Senior Policy Planner

Role Responsibilities

The Income Services Branch is seeking an enthusiastic, outcome-focused individual to join its team.

Reporting to the Manager of Program Policy Planning, the Senior Policy Planner is part of a team that ensures program policy for Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH), Income Support and the Child Support Services programs are rooted in the ministry’s strategic objectives and is informed by appropriate advice, context and evaluation.

As the ideal candidate, you will have a strong policy background with excellent critical thinking skills, experience developing written communication pieces (information summaries, briefing materials, correspondence, editing), capability in project management, strong oral and written communication skills, proficiency in analyzing and synthesizing abstract information to produce a practical product and the ability to work under tight timelines.

The Senior Policy Planner provides policy expertise and takes a lead role in coordinating significant policy projects for the design, development and maintenance of programs, including legislative and regulatory changes. The expert knowledge and support are provided both within the branch and external to the division.

The position’s focus is research and analysis, development of recommendations and information material, as well as coordinating cross divisional projects.

Key responsibilities of the position include:

• Conducting complex research and analysis to inform policy development and identify emerging issues.
• Leading and coordinating multifaceted projects, consultations and data analysis to support policy outcomes.
• Synthesizing diverse information into clear, audience appropriate documents and communications.
• Representing program policy interests, anticipating stakeholder reactions and influencing outcomes through strong engagement.
• Demonstrating leadership by exercising sound judgement, fostering team trust, and ensuring timely, high-quality deliverables.

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.

As the Senior Policy Planner, in addition to your education and experience, you will demonstrate well-honed competencies in the following areas:

• Agility - Demonstrated ability to manage and adapt to change. Ability to manage human, financial, and physical resources within an operating environment.
• Drive for Results - Leadership skills, including demonstrated ability and comfort with decision making responsibilities, coaching and teaching, and the ability to inspire and build confidence in others.
• Develop Self and Others - Proven ability to foster partnerships and to achieve organizational goals within an organization.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Strong track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop Networks - Ability to foster a climate of cooperation amongst, and build solid relationships with public agencies, government, committees and other partners.
• Systems Thinking - Effective leadership abilities combined with a strong commitment to operating within a team environment and the ability to motivate and inspire other to achieve common goals.
• Creative Problem Solving - Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• A minimum of a university degree in a related field (social sciences, arts, public policy, public administration, or another related discipline) plus four years of related experience.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience.
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets:

• Experience working through components of the policy cycle including issue identification and definition, research and analysis, options, development, decision-making and implementation.
• Project management or coordination background or experience.
• Extensive knowledge of AISH and Income Support legislation, regulations, and program policies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of research methods, data analysis, and developing evidence based  recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and analyze information to develop sound recommendations.
• Skilled in interpreting statistical data, articulating issues with broad social or political implications, and communicating effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to influence outcomes, resolve conflict, work both independently and collaboratively while understanding impacts across the GoA.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; high proficiency in Microsoft Office; quick to learn new software; strong time management  and organizational abilities.
• Previous experience working in a policy or service delivery environment supporting the administration of income programs.
• Experience initiating and facilitating conversations between individuals and teams to understand current and future work practices.
• Experience using data to identify opportunities for improvements in business processes.

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

• Hours of work are 36.25 weekly, Monday to Friday.
• The position is full-time and based in Edmonton.
• A written assessment exercise may be required as part of the interview process. 
• Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. A Criminal Record Check will only need to be provided upon request.  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.
• Candidates must be eligible to work in Canada.

Links and information on what the GoA have 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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.