Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Policy Development, the Senior Policy Advisor has the responsibility to lead the development, issues analysis, consultation, options development, and implementation of education-related polices, legislation, regulations, and ministry initiatives for which the sector is responsible.

The Senior Policy Analyst is a public policy expert whose main purpose is to lead, influence and support a wide variety of strategic policy initiatives in the ministry. The position is responsible for anticipating potential barriers in legislative and policy planning and implementation, including shifting priorities, communication challenges and political sensitivities, and for proactively designing and implementing solutions. This also role focuses on continuous improvement and seeks opportunities to enhance coordination and outreach across the ministry and government. At the direction of management, the Senior Policy Analyst, with minimal supervision, has a supportive role in carrying out complex policy and program development projects.

The following are some of the responsibilities actioned by this role:

Provide policy advice, issue analysis, strategic research, and options development within the branch and sector.

• Lead policy review of education-related policies, legislation, regulations, standards, programs, and initiatives.
• Develop and coordinate briefings and policy documents, background papers, and strategies for senior officials on key findings of current policy directions.
• Interfaces with program areas to ensure education-related issues are appropriately addressed in new or amended policies, legislation, regulations, and/or other policy instruments.
• Identify data and information needs to support evidence-based and timely policy and program/initiative development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Design and implement stakeholder and public engagement strategies, to support policy development. Monitor project processes, outputs and timelines using a variety of project management tools. Make adjustments as necessary after consultation and approvals.
• Support and coordinate with Communications in the development of materials and implementation of a communication strategy to provide stakeholders and interested parties with information regarding project development and implementation.
• Support the development of integrated policy processes within the ministry and on a cross-ministry basis in order to ensure consistency and strategic alignment with common ministry goals and GoA priority initiatives.

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.

• Systems Thinking - Considers the impact of strategies and changes on the work of clients, stakeholders, and team members and support organization vision and goals through strategic planning of tasks and considering relationships between different work approaches and their impact on different programs, divisions and ministries.
• Drive for Results - Plans for and delivers results, from concrete deliverables to process improvements, managing resources effectively and ensuring attention to detail.
• Develop Networks - Develops and sustains a network of relationships across the division and with other GOA ministries on issues and work with other branches to develop effective communication channels to enhance and maximize the effectiveness of interactions.
• Building Collaborative Work Environments - Leads cross functional collaboration and initiate strategic communication systems to anticipate and address potential conflict and builds and atmosphere of genuine trust and teamwork.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field 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.

Assets:

• Knowledge and an understanding of applicable acts and related legislation and regulations, including Education Act, Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act etc.
• Knowledge and experience in drafting various correspondences like memos, briefing notes, ministerial correspondences, etc.
• 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).

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

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.

Applicants are required to provide a cover letter that outlines in detail their experiences and how that experience relates specifically to the requirements for this position. Applications without an appropriate cover letter or appropriate resume will not be considered.

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.