Community and Policy Advisor

Role Responsibilities

The Community and Policy Advisor position provides leadership and analysis and participates in initiatives aimed at supporting the development of accountable, self-regulating and self-reliant Metis Settlements in Alberta. The position provides research, advice, and recommendations on GoA programs and policy matters affecting the Metis Settlements. This includes building and maintaining effective linkages and relationships with internal and external stakeholders such as the Metis Settlements, the Metis Settlements General Council (MSGC), and other provincial ministries or federal departments. The position also has responsibility for leading projects related to the administration, implementation, and further development of Metis Settlement capacity, governance, financial sustainability, and associated agreements, including the GoA-MSGC Protocol Agreement.

Role responsibilities also include: 
 
1. Metis Settlement Sustainability
In this area, the Advisor applies strong research, analytical, facilitation, and communication skills to:
•    Support Settlements in identifying community needs and connecting them to relevant grant programs.
•    Deliver training and capacity building initiatives to strengthen Settlement administration.
•    Lead governance capacity initiatives using solid knowledge of Metis Settlements governance structures, protocols, and legislation.
•    Build and maintain trusted relationships through consistent engagement and community visits, demonstrating strong consultation and interpersonal skills.
•    Analyze and interpret GoA policy issues that affect Metis Settlements, using sound judgment and knowledge of policy development processes.
•    Implement and coordinate strategies that reflect current and emerging policy directions.
•    Represent the Branch and Ministry on provincial and national committees through clear verbal communication and facilitation skills.
•    Conduct research and apply analytical abilities to ensure projects address priority Settlement issues effectively.

2. Issues Management
Drawing on strong issue analysis skills, legislative awareness, and the ability to prepare concise, targeted communications, the Advisor will:
•    Research and analyze emerging issues to develop recommendations that align with legislation, agreements, and GoA policies.
•    Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders such as MSGC and cross ministry partners to support coordinated issue resolution.
•    Provide advice, options, and analysis using a process oriented approach to ensure accuracy and completeness.
•    Prepare briefing materials, reports, and documents tailored to a variety of audiences using strong written communication skills.
•    Support intake of communications (emails, letters, phone calls) related to the Protecting the Public Interest initiative.

Role Responsibilities (cont'd)

3. Grant Management
Using strong organizational, process oriented, and communication abilities, the Advisor will:
•    Draft grant agreements and coordinate approvals to deliver programs in alignment with government policy.
•    Track grant progress and deliverables, providing updates and monitoring compliance.
•    Offer guidance to grant recipients to ensure project integrity and successful implementation.
•    Work closely with communities to secure outstanding deliverables and support timely completion.

4. Support to the Manager, Metis Settlements
This responsibility area requires strong communication, organization, and collaborative abilities to:
•    Develop briefings, background documents, and analysis that support informed decision making.
•    Maintain strong working relationships with MSGC, Settlement administrations, and other GoA departments.
•    Represent the Ministry on working committees and contribute effectively through facilitation and consultation skills.
•    Attend workshops and events to maintain awareness of current issues, trends, and opportunities affecting Metis Settlements.

5. Cross Ministry Collaboration
By applying relationship building skills and knowledge of interdepartmental policy processes, the Advisor will:
•    Participate in cross ministry and cross government working groups to support shared initiatives, including those related to economic development.
•    Share information about ongoing and related projects to strengthen alignment and integration across the Ministry.
•    Identify opportunities and linkages based on networking, collaboration, and shared priorities.
•    Provide support to other program areas where subject matter expertise on Metis Settlements is relevant.

6. Other Duties as Assigned
This includes:
•    Providing timely updates, raising emerging issues, and supporting leadership decision making.
•    Collaborating with Branch and departmental colleagues to share information and support the delivery of coordinated policy and program initiatives.
•    Maintaining strong relationships with MSGC, Settlement staff, and leaders to represent Ministry priorities and contribute to policy, legislative, and issues management work.

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

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviours 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.

Creative Problem Solving: Demonstrates openness to new ideas by breaking problems into manageable parts, constructively challenging existing norms, considering diverse perspectives, and contributing adaptable, improvement focused solutions.

Develop Networks: Builds and maintains strong stakeholder relationships by identifying key partners, engaging a broad range of interested parties, incorporating diverse needs, and influencing others through effective communication.

Agility: Demonstrates initiative in improving work processes by anticipating and adjusting to change, staying composed under pressure, seeking guidance when needed, and working creatively within established guidelines.

Build Collaborative Environments: Promote an open, respectful team environment by leveraging others’ skills, valuing and learning from diverse perspectives, facilitating constructive conflict resolution, and recognizing the contributions of colleagues.

Drive for Results: Actively sets goals and identifies and corrects areas for improvement while suggesting actions and asking for advice when lacking information or multiple priorities. 

Qualifications

University graduation in Indigenous Studies, Political Science, Social Sciences, Education, Science or a related field plus four 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.

Required experience:
•    Working or liaising with an Indigenous government, community, or organization.
•    Lead and/or supported initiatives (e.g. engagement, policy, research, grant programs, etc.) in an Indigenous or government context.
•    A valid Class 5 driver’s license.

Assets: 

•    Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities in Alberta and related policy trends, agreements, and legislation.
•    Awareness of issues related to economics, governance, social services, well-being, natural resources, etc., in an Indigenous context
•    Grant development and administration
•    Research and analysis leading to providing strategic advice and recommendations.

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:
•    8:15 am to 4:30 pm
•    36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:
•    Permanent 

Location:
•     Edmonton 

Notes: 
•    A valid Class 5 driver’s license.

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 your information clearly and thoroughly, using a format that best conveys your experience.

Cover letter is Mandatory. 

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.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.