Business Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Business Enablement and Coordination, the Business Specialist plays a key role in advancing Employment & Training initiatives through the Employment Services (ES) Delivery Model.
This position provides leadership in project management, research, analysis, policy coordination, stakeholder engagement, and systems support. The Business Specialist also contributes directly to the development of materials used by senior leadership and the Minister, influencing decisions that shape programs and services across Alberta. This competition will be used to fill multiple positions across various locations in Alberta.

As the Business Specialist, you’ll be responsible for:
•    Leading and coordinating employment and training projects, including the development of program policies and initiatives.
•    Supporting the implementation of the Employment Services (ES) Delivery Model by connecting program design to effective service delivery.
•    Conducting research, analysis, and consultation, and preparing well informed recommendations that align with ES priorities.
•    Preparing briefing materials, reports, and decision-support documents for Senior Management and the Minister.
•    Providing input into systems development and enhancements that strengthen program delivery.
•    Representing the Division and Ministry in meetings and engagements with external stakeholders.
•    Offering mentorship and supervision, which may include co op students, work experience placements, or Employment Services Consultants.
•    Independently drafting, reviewing, and coordinating Action Requests (ARs) and tracking divisional projects.
•    Collaborating with Issues Management to anticipate challenges and support coordinated communication between divisions.

Please click on this link JR81890 Business Specialist JD 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.

Systems Thinking
You use a broad, long term perspective to understand how decisions, actions, and issues connect across programs, systems, and stakeholder groups. You consider impacts at multiple levels and work to ensure alignment with APS values and ministry priorities.
Creative Problem Solving
You look at challenges from different angles, explore new approaches, and identify root causes to develop effective solutions. You find opportunities to improve complex systems, structures, and processes to support better outcomes.
Agility
You anticipate and adapt to changing priorities while remaining resilient in times of uncertainty. You readily adjust your approach as new information emerges and support others through change.
Build Collaborative Environments
You foster an environment where people feel encouraged to work together, share perspectives, and contribute to achieving collective goals. You help create conditions that support collaboration and productive partnerships.
Develop Networks
You build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. You make decisions and set priorities that reflect the needs and insights of those you work with and support.
Drive for Results
You focus on outcomes that matter and use resources effectively to achieve results aligned with ministry and government goals. You demonstrate accountability to colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

Requirements:
University graduation in 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.

Assets:  
•    Knowledge and expertise related to career development, assessment, adult education and apprenticeships and trades, labour market development and issues related to low income, low literacy and essential skills and employment barriers.  
•    A thorough knowledge and application of the legislation and agreements directly and indirectly impacting the work, including the Income and Employment Supports Act and its regulations, the Government Organization Act, Labour Market Development Agreement, and the Workforce Development Agreement. 
•    Thorough understanding of areas that impact the success of programs and services: legislation, policies, and procedures, delivery structures/mechanisms, systems utilized, communications, and budgets. 
•    Strong knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
•    Change management certification (e.g., Prosci). 
•    Project management certification (e.g., PMP).

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:  Monday – Friday, 8:15 am -4:30 pm (36.25/week)

This competition will be used to fill two permanent positions.

Location:  Negotiable across Alberta.

Application Requirements:
As part of the application process, you are required to:
•    Complete all pre-screen questions.
•    A cover letter outlining why you are applying to this role and how your experience relates to the qualifications is required.
•    In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. For example, January 2006 – June 2009 (part-time). This example is provided for illustrative purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to present their information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys their experience.

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.

Assessments and Testing
As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete written assessments, job related testing, or other evaluation components.

Travel Requirements
This position will require periodic travel, including overnight travel, to sites across Alberta. A valid Class 5 driver’s licence is required.

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.
•    Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.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.