The posting
Job Description
Executive Director – Trade Policy
Pay Band 9
Intergovernmental Affairs
Fredericton
Open Competition
Interested in making a difference in our province? We encourage you to Choose GNB!
Intergovernmental Affairs is looking for an Executive Director of Trade Policy. In this key leadership role, the Executive Director will lead a small team of trade policy professionals dedicated to advancing New Brunswick’s economic and trade interests. You will provide strategic advice and recommendations to inform the province’s position on trade-related issues, ensuring that New Brunswick’s voice is well represented in important policy discussions and negotiations.
Who we are:
Intergovernmental Affairs is committed to advancing New Brunswick's interests in critical trade policy issues. Our team works collaboratively to develop strategic positions, provide expert advice, and lead negotiations to protect and promote the province’s economic interests.
What will you do:
As the Executive Director of Trade Policy, you will provide expert advice on trade policy issues that impact New Brunswick’s economy and offer strategic recommendations to the government and senior leaders on the implications of trade agreements. Current areas of focus include the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), negotiating agreements to strengthen internal trade, and industry-specific discussions on topics such as the softwood lumber trade dispute with the United States. Additionally, this role will oversee New Brunswick’s interests in trade challenges and lead the government’s response to tariff-related issues. This position requires close collaboration with officials from the Government of Canada to ensure that New Brunswick’s interests are effectively represented in ongoing trade negotiations, including a strengthened partnership with the European Union.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Monitor trade policy issues and trends as well as ensuring the interests of the province are represented;
- Support the development of positions and documentation such as briefing notes, background documents, memoranda, letters / correspondence, for the Premier, Ministers and executives.
- Responsible for the negotiation, implementation and dispute settlement aspects of international domestic trade agreements as they pertain to the province
- Accountable for ensuring consistent corporate trade policy on matters related to a broad range of commercial issues; and providing direction to front-line departments on corporate trade policy.
- Liaise with NB government officials across departments on trade policy issues to: a) ensure follow-up is given to decisions of Ministers/Premiers; and, b) develop clear and articulate NB positions to advise Deputy Ministers/Ministers/Premier for any meetings of their peers.
- Advocate for and represent New Brunswick's positions to the federal government and to governments of the provinces, territories on trade policy related issues.
- Serve as Head of Delegation for New Brunswick in negotiation of international trade agreements in areas under provincial jurisdiction
- Oversee the work involved and provide direction in dispute resolution proceedings including with outside legal counsel representing the province
- Provide directions to policy analysts on their work plan and determine priorities for their activities.
ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Political Science, International Affairs, Public Administration or other related fields and a minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in research, planning, project management or public administration and must include:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in economic policy, trade policy or negotiations
- A minimum of 3 years’ management experience
Your résumé should be in chronological order specifying education and employment in months and years including part-time and full-time employment.
Depending on the number of applications received for this competition, an equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.
Written and spoken competence in English and French is required. Candidates should clearly state the essential qualifications in order to be given further consideration. Please include your language proficiency in your application and clearly indicate your preferred language for assessment.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:
The successful candidate will possess the following behavioral competencies:
• Coaching and Team Development • Organizational Awareness • Organizational Commitment • Relationship Building • Result Orientation • Strategic Thinking
TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:
The successful candidate will possess the following technical competencies:
• Human Resources Management • Written Communication • Planning and Organizing Skills • Project Management
Salary:
Pay Band 9 - $125, 554 to $138,190 per annum
What can GNB offer you?
- The opportunity to have a truly profound positive impact
- Comprehensive benefits package and the Public Service Shared Risk Pension Plan
- Opportunities for career growth, professional development, and training
- Free access to Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) and services
- 1 paid Volunteer Day per year to give back to your community
- Paid Vacation Benefits
Providing a safe workplace for all.
Your health and safety are important to us. GNB has implemented preventative measures across the organization to ensure your health and safety.
Interested applicants are to apply on-line at www.ere.gnb.ca, by November 23, 2026, indicating competition number: 17858. This competition may be used to fill future vacancies at the same level.
Human Resources Services
Email address: [email protected]
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
As per the Civil Service Act, veterans, who demonstrate they are among the most qualified, shall be given preference at the time of appointment.
We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Program contributing to the creation of a more balanced workforce that reflects the diversity of the province by removing barriers to employment and providing individualized supports to designated equity group members.
Together, we are co-creating a more inclusive and supportive GNB.
The New Brunswick Public Service: Improving the lives of New Brunswickers every day!
Let’s connect. You belong here.
