Role Responsibilities

A dynamic team is looking for a self-motivated and flexible individual to join a fast-paced environment. Do you have strong writing, comprehension, analysis, research, and organizational skills? Are you interested in working in a policy environment and gaining knowledge of intergovernmental agreements? Are you able to work independently while also supporting the collective outcomes of a team? If you are, this temporary position might be the opportunity for you!

The Program Policy Assistant supports the CAP Secretariat by preparing accurate and timely responses to ministerial assignments such as action requests, telephone action requests, information requests, and briefing notes for the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Assistant Deputy Minister.

Reporting to the Portfolio Lead, the Program Policy Assistant supports the CAP Secretariat in the successful development of Sustainable CAP programs and initiatives and the processes and best practices related to the implementation and delivery of grant programs and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ministerial Assignments:
  
  • Prepare responses to action requests (ARs), telephone action requests (TARS), information requests, and briefing notes (BN).
• Policy Support:
  
  • Provide policy support for strategic initiative programming (grant programs and internal initiatives) under the current federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture policy framework agreement, including Sustainable CAP.
  • Offer additional support for BRM policy analysis as needed.
  • Provide advice to management and internal/external partners on key policy issues and questions.
  • Support action planning, review processes, and the continuous improvement of programs in collaboration with branch, division, and department representatives.
  • Provide policy development support on specific research projects for issue framing, policy development, policy review, and changes.
• Research and Analysis:
  
  • Participate on committees and actively contribute to section and branch projects, as required.
  • Conduct independent research and analysis on a broad range of policy issues that may affect the direction and operations of programs, supporting the development of policy options and recommendations to senior and executive leadership.
• Information Management:
  
  • Be directly responsible for the creation and maintenance of records and information management systems.
  • Develop forms, applications, and templates using Adobe, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Team Collaboration:
  
  • Work within a dynamic, fast-paced, and flexible team environment, providing coverage to other areas of the section as required.
  • Represent program policy interests and work collaboratively with other internal and external partners.
  • Support policy projects, including addressing emerging issues, conducting policy analysis, and providing strategic advice on programs and policies.
  • Support project management and advance policy and program work associated with the review, evaluation, and implementation of programs.

    
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.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following APS Competencies:

• Agility – Demonstrates flexibility and resilience in responding to changing demands and priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Drive For Results – Works to a high standard to achieve results that are aligned with the goals of the department while maintaining a high level of accountability to team members and stakeholders across the Ministry.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Works effectively within a team, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture by supporting and engaging with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Develop Networks - Builds and maintains strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaboration and resource mobilization.
• Creative Problem Solving - Employs innovative thinking and strategic approaches to identify issues, assess options, and implement effective solutions.

Qualifications

University graduation, preferably in Public Policy, Administration, Agriculture, Economics, or a related field; no experience required; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalencies may be considered - 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

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO: 

• Applicants with knowledge of the agriculture and agri-food industry. 
• Applicants with strong written and organizational skills and a proven desire to implement their policy analysis and research skills.

Assets

• Experience with grants, policy analysis, research, and information management. 
• Familiarity with Government of Alberta programs, including ARTS and briefing notes. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Experience in developing databases or other systems for tracking information. 
• Experience using databases and information management platforms.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Strong research and analytical skills. 

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

• Office located in Edmonton: J.G.O’Donoghue Building (7000-113 Street) 
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (Temporary Salary, Ending July 14, 2026)
• Monday to Friday (8:15 am to 4:30 pm)
  
  • Flexible start/end times may be considered

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities after interviews.
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• 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. 

What We Offer:

• 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.