Role Responsibilities

Senior Policy Advisor

This Senior Policy Advisor provides a leadership role, project management and advanced policy and program work that span the core functions across the full provincial operational policy development, review, evaluation, and implementation cycle: from issues identification, data and policy analyses, internal and external stakeholder consultations to development of options for government consideration. This position guides team staff across Student Financial Services through research, analysis, and options development. The Advisor participates in assessing the potential impact from policy and program changes on post secondary learners, IT systems, budget allocations, and the legal framework governing Student Financial Services. The Advisor provides policy development expertise and guidance to Student Financial Services in the development of operational policy to sustain alignment with strategic program policy and broader corporate strategic and operation and participates in the development and implementation of their resolution as well as the evaluation of post implementation.

Responsibilities include:

• Plan, lead, and report on projects related to development of policy options and/or strategy frameworks to support the achievement of Branch and ministry goals and priorities.
• Lead the development of future program and policy options for student aid programing, including loans, grants, scholarships, other awards, and school and program designation.
• Lead internal and external engagement and consultation activities related to program and policy development for Student Financial Services.
• Provide expertise and guidance to operational policy development for Student Financial Services programing to foster alignment with strategic policy.
• Provide policy information, recommendations, and advice to senior leaders to support informed planning and decision-making.

The position supports the Manager, Program Policy Operations with External Relations (POWER) and the Director, Student Services in policy and research projects and working groups at the federal-provincial-territorial, cross-divisional and cross-ministry levels to ensure Student Financial Services positon is represented.

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 – Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial and physical resources within an operating environment.
  
  
• Drive for Results – Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.
  
  
• Build Collaborative Environments – Strong track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  
• Develop Networks – Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees and other partners.
  
  
• Systems Thinking – Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire other to achieve common goals.
  
  
• Creative Problem Solving – Excellent analytical and decision-making skills.
  
  
• Develop Self and Others – Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within an organization.

Qualifications

A University graduation in a related field plus four (4) years progressively responsible related experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one-for-one basis.

Assets:

• Knowledge and an understanding of comprehensive and complex student funding program, including Advanced Education's student aid programing areas, as well as funding provided by Alberta Labour, related Community and Social Services funding and the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program.
• Knowledge and an understanding of applicable acts and related legislation and regulations, including Student Financial Assistance Act,  Alberta Heritage Scholarship Act, Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Recognition Act, Canada Student Loans Act, Private Vocational Schools Act, and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Knowledge and experience in drafting various correspondences like memos, briefing notes, ministerial correspondences.
• Political acumen to navigate government structures and understand the implications of decisions on various stakeholders.
• The ability to think strategically and anticipate future developments and trends is crucial for addressing emergent issues.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are essential for effectively coordinating and conveying complex information.
• Distilling and summarizing large documents into briefing notes, policy papers, and power points.
• Being able to respond to challenges on policy and acts and regulations through the interpretation and summary of existing parameters.
• Interpersonal, consultation, presentation and facilitation skills, including ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders, clients, and partners.
• Research and analytical skills.
• Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) is an asset.
• Leadership skills, including ability to coach and mentor.
• Experience working with Alberta post-secondary schools or Alberta Student Aid programs.
• Proficient in automated systems and software tools used to carry out responsibilities (i.e. Microsoft Outlook, Work, Excel, Power Point, ARTS, the Internet and web-based programs).

Notes

This is (1)  permanent position is located in Edmonton and works 36.25 hours per week, 8:15am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security screening.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the Government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.

Links and information on what the GoA has 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
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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