Senior Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Legislation & Strategic Communications, the Senior Policy Advisor plays a key role in advancing legislative and policy priorities for the Continuing Care Homes Branch. This position provides strategic policy advice, leads legislative review initiatives, and supports the development and implementation of complex projects that contribute to Alberta's continuing care system transformation.

The job responsibilities include:
Policy Development and Strategic Advice
•    Conducting comprehensive research, environmental scans, jurisdictional reviews, and policy analysis.
•    Developing and evaluating policy options, identifying risks, opportunities, implementation considerations, and impacts on Albertans.
•    Assessing the effectiveness of continuing care policies and recommending improvements to align with government priorities and strategic directions.
•    Identifying emerging trends, issues, and pressures affecting access, quality, and sustainability within the continuing care sector.
•    Preparing high-quality briefing notes, decision documents, reports, correspondence, presentations, and Cabinet-related materials for senior executives and elected officials.
•    Providing strategic advice to senior leadership on policy, legislative, and operational matters.
•    Collaborating with subject matter experts to ensure policies and recommendations are evidence-informed and responsive to stakeholder needs.

Legislative Planning and Coordination
•    Supporting the development, coordination, and implementation of legislative initiatives.
•    Maintaining legislative planning documents, timelines, critical paths, and tracking mechanisms.
•    Preparing briefing and decision-making materials required to support legislative amendments and approvals.
•    Providing strategic advice on legislative and regulatory matters.
•    Conducting red tape reduction analysis and identifying opportunities to improve program and service delivery through legislative modernization.
•    Collaborating with Legal and Legislative Services to address legislative and regulatory issues and communicate advice to stakeholders.

Project Leadership and Implementation
You will lead and support complex projects and initiatives by:
•    Designing and managing multi-phase, multi-stakeholder projects involving policy, legislative, demographic, economic, and system analysis.
•    Developing project plans, identifying resource requirements, monitoring progress, and managing risks.
•    Supporting the development and execution of implementation and evaluation strategies.
•    Coordinating stakeholder activities and resolving issues arising through committees, working groups, and project teams.
•    Developing communication strategies, key messages, question-and-answer materials, and supporting documentation for public announcements and policy implementation.
•    Providing leadership, facilitation, and knowledge transfer to project teams and stakeholder groups.

Role Responsibilities Continued

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management
•    Establishing and maintaining productive relationships with health and social system partners, continuing care providers, housing providers, health professionals, Indigenous communities, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders.
•    Facilitating engagement processes to gather diverse perspectives and inform policy recommendations.
•    Representing the Ministry on internal, cross-ministry, and cross-government committees and working groups.
•    Collaborating with stakeholders to identify emerging issues, opportunities, and innovative solutions impacting continuing care.
•    Supporting consultations and engagement initiatives to ensure policies reflect stakeholder and public input.

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

Systems Thinking
•    Taking a holistic approach to understanding challenges and opportunities.
•    Anticipating outcomes, implications, and potential impacts of decisions.
•    Seeking diverse stakeholder perspectives to inform recommendations.
•    Aligning actions and plans with APS values and organizational objectives.
•    Collaborating across teams and ministries to identify opportunities for partnership and shared success.

Agility
•    Identifying alternative approaches and encouraging innovative thinking.
•    Proactively communicating the impact of change to stakeholders.
•    Recognizing and addressing stakeholder concerns during periods of transition.
•    Anticipating obstacles and maintaining focus on achieving objectives.
•    Making informed decisions in uncertain situations while developing contingency plans.

Drive for Results
•    Forecasting potential challenges and implementing proactive solutions.
•    Removing obstacles that impact collaboration and project success.
•    Upholding principles and addressing issues directly and constructively.
•    Considering multiple factors and aligning solutions with broader organizational goals.
•    Demonstrating accountability for results and continuous improvement.

Develop Networks
You build strong and productive relationships by:
•    Creating meaningful connections with key stakeholders and partners.
•    Ensuring diverse perspectives and needs are represented in decision-making.
•    Going above and beyond to understand and respond to stakeholder needs.
•    Fostering inclusive engagement and open communication.
•    Building trust and credibility through collaboration and responsiveness.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation in health, social sciences, business, public administration, public health or 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.

The following experience is required:
•    Conducting policy analysis and supporting policy development initiatives. 
•    Researching complex issues, evaluating options, and developing implementable recommendations. 
•    Managing projects and coordinating activities involving multiple stakeholders. 
•    Preparing concise and accurate briefing materials, reports, and recommendations for decision-makers.

The following experience is considered as assets:
•    Alberta's continuing care sector, including home and community care, supportive living, and long-term care. 
•    Health system policy, planning, funding, or service delivery. 
•    Health legislation and regulatory frameworks. 
•    Economics, health economics, business strategy, or public-sector strategic planning. 
•    Government policy development and decision-making processes.

The following experience will be given preference:
•    Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. 
•    Strong organizational and project management abilities, including managing competing priorities and deadlines.
•    Written and verbal communication skills. 
•    Experience interpreting and supporting legislative reviews and amendments.

Minimum recruitment standards  outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week.

Location: Alberta Government Services Building, Main Floor, 710 - 4 Avenue S. W., Calgary, Alberta, T2P 0K3 or ATB Place North, 10025 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 1S6.

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is required. In your cover letter, please briefly summarize:
      1) How your professional and/or academic background relates to this role, including your direct and transferable expertise and skills.
      2) Reason(s) for interest in this role.

Final candidates may be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).

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 we have to offer: 
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service  
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
•    Professional learning and development
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.