Role Responsibilities

The Governance Specialist reports to the Manager, Land Agent Licensing and provides a variety of specialist, advisory and operational services to the ministry and to the Land Agent Advisory Committee (LAAC) as well as the professional regulatory organizations boards, committees, and tribunals which have Minister appointed public members. These services ensure that the Ministry's obligations are fulfilled with respect to application of the Alberta Public Agency Governance Act (APAGA) and GOA policy and processes applicable to all Alberta public agencies.As well that the Minister, senior officials, ministry staff, and agencies are provided with timely and comprehensive information and advice on agency governance matters. The Governance Specialist is assigned multiple files with a focus on promoting and supporting understanding of and compliance with APAGA and non-APAGA legislation.

The Specialist provides interpretation and advice to guide the actions of ministry staff and senior officials in accordance with applicable legislation and policy. Through research in leading practice and process improvement, the Specialist recommends improvements to enhance ministry and agency processes and capacity for governance. Specific projects are also led by this position (e.g., agency compensation reviews; research governance issues and opportunities, capacity-building strategies, cross-jurisdiction research initiatives, and member orientation and training). This role is also the lead for Ministry projects associated with the recruitment and appointment activities for public members and LAAC.

The Governance Specialist is also responsible for assisting with other unit work as needed within Land Agent Licensing and Professional Governance.

Key Responsibilities of the Governance Specialist in the Governance Unit:
 

• Lead departmental responsibilities for Land Agent Advisory Committee (LAAC)  and Professional Regulatory Organizations (PROs) 
• Administration of public member appointments to Professional Regulatory Organizations (PROs) governing bodies, committees and tribunals.
• Oversee agency compensation administration processes.
• Coordinate and deliver orientation programs for PM and LAAC members.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive governance frameworks to support agency effectiveness.
• Implement and monitor accountability frameworks across assigned agencies.
• Contribute to overall relationship management and collaboration with related agencies.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.
 

•  Agility: Able to shift strategic focus and activities quickly in response to changing organizational priorities.
   
• Creative Problem Solving: Uses several analytical techniques to “break apart” complex situations or problems in order to reach a solution; demonstrates significant evaluative judgment that goes beyond drawing conclusions.
   
• Drive for Results: Analyzes all options and initiates actions to optimize resources for the achievement of results; sets priorities and takes calculated risks in order to improve the delivery of services and operations. 
   
• Develop Networks: Actively seeks opportunities to contribute to positive outcomes for clients, stakeholders, staff and colleagues; approaches issues or disagreements with the objective of reaching win/win solutions.
   
• Systems Thinking: Consistently takes a broad-scale, long-term view of challenges and opportunities; understands the big picture, beyond one’s department or ministry and the needs of constituents and stakeholders.
   

Qualifications

A University degree in a related field (e.g. business/social science/human resources) plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below. 

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education 

Required: 
 

• Knowledge of government's role, structure, policies and processes, particularly those related to the Public Agencies Governance Framework Policy, APAGA, PSCTA, etc.
• Strong understanding of the workings of government, including the decision-making process, agency governance, and the appointment process.
• Analysis, research, project management and investigational skills
• Ability to synthesize and analyze information obtained from broad and varied sources and develop solutions and recommendations for consideration of decision-makers. 
• Excellent conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to summarize and synthesize complex materials, including jurisdictional scans, and identify key issues and develop responses and solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to clearly convey complex ideas in understandable terms to a variety of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to build relationships with a mix of stakeholders including ministry and agency 

Assets: 
 

• Experience leading initiatives, and a portfolio of services or programs that are complex and involve a diverse range of stakeholders often with competing views 
• Experience in project and change management, research, and evaluation, developing and delivering policy and programs
• Experience in issues management, including the decision-making process, agency governance, and/or the recruitment and appointment process 
• Experience developing and implementing policy, and interpreting legislation and regulations
• Experience within the Government of Alberta or public sector
• Experience with recruitment and selection

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.
 

Notes

This is a permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday. 

This position is located in Edmonton.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

As part of the interview, short listed applicants may perform a written assignment.

The final candidate may undergo pre-employment checks and reference checks. 

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.