Officer, Policy & Advocacy

About Food Banks Canada

At Food Banks Canada, our commitment stretches across the nation, tirelessly supporting and enhancing the work of over 5,500 food banks and community organizations. We invest in, advocate for, and bolster their critical efforts. Through diligent research, we delve into the root causes of food insecurity, devising actionable solutions informed by our findings as we work to create a Canada where no one goes hungry.

In 2024, Waterstone Human Capital recognized our workplace for embodying one of Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of the year. This distinction highlights best-in-class Canadian organizations with cultures that have helped them enhance performance. For us, performance means advancing our mission and achieving organizational goals collaboratively with a team that is happy, healthy and engaged.

Our efforts and impact are expanding, and we're opening doors for passionate, teamwork-driven professionals in search of a career that's both meaningful and captivating. Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset for all our roles at Food Banks Canada as we support Canadians across the country.

About the Role

Step into a national advocacy role where your political insight and policy skills drive real change. As Food Bank Canada’s Policy and Advocacy Officer, you will advance evidence-based solutions to reduce hunger and poverty in Canada by shaping policy research, supporting high-impact campaigns, and strengthening relationships across the federal landscape. You will collaborate with Food Bank Canada colleagues, food bank leaders, public servants, and elected officials to move strategic priorities forward and champion the voices of communities experiencing food insecurity. This role places you at the heart of government relations work; tracking legislative developments, drafting compelling briefing materials and reports, and coordinating meaningful engagement with policymakers and partners. If you thrive in fast-paced political environments, bring strong analytical and communication skills, and want your work to influence long-term systems change, Food Banks Canada offers an opportunity to lead purposeful advocacy on a national stage.

What You Will Be Doing

• Conduct research and impact analysis on policy, legislation, and regulatory issues; monitors government and legislative activity and reports regularly on how these developments affect the policy and government relations goals of Food Banks Canada and the food bank network

• Support the development of Food Banks Canada signature reports, such as the HungerCount and Poverty Report Card

• Assist in the drafting of briefing material, reports, policy recommendations, and consultation submissions to support Food Banks Canada’s advocacy and government relations work, in collaboration with the Research Department

• Support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns that seek to raise awareness and understanding about food insecurity and poverty in Canada, and that seek to influence policy change

• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, political staff, and federal public servants, acting as a liaison on behalf of Food Banks Canada

• In collaboration with the Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations maintain regular contact with provincial associations and provide advice and assistance on advocacy, policy, and government relations

What You Will Need

• Completion of an undergraduate degree or equivalent, preferably in political science

• Minimum 4 years relevant experience and/or education

• Self-starter with the ability to effectively coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities

• Clear, professional, and warm communicator

• Experience working in federal politics is an asset

• Experience in grassroots advocacy and campaign development is an asset

• Solid project management skills

• Problem solver and strong relationship building skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy including strong proofreading skills

• Candidate must demonstrate a deep knowledge of Canada’s political systems and an understanding of how public policy is implemented

• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

Working Conditions

• Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work

• The position is home-based and must be located within 100/km of Ottawa, ON

• Occasional travel within Canada will be required

Application Information:

If this opportunity to work with an exciting, growing, national non-profit appeals to you, please apply with your cover letter, resume, and a sample of a policy you have written. Additional information on this role can be found in the full job description and benefits information in the FBC brochure.

Applications will be accepted for this vacant position until noon PST, Friday August 21st, 2026.

We look forward to hearing from and connecting with you!

Food Banks Canada believes that diversity is the cornerstone of excellence within our team and mirrors the community we serve. We warmly invite candidates of all genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities to apply. Committed to an accessible recruitment journey, Food Banks Canada ensures a barrier-free experience. Should you be approached for a job opportunity, please reach out to alleta@engagedhr.com if you require accommodations.

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

Our recruitment process relies on human review. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, select, or assess candidates.