Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, this position is responsible for leading advanced policy development and analysis, developing and implementing strategic policies and frameworks for projects in alignment with ministry priorities, including the development of Cabinet packages and supporting the drafting of new legislation. These key responsibilities require strong project management, research, and communication skills to carry out significant policy and strategy projects. 

The Senior Policy Analyst researches legislation, policies, best practices and identifies and analyzes emerging trends, key policy issues, and developments in other jurisdictions to support leadership planning and decision-making. The Senior Policy Analyst will be responsible for developing key materials to support decision-makers, including draft policies, strategies, Cabinet materials, briefing notes and participate in cross-ministry initiatives. The Senior Policy Analyst will liaise and consult with diverse stakeholders and other departments to provide innovative and influential policy advice. 

The main responsibilities of the Senior Policy Analyst includes:
 

• Develop and present strategic recommendations based on activities conducted during the policy cycle, contributing to the improvement and innovation of addiction and mental health services.
• Conduct comprehensive research and environmental scans to inform policy and strategy development within Alberta’s addiction and mental health system.
• Develop briefings, presentations, ministerial correspondence, Cabinet packages and summarize research findings. 
• Liaise and consult independently with key stakeholders such as Alberta Health, Alberta Health Services, and other government ministries to shape addiction and mental health and addiction policies.
• Represent the department in cross-ministry committees, fostering collaboration and integration of addiction and mental health initiatives across various government portfolios.
• Provide advice, recommendations, and reports to branch and division senior leaders, guiding broader decision-making processes within the Mental Health and Addiction division.
• Align ministry priorities with Albertans' needs, balancing departmental interests for effective policy implementation and service enhancement.

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.

Competencies for this position include: 

Agility - Respond quickly to changes in direction, request for information, or new priorities. Maintain multiple project timelines to ensure compliance with deadlines. Anticipate potential factors that could impact projects or policies and proactively address these concerns. 

Creative Problem Solving - Develop innovative solutions to ongoing or new policies, issues, or projects. Work with different areas and teams to find ways to improve policy recommendations or identify risks to policy options. 

Drive for Results - Review material and address gaps, errors, and questions through applicable and appropriate means. Lead and support long-term and/or complex projects, including legislation, regulations, and policies. Anticipate any issues that may emerge and pro-actively address issues. Manage project timelines to ensure compliance with deadlines.

Build Collaborative Environments - Work with staff across the Ministry to support Ministry priorities, policy, and legislation. Work with contacts in other ministries to collect input and incorporate it into a variety of materials to inform legislation and policy. 

Systems Thinking - Consider the broad impact of projects on other ministries and stakeholders while supporting the Ministry’s goals. Integrate in-depth knowledge of underlying issues, the political environment, and potential risks when advancing projects.

Develop Networks - Create and maintain contacts across the Ministry to address any ongoing strategic policies or emerging issues. Connect with stakeholders as required to support policy development and research requests, coordinate input or meetings, and ensure accuracy and completeness of reports.

Develop Self and Others - Commit to lifelong learning and the desire to invest in the development of the long-term capability of themselves and others.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: University degree in a related field (Public Health, Public Policy/Administration, Law or Social Work) plus 4 years progressively responsible experience in a policy focused role.

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.

Required Experience:
 

• Policy Development: Demonstrated expertise in formulating, analyzing, and implementing policies.
• Legislative Understanding: Knowledge of legislative processes and experience in drafting materials for policy and legislative changes.
• Research Skills: Strong research capabilities to conduct comprehensive analyses, gather data, and provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Communication Abilities: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate policy ideas and present recommendations effectively.

 
Assets:
 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including organizations, community groups, and industry partners.
• Experience in Mental Health and Addiction.
   

In your resume, please outline your related experience, including any previous Government of Alberta experience, by clearly indicating the length of time in years and months and where the experience was obtained. This position also requires a cover letter that will be used to assess your communication abilities as part of the screening process. The cover letter must succinctly detail how your experience and education meet the requirements of the position.  

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

One (1) Temporary position available (Three years)
One  (1) Permanent position available

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (full time), Monday to Friday, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm with flexible work arrangements available. 

Work Locations: 
 

• Edmonton: 23rd Floor, Commerce Place Building, 10155 102 St NW, Edmonton or
• Calgary: 6th Floor, AMEC Place Building, 801 6th Ave SW, Calgary
   

The department is currently supporting hybrid arrangements for employees to work from home up to 2 days per week while working in the office the remaining days, subject to operational requirements and approval on a case-by-case basis.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. 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 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
• 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