Job Description

Policy Research Associate (remote work, term position)

EMILI is seeking a graduate student to support its policy and stakeholder outreach activities on a part-time basis, ranging from 15 to 25 hours per week on a fully remote basis. EMILI is an industry-led, non-profit organization established in Manitoba in 2016 with the goal of accelerating digital agriculture. Since then we have developed a wide network by working with producers, industry partners, academics and entrepreneurs on innovations and AI applications that boost productivity, sustainability and climate resilience across the entire agri-food value chain.

Key Responsibilities:

Reporting to EMILI's Manager of Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement, the position will involve research and analysis of current provincial and federal agriculture and innovation-related policies, as well as those in other international jurisdictions. Develop policy briefs and background papers to inform elected officials and civil servants about opportunities and methods to increase the adoption of digital technologies in Manitoba and elsewhere. Help compile detailed budget recommendations for provincial and federal departments. Work with farmer associations, commodity groups, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in Canada's agtech ecosystem to identify how to promote and apply best practices around technology adoption and innovation within agriculture. Contribute to EMILI's creation of strategic communications materials to raise awareness about how harnessing digital agriculture can enhance long-term strategic decision-making around data governance, strengthening productivity, economic development, capital investment, infrastructure planning, trade initiatives and achieving sustainability goals. Identify Canadian and international grant opportunities to support the expansion of technology testing, validation and demonstration at EMILI's Innovation Farms sites. Other tasks as assigned.

Necessary Skills/Qualifications:

Must be a resident of Manitoba and legally eligible to work in Canada. Possess an undergraduate degree in political science, economics, humanities, agriculture/agronomy, finance, business or other relevant program. Must be currently enrolled in a graduate-level program at a Canadian college or university Good grasp of current developments and discourse related to AI and digital technologies, data governance and cybersecurity, skills and labour deficits, climate change mitigation and international trade and investment. Familiarity with Canada's public policy environment - i.e. how government departments and budget cycles are structured. Strong research, writing and communication skills. Comfortable handling scheduling and leading meetings via video calls, including screen-sharing. Critical thinking skills, attention to detail and ability to work autonomously yet also as part of a team in a fully remote work environment.

Desired Skills:

Understanding of challenges facing Canada's agriculture sector, such as increased trade uncertainty, unpredictable commodity prices, rising cost of production, interest rate variability and generational turnover on farms. Proficiency in Canva, PowerPoint and Excel, including the ability to make charts and graphs from raw data.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed remotely within Manitoba.


Interested applicants should submit their resume with a cover letter, along with a sample of their writing (i.e. published work, thesis draft or previous assignment). Cover letters can be addressed to Kyle Volpi Hiebert.