Senior Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Calling all seasoned analysts with a passion for policy collaboration! We are seeking to fill a dynamic position – Senior Policy Analyst – to spearhead our strategic initiatives. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of policy development and foster effective partnerships across government.

Working in a collaborative small team, the Senior Policy Analyst will support the mandate of the Policy and Strategic Services branch to deliver on a wide variety of special projects that require significant adaptability, a sound understanding of Alberta’s strategic policy priorities and context, and the ability to gain expertise in various topics, often under very tight timelines.

The Senior Policy Analyst, working within the Strategic and Policy Services Unit, will provide professional analysis and advice on a wide range of fiscal and policy matters, often working collaboratively with other areas within the Division and across the Government of Alberta. This work supports strategic analysis in areas of policy development and program evaluation. The role reports to the Director, Strategic and Policy Supports.

Examples of the role’s key responsibilities include: 

• Fiscal and policy analysis on a wide range of policy-related issues, from short- and long-term fiscal projections and risks to various program areas, interprovincial comparisons and forecasting of various program areas (e.g., education, health, environment, social services) and cross-ministry topics, often working collaboratively with the Treasury Board Secretariat and program ministries.  
• Measure the performance of policies supported by programs from multiple ministries, including providing expertise and insight on questions and outcomes being assessed. This could include providing expertise and insight on questions and outcomes being assessed, engaging in ongoing environmental scanning and tracking government policy direction, linking cross ministry programs and systems to broader outcomes.
• Support participation in cross-ministry initiatives in a variety of subject areas – including social, economic, and environmental policy, and provincial-municipal fiscal matters – to ensure the ministry's views are well represented in the policy development process. This may include supporting the Director in managing contracted resources used to assist with policy initiatives. 
• Support the development of Alberta’s negotiation strategy on federal-provincial issues with research, analysis, and advice.
• Initiate and manage professional relations with counterparts with the Economics and Fiscal Policy Division, the Ministry and across ministries on matters relating to policy analysis. 
• Support the development of budget chapters and fiscal updates by carrying out analysis, preparing briefing materials, and drafting sections and chapters of the budget documents.
• Support the branch in other areas, including federal-provincial and interprovincial fiscal issues and special projects as needed. 

Role Responsibilities Continued

This role offers an opportunity to work on high-impact projects that shape Alberta’s strategic policy direction while working in a supportive and dynamic team environment. It provides a chance to engage in meaningful policy analysis and development, gaining expertise across a range of fiscal and policy matters. The position allows for collaboration with various ministries and government entities, offering exposure to a wide network of professionals and the ability to influence key policy decisions. This role provides professional growth through hands-on involvement in Alberta’s strategic initiatives, making it a highly rewarding opportunity for those looking to advance their policy expertise and make a tangible impact.

Please click on this link to view the job description.

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. 

The link below will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

In this role, you will contribute to our team by demonstrating the following behavioral competencies:

• Agility
  • Ability to anticipate, assess, and readily adapt to changing priorities, maintain resilience in times of uncertainty and effectively work in a changing environment.
  • Asks questions to understand broader goals and objectives. Works with others to align activities.
     
• Drive for Results
  • Sets goals and prioritizes work to accomplish them. Follows through on duties and tasks and reports on progress.
  • Analyzes past experiences and adapts strategies to ensure future success. 
     
• Develop Self and Others
  • Takes initiative to stay current on a broad range of topics with new approaches and/or technologies that may impact his or her area. Takes courses, continuously reads and learns through experience and others.
     
• Build Collaborative Environments
  • Demonstrates that he or she genuinely values and respects others’ input and expertise and is willing to learn from others.
  • Understands, considers and respects the impact that differences may have before taking action; recognizes that own interpretation may not be correct.
     
• Develop Networks
  • Builds relationships by following through on commitments, demonstrating integrity, respect for others, and taking an interest in their work-related issues and activities.
  • Actively supports the interests of colleagues, clients and stakeholders by making choices and setting priorities that incorporate their needs.
• Systems Thinking
  • The work done within the APS is part of a larger integrated and inter-related environment. It is important to know that work done in one part of the APS impacts a variety of other groups/projects inside and outside the APS. 
     
• Creative Problem Solving 
  • Ability to assess options and implications in new ways to achieve outcomes and solutions.

Qualifications

University Degree in Economics. A Master's Degree in Economics is preferred. 

Minimum 4 years progressively responsible related experience preferably in economic analysis or policy development; 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 will be considered an asset.

• Strong technical skills to develop and adapt policy, scenario and forecasting models to Alberta's policy environment as well as advanced understanding of the interactions of economic, policy and fiscal variables/outcomes.
• Solid understanding of the province's current fiscal and economic situation as well as Alberta's policy context.
• Strong written and oral communication skills. The incumbent must be able to communicate highly technical issues in simple (non-technical), clear language.  
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate working with others and help lead groups, projects and initiatives. 
• Good judgment that weighs the analytical evidence before making recommendations and assesses the sensitivity of information requests.  

Please submit a cover letter outlining your related experience to help us better understand how well your qualifications relate to this role.

Notes

Location: Queen Elizabeth II, Edmonton AB

Hours of Work: 36.25 Hours per week

This is a permanent full-time position.

Final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo a security screening.

This competition may be used to fill current and future vacancies at equal or lesser classification across the Government of Alberta.

Tips on Applying on Alberta Government Jobs see here: https://www.jobs.alberta.ca/applying/index.html 

What we Offer:

• Comprehensive benefits plan: https://myaps.alberta.ca/Pages/My-HR/Benefits.aspx
• Pension plan: Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) – https://www.pspp.ca
• Leadership and mentorship programs
• Professional learning and development
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance