Contract and Procurement Specialist

Role Responsibilities

As a Contract and Procurement Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in providing expert advice, guidance, and oversight in the effective management of the procurement cycle and grant management cycle. You will be responsible for reviewing policies, researching best practices, and implementing strategies to improve the overall efficiency of our processes. You will also manage a wide range of complex contracts and grants, ensuring consistency, compliance, and transparency throughout the entire process.

Key Responsibilities:

•    Provide guidance and assistance to program managers and Ministry staff throughout the entire procurement cycle, ensuring compliance with policies, procedures, and legislation.
•    Review contracts and grants Business Cases (FIN 35 & FIN36) submissions and provide recommendations to assist in the contract approval process.
•    Assist in preparing tender documents, managing tender postings, and customizing contracts to meet the requirements of Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
•    Review non-standard contracts and grant agreements and provide advice, addressing any contentious issues between stakeholders.
•    Manage grant contract administration to ensure funds are tracked and all parties meet the terms of agreements.
•    Oversee the Alberta Purchasing Connection System (APC) to ensure accurate and timely posting of RFP documents.
•    Provide comprehensive reporting on contracts, grant agreements, and vendor performance for budgeting, forecasting, and auditing purposes.
•    Recommend modifications to policies and procedures based on regulatory and legislative changes and best practices.

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.

Please be advised that we will be conducting a competency based interview for this competition. The behavioral competencies that have been deemed as critical for this role include:

Creative Problem Solving: The ability to approach complex issues with resourcefulness and ingenuity. This competency involves identifying root causes, engaging with various stakeholders (including the Program Area, Legal, and Risk Management) to address complex contract clauses, and finding innovative solutions. The role requires developing and refining processes to improve systems and mitigate risks to the Government of Alberta.

Agility: The capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment by adapting to changes and taking initiative to improve work processes. This includes anticipating shifts, remaining calm and composed under pressure, and adjusting behaviors when necessary. The ability to work creatively within guidelines while ensuring that procurement practices adhere to applicable Trade Agreements, legislation, and policies is essential. The role also demands the proactive identification and management of risks within the procurement process.

Building Collaborative Environments: The ability to foster collaboration across different functional areas, address conflict constructively, and facilitate open communication. The role requires the promotion of teamwork and cooperation, ensuring all parties involved in the procurement process are aligned. Additionally, the Specialist works to resolve any potential conflicts arising from procurement policies and practices and encourages a team-oriented approach to achieving shared goals.

Drive for Results: A results-driven mindset focused on achieving goals and exceeding expectations through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. This competency involves partnering with other teams to ensure procurement and contracting practices are fair, open, and transparent. The role requires an understanding of how procurement and contract policies impact the broader objectives of the Ministry and consistently working to meet or exceed organizational targets. 

Qualifications

Required:
•    A completed university degree in a related field, preferably in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Finance, Accounting, or Commerce.
•    Minimum 2 years of experience in contracts and grants management, procurement, or a related field.

Equivalency:
•    Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Assets:
•    Professional certification such as  in CPPB (Certified Public Procurement Buyer), SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional), Certified Supply Chain Professional(CSCP), Project Management, or CPA/CA/CMA/CGA is desirable.
•    Familiarity with government policies, procedures, and legislation related to contracts, grants, and procurement.
•    Familiarity with  contract and grant management software, data analysis, and reporting tools, including the ability to effectively conduct year-end and quarterly reporting activities.

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

This full-time, permanent position is based in Edmonton, Alberta.

The work schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM, totaling 36.25 hours per week.

Please submit your cover letter and updated resume, including clear and concise specific examples that demonstrate how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements and competencies.

Resume Guidelines:
Employment Experience:
•    Indicate the duration of employment (month, year).
•    Specify the employment status (e.g., casual, part-time, or full-time).
•    Example: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three 8-hour shifts/week).

Post-Secondary Education:
•    Specify your major and the length of the program.
•    Indicate the year of graduation.
•    Example: Bachelor of Social Work, 4-year Degree (Graduated 2017).

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.

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.
•    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.