Senior Policy Planner

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Planner plays a critical role in advancing the Income and Employment and Financial Services goals within Assisted Living and Social Services by ensuring that government policies effectively address the career and employment needs of Alberta’s diverse workforce. This includes tackling emerging labour market issues such as skill shortages, workforce inclusion for underrepresented groups (e.g., Indigenous peoples, youth, older workers, persons with disabilities, and immigrants), and promoting coordinated leadership across government on skills development. Their work aligns with strategic frameworks like the Department’s Three-Year Business Plan, the Government of Alberta’s Business Plan, and relevant federal and provincial policies and legislation.

Reporting to the Manager of Employment Services Policy, the Senior Policy Planner bridges policy and front-line service delivery, overseeing specific employment and training programs and related policy initiatives. They identify and analyze labour market issues, provide strategic advice through research and consultation, and support system development. Their work includes preparing recommendations, briefing materials, and various reports that influence decisions made by senior leadership and the Minister. Additionally, the Senior Policy Planner often represents the Ministry with external stakeholders and may supervise junior staff or placements, directly impacting both program delivery and client outcomes.

Below are some key responsibilities for this role:

• Program & Policy Development: Leads the creation and revision of employment and training programs, policies, and legislation to address client needs and labour market demands. Ensures program alignment with government priorities and effective service delivery across Alberta.
• Stakeholder Consultation & Policy Amendments: Engages with training providers, stakeholders, and government partners to inform and amend policies. Coordinates legislative changes and prepares materials for field staff to ensure clarity and understanding of revised procedures.
• Program Support & Communication: Provides expert advice, responds to ministerial requests, and supports stakeholders in interpreting and delivering programs. Delivers training, chairs committees, and represents the department in interdepartmental initiatives.
• Project Management: Manages complex, multi-stakeholder projects from planning through implementation. Oversees external contractors, monitors project budgets and timelines, and evaluates outcomes to inform future initiatives.
• Leadership & Representation: Covers for the manager, supports cross-ministry collaborations, and mentors junior staff. Represents the department in provincial and intergovernmental working groups and ensures alignment with federal and provincial priorities.
• Strategic Planning & Issue Resolution: Leads the development and implementation of strategic program policies in a high-pressure environment. Handles complex, sensitive issues, and ensures policies support marginalized and diverse populations across Alberta.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements: 
University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience.

Equivalencies maybe considered - directly related education or experience on the basis of:

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

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

Assets:

• Client & Program Expertise: Strong understanding of career development, training, and income support needs for diverse groups including Indigenous people, immigrants, older workers, and individuals facing employment barriers.
• Policy & Legislative Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, government policies, and regulatory frameworks impacting employment and training programs.
• Contract & Program Management: Proficient in managing program contracts, aligning initiatives with departmental goals, and ensuring effective service delivery through appropriate systems and processes.
• Labour Market & Analytical Skills: Well-versed in Alberta’s labour market trends with advanced analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues, assess options, and provide strategic recommendations.
• Project & Stakeholder Management: Experienced in leading complex projects and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders across government, community, and industry sectors.
• Communication & Leadership: Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, with strong leadership, time management, and adaptability in high-pressure environments.

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 work reflects all APS Competencies with a focus on the following:

• Agility
• Drive for Results
• Build Collaborative Environments
• Systems Thinking
• Creative Problem Solving

Notes

There is one temporary full-time position available located in Edmonton. Hours of work are 36.25 hours per day, 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening . Due to wait times to receive a completed Criminal Records  Check (CRC) applicants who are invited for an interview are encouraged to request a completed CRC (level 1) from their local RCMP/Police detachment prior to their interview. The CRC 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.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP)  OR Management Employee Pension Plan (MEPP).
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
• Professional learning and development.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.