Description
GS1 Canada works with all sectors to support a frictionless supply chain that provides visibility and transparency of products and services throughout its lifecycle. We are often best known for the global barcode standard. Through a federated model working with GS1 Member Organizations in 116 countries, we help millions of trading partners, of all scale and sizes from across the supply chain and around the world, use common identifiers on their products, locations, and services, to enable traceability and recalls, inventory management, visibility within the supply chain, and to support sustainability initiatives. Public Affairs at GS1 Canada The Public Affairs department at GS1 Canada plays a crucial role in managing the organization's external communications and relationships as it relates to government relations and regulatory affairs. It focuses on building and maintaining positive connections with stakeholders, including government entities, industry partners and the public. As a collaborative, strategic partner with government and industry, the department engages in advocacy, public relations, and communication strategies to promote GS1 Canada's initiatives, global standards, and contributions within the business and regulatory landscape. The department represents GS1 Canada at the government and government agency level by advocating for policy alignment with GS1 Canada's goals and standards and acts as a neutral advisor to government authorities to support industry supply chain needs. The Public Affairs department collaborates with industry partners and associations to foster relationships, share insights, and promote the adoption of GS1 standards across sectors. The department also works to establish GS1 Canada as a thought leader in the field of standards and data synchronization, fostering a positive reputation within the business community and regulatory spheres. Engaging in internal community work groups and provides insight and perspective on regulatory affairs concerning different industries is a key component of this.
The Public Affairs Assistant (Intern) is a strategic writer and researcher, with a background in public policy. This position reports to the Senior Director of Public Affairs and will be responsible for GS1 Canada's research and media monitoring activities; ensuring that the Public Affairs Senior Director and senior management team has the appropriate information and resources necessary to GS1 Canada's core business priorities. As well, this position develops policy 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.
Key Responsibilities

• Develops an understanding of business and sector priorities to identify opportunities for GS1 Canada research and business activities;
• 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;
• Supporting the structuring of formalized internal public and regulatory affairs monitoring/tracking systems and processes (media monitoring, information sharing);
• Conducts research and analysis and undertakes synthesis of information collected from various internal and external sources (e.g. government departments, reports, stakeholder publications);
• Facilitator lead on working with other GS1 Canada departments for submitting a current funding proposal;
• Support regulatory intelligence development by staying updated on changes in regulatory requirements and industry trends, assessing their impact on products and processes. Assist in monitoring regulatory developments and communicating relevant updates to the team;
• 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, information packages, and thank you letters;
• Support maintaining GS1 Canada compliance with respective lobbying registries federally and provincially;
• Perform administrative tasks as required.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• Enrolled in a University degree or College diploma in public administration, government relations, communications, political science or a related discipline;
• Awareness and understanding of federal and provincial government organizational structures, processes and policy positions;
• 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.);
• 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;
• 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.