central focus.
    Working cross-functionally with members, policy committees and staff to provide strategic advice is a core competency.
    Internally, the incumbent works in a matrix environment, supervising program staff and contractors, working in close consultation with the association’s Vice President, and in a team environment with other policy staff members.

Specific responsibilities include:
    Promoting the industry’s 4R Nutrient Stewardship program to a wide variety of public, government, farm, and technical audiences.
    Participating in scientific advisory groups and managing research projects across Canada, including identifying partners to conduct field trials.
    Developing training programs for agronomists, crop advisors and farmers.
    Providing input into the Institute’s business planning and budgetary processes including managing complex and challenging projects with agronomy content and public policy impact.
    Developing consensus with internal and external stakeholders to monitor and influence the agenda of the government.

Critical skills include:
    Applying analytical expertise towards complex scientific questions and translating these issues into broad policy thrusts.
    Excellent written and spoken communication skills for a variety of audiences including the public.
    Oral French communications skills are a definite asset.

The ideal candidate will possess a master’s degree in agronomy, soil science, or an equivalent scientific foundation, i.e.: chemistry, plant science, agricultural engineering, and environmental science, with the capacity to gain a designation as a Professional Agrologist.
The ability to resolve regulatory and external policy issues related to the agricultural field is essential. Industry association or appropriate government experience is useful.
Communications and influencing skills are a given in this kind of role.he position is located at CFI’s headquarters in Ottawa. The position requires significant travel within North America.

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