Contract & Procurement Specialist

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Procurement and Resource Management, this position leads and facilitates the procurement of services to meet the needs of Albertans with Disabilities and the Zone. You will be responsible for effectively procuring, managing, and administering various types of agreements across a wide breadth of social programs and client populations. 
 
You will draw on a strong working knowledge across social programs, including that of service design, implementation and delivery. Familiarity with associated legislative, policy and practice framework are critical to plan for, procure, and monitor services that meet the complex needs of Albertans with Disabilities through their lifespan. A thorough understanding of client needs and community issues, paired with technical procurement proficiency, is key to implementing effective contract and grant management.
 
You will work independently and as part of a team and possess strong negotiation, monitoring and consultative skills. This role requires the development and maintenance of a strong network of collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including Assisted Living and Social Services delivery staff and service providers, to assess service needs, identify emerging issues, and ensure that services are in place to meet the needs of multiple client groups.
 
As the Contract and Procurement Specialist your key objectives will be:

• Relationship Management and Communication: Build and facilitate a network of linkages and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders
• Monitoring and Reporting: Work in collaboration with program delivery staff and service providers to monitor and manage contracts and grants while ensuring compliance
• Planning: Within the context of the ministry business plan, identify trends and leverage opportunities to procure meaningful and quality services to meet the dynamic needs of clients throughout their lifespan
• Procurement Management: Ensure procurement plans are timely, effective, aligned with ministry policies and compliant with procurement policy and legislation
  
  

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.

Below is a list of the APS Competencies to assist you:

• 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.

Qualifications

University degree in related field (Social Sciences, Social Work, Business Administration, Management, Finance, etc.) with a minimum of 4 years progressively responsible related experience in the delivery of services that support children and families, supporting children with disabilities and persons with developmental disabilities.

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:

• Experience in planning, contract management/negotiations, consulting, program evaluation, financial administration and working with community-based resources
• Experience in financial analysis related to planning/analysis for the purpose of contracting, budgeting, reporting and forecasting
• Extensive experience using Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, is required
• Current or previous Government of Alberta experience in a related field
  
  

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 hours weekly. 

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Also, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part time or full time.

Your cover letter and resume will be used as a screening tool to assess your written communication. 

There are 2 full-time temporary positions and 1 permanent position available.  

These positions can be located at any worksite within the North Zone. These sites include:

• Athabasca
• Barrhead
• Cold Lake
• Edmonton
• Edson
• Ft. McMurray
• Grande Prairie
• Hinton
• Peace River
• Slave Lake
• St. Paul
• Vegerville
• Westlock
• Whitecourt
   

The successful candidate will be required to have a valid class 5 driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle that meets the requirements of the Zone as travel will be required.

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening. Due to wait times to receive a completed Criminal Records Check (CRC) that includes Vulnerable Sector screening check, applicants that are invited for an interview are encouraged to request a completed CRC (level 1) that includes Vulnerable Sector screening check 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 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
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs