About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada supports a unique network of over 4,700 food-related organizations in every province and territory that provides support to Canadians who visit food banks over 1.1 million times each month. Together, the network annually shares over 200 million pounds of essential safe, quality food; provides social programs that help to foster self-sufficiency and advocates for policy changes that will help create a Canada where no one goes hungry.

About the Role

The Policy and Advocacy Officer is responsible for assisting the Manager of Government Relations and Advocacy and the Chief Network Services Officer on the development of strategy and implementation of public policy and advocacy initiatives for Food Banks Canada in collaboration with the food bank network and in support of the strategic plan. This role works with Food Banks Canada staff, the food bank network, provincial and federal government staff, and elected officials to advance long-term solutions to reduce hunger and poverty in Canada.

 What You Will Be Doing

• Assist the Manager in the strategy development, planning, and execution of Food Banks Canada’s government relations and advocacy work.
• Help monitor the success of Food Banks Canada’s government relations and advocacy activities.
• Support the Manager and the National Policy Advisory Committee (NPAC) in their work to lead the development of long-term policy solutions.
• Help research, develop, and write long-term federal policy recommendations that reduce the need for food banks.
• Develop and execute a plan to increase our advocacy support for all provincial associations and some local food banks in their provincial/municipal policy development and government relations activities.
• Support the Manager in planning and executing of events and campaigns to increase government officials’ understanding and awareness of hunger in Canada.
• Liaise and partner with other non-profit organizations in the food security, anti-poverty and social development fields.

What You Will Need

• Completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, preferably in political science.
• Minimum 4 years relevant experience.
• Experience working in a team environment, preferably in a political setting.
• Experience working in federal politics is an asset.
• Clear, professional, and warm communicator.
• Self-starter with the ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Bilingual (English & French) is a strong asset.

Working Conditions

• Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work. This position is home-based and must be located within 100km of Ottawa, Ontario. Occasional travel within Canada may be required.

Food Banks Canada is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.

Diversity forms the foundation for excellence and Food Banks Canada seeks team members who will work respectfully and constructively with differences. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically underrepresented on any grounds listed under the Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age and/or self-identify as Indigenous (status, non-status, Metis, and Inuit).

If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.

We thank all those who apply but only those applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.