Priority Issues Coordinator

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Priority Issues Coordinator works directly with the branch leadership team to manage critical and emerging issues. This position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to assess issues, determine their nature and priority, research and coordinate supporting information, and takes action to develop appropriate responses.

This position also researches and conducts environmental scanning of potential issues, provides analysis, and ongoing issues management support to ensure the effective delivery of programs that fall within the department's mandate. This requires the individual to prepare briefings and recommendations for Executive consideration, initiate and coordinate responses, and provide value-added information and strategic messaging in a timely manner.

As a Priority Issues Coordinator, you will:

• Participate on the branch management team, identify and prioritize risks, challenges, and issues and recommend strategies to support the branch and division in achieving successful outcomes.
• Manage the flow of information and inquiries from Assistant Deputy Minister and Deputy Minister offices to the branch, ensuring inquiries are routed appropriately, responses prepared, and issues addressed.
• Assist the Executive Director with developing and monitoring the annual business plan for the branch including preparing quarterly reports. Also assist the Executive Director with team building and corporate culture building program, Occupational Health and Safety program and other corporate initiatives as required.
• Remain current and informed Department of Environment and Protected Areas priorities, proactively recommend and provide an evaluation of issues and potential strategies to resolve issues.
• Track major branch initiatives to ensure timely progress; follow up on action items identified by the ADM to the Executive Director.

You will act as the primary branch contact for the Assistant Deputy Minister’s Office, and other divisional branches. You will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to assess issues, determine nature and priority, research, and coordinate supporting information and take appropriate action to contribute to the success of the department. A strong understanding of communications and environmental policy issues is required.

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.

Qualifications

University graduation in Communications, Environmental Studies/Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related field supplemented by a minimum of two years directly related experience is required.
 

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 education.

Required:

• Experience writing and reviewing briefing notes and other forms of executive correspondence.
• Ability to work strategically and to assist in the management of a wide variety of issues, mobilizing resources and finding innovative solutions to complex issues and problems.
• Strong interpersonal skills including ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and networks with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical skills: Proficiency in analyzing information to make informed decisions and recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated success in managing competing priorities, while still achieving positive results.

Assets:

• Understanding of the Government of Alberta decision-making processes.
• Understanding of Environment and Protected Areas structure, mandate and key work areas.
• Strong analytical ability and written skills; with the ability to synthesize information and provide recommendations to the Executive Director.
• Effective interpersonal and conflict resolution 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

This position is a full-time permanent opportunity.

This position works Monday to Friday, 8:15 AM-4:30 PM, 36.25 hours a week.

Calgary is the preferred location. Other locations in Alberta may be considered on an exceptional basis.

In your application, please a include cover page detailing your interest, and role related experience. In your resume 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. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

This position will 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.