Agricultural Economist

Egg Farmers of Canada (EFC) is seeking an experienced Economist to join the Agricultural Policy and Costing (APC) team in a fast-paced, challenging, and exciting work environment. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Agricultural Policy and Costing, the Agricultural Economist will be responsible for conducting accurate, comprehensive and timely analysis of data pertaining to the Canadian egg industry.

This role is ideally suited for an experienced Economist who enjoys project-based work, working with various stakeholders, and thrives in a collaborative culture.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Cost of Production (COP)

• Assist with the multi-year COP study, including development of questionnaires, determination of sample size, evaluation of methods, interim updating techniques, and the implementation of cost formulas resulting from the surveys and updates
• Assist with the monitoring of the COP between studies and research to propose solutions to resolve any issues that arise in the COP update
• Conduct research and analysis of the COP, including input costs
• Assess the domestic and international egg industry data sources and methodologies for the COP, Board materials, trade analysis and internal and external requests

Ad Hoc Reporting/Support

• Compile, validate, analyze, and incorporate data for Board documents including drafting and presenting Board documents
• Monitor, analyze and prepare reports that accurately assess agricultural production, pricing, indices, market, and macroeconomic variables as they affect the egg industry
• Respond to data, information, and analysis requests from internal and external stakeholders
• Provide critical qualitative and quantitative analyses of externally published papers
• Evaluate data requirements, assess and review third party consultant work for various unit projects (e.g. COP Study, trade models, economic impact studies, etc.)
• Apply cross-disciplinary knowledge on a variety of topics (egg production, farm economics, finance) to assess issues specific to the egg industry
• Research and perform qualitative analyses of legislations and regulations pertaining to the egg industry and for communications with government agencies
• Identify and support the implementation of tools, models, or techniques that improve APC data quality and processes
• Assist in providing forecasts of the buyback price for input into EFC’s budget as well as performing and distributing forecast monitoring reports
• Work collaboratively with the APC team to reach APC unit deliverables

Supervision and Training

• Delegate specific tasks to appropriate team members based on capacity and skill set 

• Provide support and advice to Analysts and Coordinators 

• Assume full responsibility of the unit’s regular tasks and ad-hoc requests when the Senior Manager is away 
  

Qualifications and Skills:

• Advanced analytical and computer skills, including in-depth knowledge of MS Excel and data analysis tools and techniques for the purpose of performing data analysis
• Demonstrated understanding of various agri-food sectors, food supply chain, and farm economics (livestock and crop production systems) is considered an asset
• Strong ability to multi-task and coordinate various tasks
• Excellent attention to details with a focus on data quality
• Strong statistical, mathematical, analytical and research skills
• Ability to perform mathematical analysis including regression, correlation, time series analysis, indices, and averages
• Demonstrated ability to perform forecasting, including multivariate forecasting, and to present the results objectively & concisely
• Demonstrated ability to present economic concepts or complex analysis to a non-technical audience (both verbally and in writing)
  

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field (Agricultural Economics; Economics). A master’s degree in a relevant field would be an asset
• 5 – 6 years of relevant work experience (2 – 3 years if the candidate has a master’s degree in a relevant field)

Working Conditions:

• A standard workweek schedule working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and tight deadlines
• Frequent interaction with internal and external stakeholders and consultants
• Position requires prolonged periods of sitting, use of a computer
• Occasional domestic travel may be required

About EFC:

Now in its sixth decade as one of Canada’s leading agriculture organizations, EFC manages the national egg supply and promotes egg consumption while representing the interests of 1,270 regulated egg farmers and farm families from coast to coast. The organization has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top employers for fourteen consecutive years. EFC holds the title of one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ by Waterstone Human Capital and is part of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures™ Hall of Fame. Visit eggfarmers.ca for more information.