Director Alternative Capital Partnerships & Financing

Role Responsibilities

The Alternative Capital Financing Partnerships Office is a division that leads the assessment and procurement processes for a wide range of infrastructure projects (e.g., education, housing, environment, health, transportation) via alternative capital partnerships and financing strategies (e.g., private-public partnerships [P3], unsolicited proposals [USP], and through Canadian Infrastructure Bank [CIB] financing). Opportunities are identified from either the GoA or private sector and then evaluated based on one of the three strategies to access or create alternative financing solutions for the GoA. The Office provides a one-window approach for innovative partnerships for infrastructure projects and fosters the business and policy environment for successful partnerships. The Office maintains governance throughout project assessment and project procurement.
 
Based on Branch needs, this position will lead multiple initiatives, potentially including P3 procurements, USP projects and coordination and engagement with the CIB, working closely with the Financial Analysis Unit to complete analyses that are required to assess deal viability and value. 
 
The Director manages the Unit to achieve results in an effective and productive manner and to foster a collaborative, nimble and innovative culture across the department. Recommendations and advice are provided to inform decision-making by partner ministries, executive leaders, and government officials. The Director works collaboratively with leaders across the division and department to advance the goals and priorities of the division.

Role Responsibilities Cont'd..

The primary responsibilities for the Director, Alternative Capital Financing and Partnerships include, but are not limited to: 

• Leading development, preparation and approval phases of P3 Business Cases by ensuring strategic application of the province's objectives, hiring and directing consultants, and managing internal resources to meet project milestones and standards
• Working with public and private sector stakeholders to ensure the Government of Alberta's alternative partnership opportunities are effectively promoted to ensure optimum participation in, and comprehensive understanding of, the Alberta public private partnership procurement strategy
• Providing business advice to ministries to assist them in assessing and developing capital projects and preparing appropriate business cases to facilitate management decision-making
• Identifying and sustaining strategic networks and partnerships to identify and frame USP or other alternative financing strategy opportunities
• Driving collaboration across ministries to implement a common framework for management of all USPs
• Developing presentations of recommendations for USP proposals to inform government decision-making and approvals (e.g., Treasury Board, Deputy Minister Capital Committee)
• Networking with other ministries to promote and raise awareness to CIB funding strategy
• Participating in negotiation of contract terms with the federal government or other national entities (i.e. Canada Infrastructure Bank) on funding programs that protect the province's interests
• Developing and implementing operations plans in alignment with department plans and ministry priorities
• Direct development of ministerial and ministry briefings, background documents, and correspondence in an accurate and timely manner and in compliance with ministry standards; reviewing and approving documents (e.g., Action Requests, Briefing Notes) prior to submission to the ED's Office
• Providing integrated reporting on USP and CIB Program measures, implementing improvements as need to maintain modern, proactive, and responsive strategies for infrastructure financing
• Serve as acting Executive Director as needed

The successful candidate will have:

• Political acumen and sensitivity to read and navigate sensitive situations
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills; ability to consult and negotiate and balance the needs of different stakeholders
• Exceptional project planning and management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities to achieve results under specified timelines
• Strong business acumen, financial analysis, and analytical ability
• Critical and analytical thinking acumen when evaluating proposals, to determine feasibility, functionality, and constructability
• Adaptability to changing requirements
• A mindset focused on solutions
• The ability to operate independently

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

Qualifications

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.

Required:   

• University degree in Business, Finance, Law, Engineering or Architecture
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive management experience, with consideration of related experience in lieu of education
• Several years of progressively responsible supervisory experience
  
  

Equivalency: Related experience or education (e.g. related diploma) may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Assets:   

• Eligibility for a professional designation and significant experience in finance, project management, commercial law, procurement, project planning, construction or engineering
• Knowledge of alternative capital financing options for public capital projects such as USPs (e.g., benefits, risks, processes, contracting options)
• Knowledge of government policies, procedures, decision-making and current legislation regarding capital financing (Financial Administration Act, Appropriation Act, associated regulations and policies pertaining to the business procedures of the Ministry and Government of Alberta and to the planning, appropriation, management and reporting of finances)
• Knowledge of and ability to apply federal-provincial agreements related to the CIB.

Notes

This position is a Permanent, Full-time role with the standard weekly work hours of 36.25, Monday to Friday (8:15 am – 4:30 pm).

Location: Edmonton AB (full time in office)

Candidates may be asked to complete a written assignment as part of the recruitment process.

Applicants are advised to provide a cover letter and resume summarizing information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience, and relevant examples of required competencies.  

Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

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.
• 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.