Director, Indigenous Health Policy and Planning

Role Responsibilities

The Ministry of Health is seeking a visionary and experienced Director, Indigenous Health Policy and Planning to lead the development and implementation of policies and strategies that improve health outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Alberta. This senior leadership role involves guiding complex cross-ministerial and cross-jurisdictional initiatives, engaging with Indigenous communities and leaders, and shaping the future of Indigenous health policy in Alberta.

Responsibilities for the position include: 
Policy & Strategy Development
•    Lead the development of health policy, research, and strategic initiatives related to Indigenous health.
•    Clarify federal, provincial, and First Nations responsibilities in health service delivery.
•    Build new and enhance existing policies to support improved Indigenous health outcomes.

Stakeholder Engagement & Intergovernmental Relations
•    Develop strategic relationships with Indigenous communities, Alberta Health Services, federal/provincial counterparts, and other stakeholders.
•    Represent Alberta Health in external committees, inter-jurisdictional projects, and federal-provincial-territorial health tables.
•    Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on Indigenous health and cross-ministry initiatives (e.g., Jordan’s Principle, UNDRIP, TRC).

Jordan’s Principle Leadership
•    Serve as the Government of Alberta’s lead contact for Jordan’s Principle.
•    Coordinate cross-ministry responses to claims and inquiries.
•    Lead performance measurement and reporting related to Jordan’s Principle.
•    Collaborate with Indigenous Services Canada and the First Nations Health Consortium to implement Alberta’s MOU.

Unit & Branch Operations
•    Oversee the operational effectiveness of the Indigenous Health Policy Unit.
•    Lead and mentor a team, supporting performance management, development, and cross-training.
•    Manage budgets, contracts, and reporting aligned with strategic business plans.
•    Act for the Executive Director as needed, supporting the Department’s leadership in strategic planning and relationship management.

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

Build Collaborative Environments
•    Engage and align a diverse range of stakeholders.
•    Facilitate conflict resolution through coaching and open dialogue.
•    Use motivation and energy to inspire teams.
•    Embrace different perspectives to co-create solutions.

Agility in Action
•    Lead and embed change with clarity and confidence.
•    Stay grounded and guide others through ambiguity.
•    Proactively identify and implement improvements.
•    Adjust plans and priorities as new information emerges.

Systems Thinking
•    Take a holistic view to anticipate long-term outcomes.
•    Connect your work with broader organisational goals and public value.
•    Identify strategic opportunities for collaboration across sectors.

Creative Problem Solving
•    Create safe spaces for idea-sharing and innovation.
•    Apply varied approaches to complex problems.
•    Bring together the right mix of talent to co-design solutions.

Drive for Results
•    Tackle barriers to progress and collaboration head-on.
•    Maintain focus on outcomes while upholding integrity.
•    Align decisions with organisational purpose and APS values.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation in a field related to public policy, public administration, health and native studies, supplemented by seven years of progressively responsible experience.

Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis:
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
1 year of experience for 1 year of education. 

The following experience is required: 
•    A minimum of six years of progressively responsible management experience.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills with a diverse range of audiences, including First Nations and Metis communities.
•    Strong project and business management knowledge and experience.
•    Strong, demonstrated people management skills and the ability to articulate and implement a vision and common direction in a changeable environment.
•    Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, crucial to developing and maintaining strategic working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations.
•    Strong decision-making abilities and proven abilities to manage politically sensitive issues.
•    Knowledge of administrative structures in the health system, including service delivery organizations and related partners, such as Alberta Health Services, Primary Care Networks, and Indigenous Services Canada's programming.
•    Sound knowledge of Indigenous peoples' histories, cultures, and communities, as well as contemporary research and current issues in Indigenous health.
•    Sound knowledge of indigenous administration, organizational structures, and working environments, particularly in relation to health.
•    Good working knowledge of federal legislation and policies impacting Indigenous peoples, including an understanding of jurisdictional issues in Indigenous health.
•    Sound knowledge of provincial legislation and policies affecting Indigenous peoples, and health care.
•    An understanding of legal and political aspects of government policy development to meet Indigenous health needs.
•    An understanding of Indigenous peoples' health needs, as well as cultural and societal concerns, which affect Indigenous interactions with the health care system.

Qualifications continued

The following experience is considered as assets:
•    Experience working in a First Nation or Metis community organization or similar environment.
•    A master’s degree or equivalent is an asset.

The following experience will be given preference:
•    Several years of related government experience. 
•    Broad knowledge of government decision-making processes, objectives, goals, and strategies.

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 is a full-time position working 36.25 hours per week. 

Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill future roles at the same or lower classifications.

The final candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment checks (Reference check/Criminal record and/or academic).

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications outlined in this job ad is required. 

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. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week).

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. 

What we offer:

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service – https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
•    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